Sarah Connolly
Lifestyle Writer
I’m a lover of art and I’m a lover of travel so my six day European trip last month to Antwerp, Brussels and Amsterdam proved to be the perfect combination of both.
My favourite piece of art is Damien Hirst’s ‘For the Love of God’ but it was while in Antwerp I discovered my second.
It screams heartache and desperation but it’s beautiful and the words are powerful. When I first spotted it I didn’t have my camera so traipsed back the next day, five companions in tow, to find and capture it. I love it. What makes it greatis my need to know more; who Benjamin is, what drove him to break the girl’s heart, is she desperate to get him back or is she wanting to seek revenge? Was it done one night under the shield of darkness or during the day for all to see? WasBenjamin mortified when he saw it? I wouldn’t be mortified, I’d be delighted unless it was done by a nutcase who you were never going out with in the first place. I want to know everything and that’s what makes it more than just words and sorrow. I want to know their tale of love and their story of breakup and heartache. The girl who wrote it may or may not be an artist but she created a beautiful piece of art; a piece of art I want and a piece of art I was determined to at least get a picture of. Art isn’t just about talent, skill and ideas. It’s about passion and emotions and the need for acknowledgment, good or bad.
Brussels and Antwerp are well kept, colourful cities combining the modern with the original seamlessly. Amsterdam however I cannot tell you much about, I smoked too much of the good stuff and fell asleep for the best part of a day and night. I’m sure they have lots of nice art there too though.