About Arne Quinze
Arne Quinze is the creative mind and curator of North West Walls. The impressive construction made from stacked shipping containers is a subtle nod to his past. Arne Quinze became involved in street art from a very young age. His artistic journey was initially shaped by an idyllic upbringing in unspoiled natural landscapes. However, his path took a pivotal turn when his parents abruptly relocated from the countryside to the city. The transition was a shock, moving from the rich diversity of nature to the grey dullness of urban life. It sparked in him an instinctive desire to bring color and vibrancy to the city.
Arne has always felt a deep connection to nature. The contrast between nature’s unpredictability and the sharp lines of urban cities, would become a defining force in his work. His career quickly evolved beyond graffiti into monumental installations in public spaces around the world. As an established contemporary artist on the world stage, Arne Quinze seeks to bring the power of nature back into our daily lives. The same philosophy lies at heart of North West Walls.
As curator of North West Walls, Arne Quinze takes on a new role as facilitator, rather than creator. He steps back from showcasing his own work to let the spotlight shine on a new generation of street artists. His vision is to offer a unique platfrom where artists can express themselves freely. Each year, Arne hand-picks six new artist from around the globe to transform the towers. His selection is not based on trends or commercial appeal, but focusses on instinct and organic discovery.
For Arne, Rock Werchter is more than just a location, it’s a cultural ecosystem. The festival is a space where thousands of people come to not only enjoy the music, but a broader cultural experience. That openness to culture is what makes it the ideal backdrop for a project like North West Walls. It allows art to be dicovered unexpectidly, by people who may never visit a gallery, but who are open to the surprise of it. It’s this intersection of music, culture and street art that gives North West Walls its unique energy.
Over the past decade, the project has become a respected name within the global street art community. More than 50 artists have left their mark on the structure, each of them adding a new layer to its evolving history. From celebrated names in the industry, to emerging talents, the diversity of artists is part of what keeps this project fresh and forward-thinking.
North West Walls is not only present during the festival days, the structure stands tall on the festival site and is open to the public all year round. It’s a rare example of festival art that doesn’t dissapear after the weekend is over. Instead, it continues to inspire and invite reflection long after the music fades. For locals and visitors alike, it became a landmark, an evolving exhibition space in open air. After a year, the art is painted over and a new generation of street artists is invited to take over. The previous art pieces are never removed, adding to the rich history of the construction.
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