For several months now, little figures have been appearing in and around Hasselt: painted on walls, printed on stickers and now even on a duck sculpture. According to local residents, they are the work of a man who calls himself ‘Boyo’ and operates under the name Boyo Maniac. Nobody knows who he really is.

​

Experts cautiously describe it as a local ‘infection’. Its defining features: little figures with distinctive, recognisable faces, seemingly appearing wherever a wall, object or sculpture is available. There is no explanation for the phenomenon. The artist himself could not be reached for comment.

​

More worryingly, the infection now appears to be spreading among the population. A growing group of so-called ‘fans’ is showing symptoms such as following an account named Boyo Maniac, spontaneously recognising the figures in the street and, in severe cases, even purchasing merchandise. There appears to be no cure at present.

​

The authorities have yet to take an official position. Meanwhile, the number of infected surfaces and residents continues to rise.