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Summer exhibitions, music festivals, and urban escapes from the omnipresent Gentse Feesten: 7 things to do in Belgium this week. See you there!

Exhibition: Matt Connors at Xavier Hufkens

Until 20 July Brussels

Brussels gallery Xavier Hufkens currently presents the universe of Chicago-born painter Matt Connors, who has a profound interest in technique and color. “Look Up” reveals a wide range of tones, building on the inspiration the artist draws from life in a city built on grids, lines, and boundaries, playing with perspectives and different points of view. Connors himself calls it “compelling confusion”. 

Exhibition: I OBJECT

Until 20 July Ghent

Belgian art collective Nadar is taking over Ghent’s former courthouse with the fascinating group exhibition “I OBJECT”. Emerging and established artists show pieces from their careers that presented turning points in their personal practices and thus the choices they made. With Philip Vandenberg, Eva Dobbels, Peter Buggenhout, and many others.

Music: Borgerwood festival

From 20 to 21 July Antwerp

Girls in Hawaii, Coely, School is Cool, The Color Grey – Borgerwood‘s two-day line-up has something in store for indie rock and hip hop fans alike. Now in its fourth edition, it’s one of the smaller and more intimate affairs on the Belgian festival circuit. Don’t miss the free designer and food truck market on Friday!

Exhibition: Saloon’s B-Sides at Komplot

Until 22 July Brussels

This summer independent art space Saloon is being hosted at Brussels’ Komplot, taking over the non-profit Forest art venue with the group show “B-Sides”, an exhibition dedicated to the lesser known facets of artists and their practices. These flipsides often bring to light unexpected surprises and experimentations that at times reveal more about the artist than the most prominent works.

Music: Tuin Days Off at De Tuin van Heden

Saturday, 21 July Ghent

A lovely garden at the water near the city of Ghent: the perfect setting for a cozy festival experience. For 10 days during the famed Gentse Feesten, “De Tuin van Heden” invites you to its urban refuge away from the hustle and bustle while providing music, brunch, poetry slams, and more.

Exhibition: (Als) tekens in de ruimte at Emergent

Until 16 September Veurne

If you’re taking a trip to the Belgian seaside this summer, make sure to stop by at Emergent in Veurne, where a bunch of Belgian and international artists present their work in Huis De Valk, a beautiful 16th century building. Joachim Coucke, Hans Demeulenaere, Erika Hock, Marc Nagtzaam, Régis Perray and Sarah & Charles all explore the relationship between exhibition space, display, art object and spectator, each in their own way. 

Music: Boomtown 2018

From 17 to 21 July Ghent

Although Ghent’s Boomtown festival has been around for quite a while now, it’s managed to keep its alternative touch. The five-day music bash includes free outdoor shows as well as club gigs in different locations such as de Kouter, Ghent’s opera and Handelsbeurs. This week sees the 17th edition of the festival, as always boasting a Belgium-heavy line-up ranging from Tin Fingers and BRNS to Black Heart Rebellion and Echo Beatty.

Cover photo Grégoire Pleynet

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