7 things to do in Belgium, from Brussels, Charleroi and Mons to Ghent, Vilvoorde & Antwerp. See you there!
Exhibition: Yuki Okumura at Convent
Opens Friday, 5 January Ghent
Independent art space Convent (find out more about it in our interview with the founders here), kicks off the new year with an exhibition by Japanese artist Yuki Okumura, whose artistic practice often takes its starting point from a kinship with the works and lives of fellow artists, resulting in conceptual, yet deeply personal genre-crossing works. If you want to dive deeper into his universe, be there on Sunday, 15h00, when the artist himself will be present to give a talk about his work.
Brunch meets vintage market: MAD Tiger at De Kruitfabriek
Sunday, 7 January, 11-18h00 Vilvoorde
Every first Sunday of the month De Kruitfabriek‘s in-house bar MAD Tiger throws a free big vintage and flea market while offering a delicious brunch with bubbles that you can book here: brunch@dekruitfabriek.com.
Exhibition: Elina Brotherus and Anne de Gelas at Contretype
Until 14 January Brussels
Brussels’ Contretype, specialised in photography, currently presents the works of two different artists: Anne de Gelas and Elina Brotherus. While Anne sensitively explores human bonds and emotions such as the loss of her husband and the subsequently changing relationship with her son, Elina’s series “Carpe Fucking Diem”, consisting mainly of self-portraits and landscape shots, playfully questions human existence as a whole.
Night out : From Techno to Techno #1 at Club Vaag
Saturday, 6 January, 23h00 Antwerp
If you want to dance your heart out while discovering a number of homegrown techno talents, this is for you. The first edition of “From Techno to Techno” presents up-and-comers J.KOPS, Klaps, and Joyhauser behind the decks at Antwerp’s Club Vaag, an intimate basement club.
Finissage: Rita McBride & Something Stronger Than Me at Wiels
Sunday, 7 January, 11-21h00 Brussels
On the occasion of the closing day of two exhibitions, Wiels invites you to a “family funday” this Sunday with interactive tours. There’s also a reading by artist Glen Rubsamen, and a performance by The Art Ensemble of Brussels. The perfect Sunday program!
Skate session and Finissage: Riding Modern Art at BPS22
Sunday, 7 January, 14-18h00 Charleroi
With his solo exhibition “Riding Modern Art”, French artist Raphaël Zarka blends the boundaries between skate and sculpture park, inviting skaters to show their tricks between and on his modular artworks. Don’t miss the stunning aerial view from BPS22‘s mezzanine, and have a look at the accompanying photo series with shots by Éric Antoine, Loïc Benoit, Dave Chami, and many others. This Sunday is your last chance to do so.
Art marathon: Free museum day in Mons
Sunday, 7 January Mons
Not just since its appointment as European Capital of Culture in 2015, Mons has had quite a lot on offer for art lovers. Every first Sunday of the month the city’s exhibitions are accessible for free, a great opportunity to discover the artsy side of the Walloon town. Currently on show: celebrated photographer David LaChapelle at BAM or the European triennal of contemporary jewellery in the old slaughterhouses for example.