9 things to do in Antwerp and Brussels this week from book fairs to nights out – see you there!

Last days: Vacanze in Italia at Komplot

Until 14 October Brussels

Independent art space Komplot invites Italian art collective Alterazioni Video, which is occupied with interpreting public-sector architecture, for a compelling exhibition taking the viewer on a very interesting trip through the ruins of modernity: architectural and infrastructural works whose construction has been halted due to design errors, political decisions, inaccurate cost estimates, contractor bankruptcies or else. The collective from Milan has been working on identifying, surveying and researching examples in this context for over 10 years, while staging a series of cultural and artistic operations that give dignity to these structures after their abandonment.

Concert: Grizzly Bear at Ancienne Belgique

Saturday, 14 October Brussels

For their fifth album, “Painted Ruins”, Grizzly Bear made their fans wait no less than five years  – but it was worth it. This Saturday the New Yorkers, known for their layered, intricate soundscapes bringing together psychedelic pop, folk rock, and experimental, present their fantastic new record at Brussels’ Ancienne Belgique.

Opening:Unclear Clarity at ABC Klubhuis

Saturday, 14 October, 18-22h00  Antwerp

Antwerp’s new independent art space ABC Klubhuis, run by five Icelandic artists who just made Belgium their home, invites you to its second exhibition, “Unclear Clarity”. The group show features the works of three Belgium-based  artists: Aline Bouvy, Geran Knol and Timo van Grinsven. While Aline questions the hierarchies of established powers and patriarchal systems, Geran creates rich, personal, dreamlike drawings, paintings and sculptures. Timo says about his work: “The most important part of this logic is the search to find the point where the probable becomes the improbable. The works created are (1:1) working models for themselves.”

Print: Antwerp Academy Art Book Fair

Saturday, 14 October, 10-18h00  Antwerp

For the fourth time Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts hosts an international art book fair putting forward more than 100 publishers, artists, and antiquarians from Belgium and abroad. Visitors can rummage through a great mix of artists’ publications, exhibition catalogues, books, magazines and other art-related printed matter. Featuring RUIS collective, Demian Books, Sleeperhold Publications, and many others.

Night out: Kollektiv Turmstrasse at Ampere

Saturday, 14 October, 23h00  Antwerp

Balanced, an Antwerp-based party series dedicated to underground tech-house and techno, celebrates its first anniversary this week with a bang: Berlin’s legendary Kollektiv Turmstrasse is taking over Ampere this weekend for the occasion. Hangover guaranteed.

Charity: Generations festival at Drohme

Saturday, 14 October Brussels

With the goal to raise money for ASBL Armandia and Les Aubépines, structures providing much-needed support for autistic children and adults, this Saturday’s Generations festival invites to a day of family fun, music, and party at Brussels’ Drohme Melting Park. Belgian indie rockers Recorders, whose latest single “My Very Empire” you can check out here, head the line-up which also includes folk rock newbies Barnill Brothers.

Art walk: Borger #12

Friday, 13 October, 18h00  Antwerp

Borger is a great way to dive into Antwerp’s art scene, giving you the possibility of visiting a great selection of exhibitions in Borgerhout, Berchem and Zurenborg all in one night. This Friday it’s time for another edition, and you really shouldn’t miss Michael Borremans’ haunting paintings at Zeno X, Lieven Herreman’s dreamy, sensual photographs at Ingrid Deuss, and the fascinating group exhibition “Extra Citizen” at Extra City, a thought-provoking reflection on the scope of citizenship today.

Closing party: 10 Years Base-Alpha Gallery

Saturday, 14 October, 14h00 Antwerp

Antwerp’s Base Alpha gallery celebrates the first decade of its existence this week with a group show putting forward the artists it represents, from Nadia Naveau and Michèle Matyn to Lieven Segers and Tom Volkaert. This week the exhibition is coming to an end, and on the occasion there’s a closing party this Saturday including coffee and birthday cake.

Last days II: Thu Van Tran at Meessen De Clercq

Until 14 October Brussels

Meessen De Clercq presents “Mountains are like the bones of the earth. Water is its blood.”, a solo exhibition by Vietnamese, Paris-based artist Thu Van Tran whose fascinating work is currently being shown at the Venice Biennale. Inspired by literature, history, architecture and nature she explores the concepts of contamination, identity and language. Influenced by growing up between two cultures and a refugee past, Tran approaches postcolonial questions from different perspectives. The exhibition at Meessen De Clercq includes a movie, sculptures and big tarps from Ho Chi Minh City.