When I began a sporadic little series Cats of the World a few years ago, this hot pink spandex cat on a bike in Brussels is not the type of cat I had in mind.
Cats are indeed photogenic creatures, and so is this kitty. No surprise, really, that this kitty is indeed in Brussels, a city of comics, if ever there was one. On my last visit in January, I was lucky to stumble upon Brussels Ice Magic during its last few days in town. Also, as I adore TinTin, I wandered about one night to see all the fabulous street art honouring Hervé’s intrepid young journalist. Loads had popped up since my last visit.
This kitty was simply a bonus one late night on the way to A la mort subite. Seems I can’t ever be in Brussels without being dragged along persuaded to stop by this ubiquitous watering hole. Kitty is just a few metres away, at the back entrance of the wonderful Galeries Royales. Had I a ‘weird and wonderful’-series here on Sophie’s World she would fit perfectly.
Though I keep calling her Kitty, her actual name is La Cycliste. She was created by French artist Alain Séchas, made of fiber polyester and metal, and cost the city of Brussels a whopping 100 000 euros, but probably worth the investment as a tourist photo op. In the artist’s own words:
A cat goes well with people and a bike goes well with the city.
Other slightly sarcastic works by Séchas can be seen in various cities around the world.
World at a Glance is a series of short articles here on Sophie’s World, with a single photo, portraying curious, evocative, happy, sad or wondrous, unexpected little encounters.
Kitty is awesome! I thought at first glance that she must be a character from a Belgian comic – didn’t realize it was an art installation! I would definitely stop to pose with her!!
She is truly awesome. 🙂
I haven’t been to Brussels for the last couple of years, so that for keeping my impressions of the city up to date:)
Quite a few changes the last few years, but comfortingly, much is the same, too.
Cute 🙂
🙂
100,000??!! Sorry, but photo op or not that is nuts! That said…I do like La Cycliste a lot. And the fact that there is pub nearby would make it all the more appealing…ha, ha. Btw…huge TinTin fan here too, Sophie 🙂
Lots of pubs around – with Belgian beer 🙂
Cats of the world – I had no idea! 🙂
Btw just followed you on Facebook as well – like your site! Looking forward to connect!
Thanks for the follow 🙂
La Cycliste in Brussells is one of the most imaginative tourist attractions I’ve seen. It’s imaginative and sort of funny at the same time.
Creative, isn’t it?
This Cat on a bike is certainly a curious thing and fit with you blog. No red district in Brussels?