7 things to do in Ghent, Antwerp & Brussels from museum garden exhibitions and concerts on a city beach to 90s parties. See you there!
Exhibition: Present at Musée Van Buuren et Jardins
Until 30 September Brussels
For the second time, Michel Van Dyck brings together two of his passions: gardens and contemporary art. Under the title “Present”, a large group of artists including Sherrie Levine, Martin Belou, Jonathan Sullam, Koenraad Debobbeleer and many many others were invited to create an open and uninhibited exchange between their artworks and the environment. The perfect exhibition for the sunny season!
Music meets football: Sunday Charmers at Bruxelles Les Bains
Saturday, 14 July Brussels
As every summer, Bruxelles Les Bains transforms the area around the canal into a huge playground offering an eclectic program of activities for kids, nights out, concerts, sports, and much more. This Saturday is a good occasion to come hang out at the city beach to enjoy Belgium’s last match at the World Cup on the big screen as well as a concert by Belgian indie pop outfit Sunday Charmers.
Exhibition: Paul Kooiker at FOMU
Until 7 October Antwerp
“Untitled (Nude)” is the first major museum exhibition of Dutch photographer Paul Kooiker outside his homeland. “Ultimately, my work is about looking, and looking is the ultimate act of voyeurism,” he told BJP. Accordingly, voyeurism and the female nude represent major themes in his intriguing oeuvre, raising questions about both the role of the photographer and that of the viewer and their gaze. The show at Antwerp’s FOMU includes an overview of Kooiker’s career as well as the brand new piece “Eggs and Rarities”, an immersive room-sized installation.
Food meets music: Garlic & Jazz at Het Bos
Sunday, 15 July, 14h00 Antwerp
Kimchi Cheese Calzone, Mexican tortillas with Chipotle garlic sauce, two doubles basses, a guitar, drums and much more make for a delicious mix that will both satisfy your ears and your tastebuds. More here.
Night out: Hit Box Night at Millie Vanillie
Saturday, 14 July Ghent
If you like to enjoy a night full of guilty pleasures once in a while, Millie Vanillie‘s Hit Box is the ideal place to do so, taking you on a trip down memory lane that leaves no corner of the 90s unchecked. Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls and Destiny’s Child are all on the playlist.
Exhibition: Zhang Peili at SMAK
Until 21 October Ghent
With “Uplifting”, Ghent’s SMAK presents the work of Zhang Peili, a pioneer when it comes to Chinese video art. In his visual research he questions how representation through painting, video, digital and other media is developed and the ease with which these media are employed for ideological purposes. Zhang’s work is based on repetition and restriction and it initiates a complex interaction between power and the undermining of it. It refers to popular culture and focuses on bodily control and routine actions. Highly interesting!
Summer bar: Zomerpark Bouckenborgh
14 and 15 July Antwerp
Another lovely open air spot to spend these sunny days: this weekend sees the opening of Zomerpark Bouckenborgh, with food, drinks, music, and a flea market on Sunday. The perfect hangout for the summer!