7 things to do in Belgium from exhibition openings and safe outdoor parties within your social bubbles to architecture walks and a painting biennal – See you there!
Opening: Denie Put at Base Alpha
Thursday, 23 July, 19-22h00 Antwerp
Denie Put, a graduate from Antwerp’s Royal Academy, was supposed to have his own solo booth at this year’s edition of Art Brussels. Due to the fair being cancelled, Base Alpha decided to dedicate a gallery show to the upcoming Belgian artist. “Fortune Tellers” comprises both paintings and sculptures featuring Put’s colorful, abstract compositions which seem to be removed from space and time while having bit of a surrealistic feel to them. Strangely hypnotizing.
Music: Bubble open air at Kompass
From 24 to 25 July Ghent
Under the motto #sleepisoverrated Ghent’s Kompass night club invites you to a virus-safe party weekend tailored to the current pandemic situation: everything will take place outdoors on Kompass’ lovely summer terrace, guests are asked to arrive together with their “social bubbles”, stay at their tables throughout the night, and there’ll be plenty of hand sanitizer on site. Proof that regulated nightlife within the current restrictions is possible! Behind the turntables: PTTRN, 6SISS, Takkar & Ophion, Phara, Parallel Circuit, and TRILLERS: Eagl.
Opening: Annaïk Lou Pitteloud at SB34 – The Pool
Friday, 24 July, 17-21h00 Brussels
Swiss artist Annaïk Lou Pitteloud, who works between Brussels and Bern, often questions systems of representation and the norms that determine the social uses of spaces. With “Long Distance” at SB34 – The Pool she reflects on the relationship between artists and the works they create, and what remains after they leave the studio. Her work has been shown at Kunsthalle Bern, Riga Biennale, Kunstverein München and others.
Music: Vinyl Record Fair at Titanic
Sunday, 26 July, 14-20h00 Brussels
Music nerds should head to Brussels bar Titanic this Sunday, normally known for its penchant for rums. This weekend it turns into a crate-digging paradise for vinyl collectors, offering editions from all genres and eras as well as drinks, snacks, and a hopefully sunny terrace. Don’t forget your mask!
Open air cinema: Hot Summer at Bijloke
From 22 to 26 July, 20h30 Ghent
Under the title “Hot Summer”, Film Fest Ghent organizes a series of open air screenings at the beautiful Bijloke site. Every evening from Wednesday to Sunday movie lovers can enjoy a film under the starry sky, including Hitchcock classic “Rear Window” as well as Wes Anderson’s celebrated coming-of-age comedy-drama “Moonrise Kingdom”.
Painting biennale: Inner Spaces at MDD, Mudel, Roger Raveel Museum
Opens Sunday, 26 July, 10-17h00 Antwerp
MUDEL, Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens, and the Roger Raveel Museum join forces for the 7th edition of the Belgian Biennial of Painting. Themed “Inner Spaces”, the focus lies on the interior – a subject that couldn’t be more timely. Featuring works by world-renowned as well as emerging artists such as Chantal Akerman, Raoul De Keyser, Luc Tuymans, Joëlle Dubois, Sarah De Vos, and many others.
Architecture: Guided tour at the Ixelles ponds
Sunday, 26 July, 14-146h00 Brussels
This informative tour lets you deep-dive into the impressive architectural history around the ponds in the city’s Ixelles neighbourhood, revealing signature buildings for the Art Nouveau, Art Déco, and Modernist movements. Starting point is Place Flagey.
