HANDS UP FESTIVAL

Concept and art direction for one of the Hands Up Festival installation
— developed within the Plein de Jeu collective, realised by Mehdi Khammal.

Hands Up Festival, curated by Morgand Katako - 2023

THE CHALLENGE

Hands Up Festival aims to connect Belgians with Brussels’ “urban” culture and its young artistic scene. The collective I am part of was invited to join the 2023 edition, held at Beursschouwburg.

As a member of the Brussels-based PLEIN DE JEU (PDJ) creative collective, we wanted to embody the city we grew up in — multidisciplinary, multilingual, and rooted in collaboration.

The goal was to translate these shared values into a physical piece crafted by a Brussels artist.

WHAT WAS MADE

Sculpture/installation
Art Direction & Concept
Exhibition

MY ROLE

Concept & early sketches

THE FESTIVAL AFTERMOVIE

THE PROCESS

The intention was to reflect the spirit of a multidisciplinary and multilingual creative community, mirroring the diverse identity of Brussels, the capital of Europe — a city rich in cultural and ethnic diversity.

Through brainstorming sessions, workshops, and evolving sketches, the concept naturally led to a collaboration with sculptor Mehdi Khammal. From early drawings to a collaborative process, the piece took shape by blending direction and the sculptor’s creative vision into the final work.

Early sketches sneak peak

Based on a given concept and creative direction, we wanted Mehdi to feel completely free in his creation, allowing him to bring in his own universe and identity. The multifaced head came to life through warm, rounded shapes, endless lines, and playful expressions: a reflection of the festival’s energy and the way we envision our practices.