Zenith created ‘Humain’ in his hometown Antwerp, in 24 hours he painted a huge hand on a blind wall (50 meters high) of the Provincial Institute for Hygiene in the Kronenburgstraat, where covid-tests from all over the province are analyzed.
“It’s called ‘Humain’ because people are central. In the past period we have noticed that we especially need each. The word “humain” also includes the word “main” or hand in French “
“I chose a hand because first of all it means connection. We are hands on each other. Although we shouldn’t be doing that now, ”he continues. Secondly, it is a reference to the Antwerp myth of Brabo that cuts off Antigoon’s hand. Antigoon repressed Antwerp. Third, it refers to our colonial past. Belgians have cut off the hands of oppressed people in our colonial past. ”
“I deliberately did not make offensive work,” says Schoenaerts. “I don’t want to attack or blame anyone, but it can help to have a conversation about that past