ROA Returns to Ostend with Monumental Seabird Mural for The Crystal Ship's 10th Anniversary

Belgian street artist ROA has unveiled a significant mural for The Crystal Ship festival in Ostend, his first since the festival began in 2016. Situated at Edith Cavellstraat 70, this expansive black-and-white piece illustrates seabirds and fishing birds, embodying the coastal essence of Ostend. This mural is part of the festival's 10th anniversary, curated by Belgian actor and artist Matthias Schoenaerts, known as Zenith. The upcoming 2026 edition will showcase more than 20 artists from both national and international backgrounds, featuring new murals, installations, and public artworks throughout the city. ROA's previous 2016 mural, depicting a pyramid of rodents, became emblematic of the festival. His latest creation continues to delve into themes of local wildlife, coexistence, mortality, and nature. The Crystal Ship now features over 100 permanent artworks, solidifying Ostend's status as a premier open-air museum for contemporary urban art.