The use of the English word “dingy” is usually pejorative. But while most of us would rather live in a tidy city, there’s something about the wear and tear of urban existence, the “ruin” that we live in, that produces a dinginess that’s visually striking.
A pile of garbage with all its excretions is part of the dingy equation, but what “dingyantwerp” focuses on is neglected architecture and its adapted uses. Anyhow, every city has a particular look. A particular feel.
Antwerp has a long, storied past that can be dated to its being a Roman Empire outpost, further back into the Neolithic. But what’s boosted is Peter Paul Rubens and the city’s extant Gothic cathedrals.
Sure, it’s an old city with its fair share of glory and impressive / affluent architecture. But being ancient on a much smaller scale than ancient Paris )for example) it exhibits layer upon layer of haphazard construction, abandoned storefronts, make-do and idiosyncratic facades, all found within striking distance of the historic city center (where all the tourists go).