The iconic statue of King Leopold II on horseback on the seafront at Ostend is controversial, given the king’s role in Congo. Five years ago, Ostend city fathers decided to provide extra context and to add an extra element to the monument. British artist Hew Locke’s project has been selected and five high masts will in future disrupt the view of the king on horseback.
The statue of Leopold II at what is known locally as the ‘Drie Gapers’ ( Three Yawners) on Ostend promenade is particularly controversial because of the sovereign's colonial past. Under his rule, large numbers of Congolese were killed and abused by, for example, chopping off their hands. The equestrian statue has been defaced, daubed with red paint and vandalised several times in the past. In 2019 Ostend decided to keep the historical monument in place but to provide extra context.
A call for projects was issued in 2023. Curator Pieter Boons selected 11 artists with African roots working around the legacy of colonialism. They were each allowed to propose an art project.
5 symbols linked to history
The winning design is an art project by British artist Hew Locke. ‘Five masts will be placed in front of the statue,’ explains outgoing alderman Silke Beirens (ecologist). ‘On each mast a symbol linked to colonial history will appear. Which symbols they will be, has not yet been decided. The selection will be made together with the good folk of Ostend.’
Artist Locke, a Briton of African heritage, has provided several examples, of what could appear. ‘There’s the fist, which is an international symbol of resistance,’ Ms Beirens notes. ‘Locke also wants rubber trees to be depicted on the masts, as this is a link to resource extraction in Congo.’
The winning design was chosen by the city authorities with imput from Ostenders. The city hopes to have the masts in place by the end of 2025.