Brussels' Grand-Place hosts massive Hokusai-inspired flower carpet

The 24th edition of the Flower Carpet event has transformed Brussels’ Grand-Place into a massive floral mosaic. This year’s installation, titled ‘Neo Hokusai,’ was designed by artist Hiro Sugiyama as a tribute to the famous Japanese ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai.

The monumental display reimagines the iconic woodblock print ‘The Great Wave Off Kanagawa’ using approximately 750,000 fresh dahlias in various shades of magenta, vermilion, and yellow. The arrangement covers nearly 14,000 square feet.

Beyond its artistic value, the event holds diplomatic significance, marking 160 years of friendship between Belgium and Japan. Organizers specifically selected dahlias for the display due to their high resistance to heat and drought, making them suitable for the high temperatures currently affecting Europe.