Escargot is a first tentative intervention to use the new vitrine space of Level Five’s Van Volxem studios as an exhibition space. In this initial intervention by Julia Liedel, Adler Murada and Melissa Ryke, Escargot is put forward both as the name for the show, as well as a name for the space that recalls the spiral shell of a snail. 

This intervention pivots around our artistic practices, ideas that respond to the space and the theme ‘grit’. Grit, meaning: abrasive particles or granules, as of sand or other small, coarse impurities found in the air, food, water, etc. Or a firmness of character; tenacity; indomitable spirit; pluck. 

Offered as a starting point for this collaboration, grit is ecologically, materially and politically relevant to the local contexts and ecologies of Level Five Van Volxem. Grit can be found within the renitent Wiels marais between busy train lines, the mettle of practicing artists and enduring artist studio spaces.

Part of Open Studio Days — Atelier in Beeld & VOLXEM 2026

Open 2nd May & 6th June 11am-6pm
Performance by Julia Liedel 4pm-5pm