Underwater gallery showcases Belgian comic strips

DW (English)

Belgium's world-famous comic strip scene is home to characters like Tintin and the Smurfs. Now, a one-of-a-kind exhibition is offering art enthusiasts a new way to soak up the culture.

Transcript

00:00 Goggles, flippers and oxygen tanks might not be the usual get-up for gallery goers,

00:06 but at this Brussels swimming centre, the artworks are 30 metres below the surface.

00:11 This one-of-a-kind exhibition can only be viewed by plunging into one of the world's deepest pools.

00:16 If you just dive, it's kind of similar every time it's similar,

00:21 so changing the art, it's always a kind of pleasure.

00:24 Down below, swimmers can view just-released Belgian comic strips

00:28 and follow the adventures of a beloved Belgian character.

00:31 Most visitors are experienced divers,

00:34 but newbies wishing to dip their toe into the scene can also book a lesson to enjoy the artworks.

00:39 The exhibit finishes at the poolside,

00:42 where comic strip star Largo Winch ends his adventure on solid ground.

00:46 That's Largo Winch. Quite handsome guy, yeah?

00:51 Pool owner John Bernhards had the brainwave to team up with designers during the pandemic

00:56 to create a unique experience featuring a typically Belgian craft.

01:00 We don't have underwater waffles and we don't have underwater chocolates,

01:05 so the rest was the underwater comics, yes.

01:10 Brussels is often described as the comic book capital of the world,

01:14 and even on dry land, Belgian buildings pay homage to the art form,

01:18 with comic strips and cartoons cheering up rainy sidewalks across the city

01:22 and attracting tourists even in the Belgian winter.

01:26 Back in the warmth of the swimming pool, the novelty is going down well.

01:31 It's superb and very relaxing.

01:36 Each time I come, I do one wall,

01:39 so at the end of the month I will do the complete comic.

01:45 And it's even helping some to try new things and meet new people.

01:49 I was terrified of the water all my life and never learned to swim,

01:54 so when I retired, a friend encouraged me to come and dive and I tried that

01:59 and now I love it, yeah? Especially when you get older.

02:03 Social contact is good.

02:05 And even those who prefer to stay dry can still catch a glimpse from afar.

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