Gaston

Gaston Berghmanswas a Belgian actor and comedian. Between 1972 and 1993 he and Leo Martin formed a comic duo called Gaston and Leo. He was born in Merksem and lived right across this parc.
With the renovations of the lane, they also renamed it after the late Gaston. 
Local artist Bird paid a huge portrait as a tribute to this local hero. "10 years ago I already painted a small portrait a little further on. Then the focus was more on one of his most famous alter ego "Joske Vermeulen" and the statue that was presented .Gaston Berghmans, who was at the unveiling at the time, was clearly moved, that beautiful and emotional. I've always remembered thet warm moment .": Bird recalls. 'Now 12 years later, Gaston unfortunately is no longer with us , but with this project I was able to recall that moment and
put my effort in the portrait. By integrating Joske's image, the creative circle closed. As a tribute to Gaston, I wanted an emotional, but above all welcomIng Gaston Berghmans who looks at the new lane  with an approving look and injecting a warm feeling into this neighbourhood.'

This project was supported by Street Art Antwerp and the district of Merksem