For centuries, humans have been afraid of vampires, yet many forget that this bloodsucker is not the only creature that preys on the unsuspecting. The cryalot, an often-forgotten spirit from ancient folklore, thrives by sucking up the emotions from people …
Jazz bassist Piotr Górka: “All I ever do is music – it’s a blessing and a curse”
“It’s like riding the bike, you’re free to do whatever you want and choose the paths you desire – the lack of stability pins you down to Earth.” Polish double bass player and jazz musician Piotr Górka (39) has played …
History and Crime in Bright Colors
“I see my paintings as a letter to people”, says Turkish artist Sevim Ünal (57). In her gallery, ‘ArtWorld’ in Antwerp, Belgium, there is a painting showing women’s faces split in two, one half left blank and the other detailed …
“Being a girl in a band is not a statement”
“It was never my dream to become a musician,” is the first thing Hanne Smets says. She plays the keys for The Haunted Youth, an indie rock band created by Joachim Liebens in their college years. Now, she calls music …
Jay the Author, a forever stranger with a mission: The Dear Stranger Project

Jay's 'Dear stranger' project consists out of hanging up letters in public places all over the world, like the Grand Place in Brussels. photo taken by De Laurier Nikki.
From the COVID lockdown streets in Melbourne to cities all over the world. Jay Ventress, better known as Jay the Author on Instagram, shows how even strangers can make you feel seen with his handwritten letters. Jay, a 27-year-old street …
The Forgotten Artisan: A Textile Creator’s Life in the Shadow of Fashion
When talking about fashion, models and designers often steal the spotlight, but they are not the only ones shaping the industry. It is time to look deeper. Daniel Henry, a Professional of the Year Award winner, shows us how the life as an artisan in the fashion …
2,300 protestors gather in Ghent for International Women’s day
Today, in Ghent, Belgium, activists walk together for International Women’s Day. According to the Collective 8 Maars, 2.300 joined; according to the police, it was 1.700. It’s the 6th time that the collective has organised the protest in Ghent. 35 …
“Every drawing has a story,” in the studio of illustrator Sabien Clement
“Every drawing has a story—that’s how my brain works. Even in model drawing, a good model has their way of expressing their body. I read it, and I’m making a story quite directly.” For Sabien Clement, a 46-year-old artist living …
Cobbles, Climbs, and Chaos: An Insider Look into Elite Cycling
The DD Pro Cycling Team entered a new phase in its development after participating in the 2025 Omloop het Nieuwsblad Women’s Edition. The race marked the young team’s first participation at the WorldTour level, the highest level of professional cycling …
Heavy Metal: The Fine Line Between Music and Noise
Heavy metal should not be identified as music but just as loud noise. Or is it other genres that are just noise, and is metal the one that is real music? What makes music music and not just loud noise? …