In Brussels, African spirit lifts flower-art

For five days, from last Wednesday, African art takes centre stage at Grand-Place in Brussels, Belgium during the ongoing Flower Carpet festival.

Huge flower installation inspired by designs from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Congo, Botswana and Cameroun.

According to a press statement from the organisers, Brussels Flower Carpet, the 2012 summer offers “the chance to escape to faraway lands, while staying at the heart of our capital city.”

The gigantic installation has been described as a harmonious fusion of extraordinary tapestry of shimmering patterns inspired by designs from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Congo, Botswana and Cameroun.

The huge piece is gardeners’ efforts which required about 700,000 flowers to create, the organisers discloses. It took months of preparation by Landscape architects, technicians and hundreds of voluntary participants, colour specialists to assemble, they explain.

And why Africa? The Brussels Flower Carpet notes Africa is unique for “the extraordinary diversity of its populations,” as well as its landscapes, cultures and colours. The group argues Africa has the strength “to make us dream to the rhythm of its dances, drums and performing arts, reflecting age old traditions.”