A book launch in Brussels, a DJ workshop in Ghent, a Bowie tribute in Antwerp, and more. See you there!
Book launch: Midpoint
Wednesday, 13 January, 19-21h00 Brussels
The slightly kitschy, rather untrendy Midpoint bar in the center of Brussels has become a bit of an institution in the local art scene. A few years ago a number of Brussels-based artists used the bar as a location for an art project, inviting other artists to create pieces that are then integrated into the bar’s interior. Laurie Charles, Alberto García del Castillo, Louise Osieka, Marnie Slater and Alexis Jacob now have turned the multifaceted story of Midpoint Café & bar into a lovely little book published by Theophile’s Papers. You can get your hands on the freshly printed work at the launch event this Wednesday, as part of art festival “La Kermesse héroïque”, which runs until 15 January.
Opening: Erst kommt das Fressen at Dauwens & Beernaert
Thursday, 14 January, 18h00 Brussels
The title of Brussels gallery Dauwens & Beernaert’s upcoming exhibition refers to the probably most quoted line of the famed Threepenny Opera, created by composer Kurt Weill and poet Bertolt Brecht, both German. “Erst kommt das Fressen, dann kommt die Moral”: “Grub first, then ethics.” The fascinating group exhibition takes this statement as a starting point, exploring the interesting and at times complicated relationship between food and ethics. Featuring works by Belgian painting star Michaël Borremans, Colombian artist Juan Pablo Plazas, renowned Belgian designer Maarten Van Severen, and many others. Hot wine, orange juice and a selection of munchies will be served!
Opening: Balls & Glory at Rodolphe Janssen
Thursday, 14 January, 18h00-21h00 Brussels
Brussels’ Rodolphe Janssen gallery kicks of the new year with a diverse, must-see group exhibition.“Balls & Glory” is the result of more than 50 studio visits throughout the country, presenting the curators’ favorite nine emerging, Belgium-based artists. The title of the show refers not only to the selected artists’ ambitions and the goal of the expo to shine a light on upcoming talents, but also to the famous meatball restaurant in Ghent, where the whole idea was born. An exciting glimpse into the state of Belgium’s art scene today, featuring Sarah Caillard, Etienne Courtois, Kasper De Vos, Douglas Eynon, Julien Goniche, Liesbeth Henderickx, Alejandra Hernandez, Sanam Khatabi, and Klaas Vanhee.
Photography meets music: DJ workshop & expo closing party at Riot
Saturday, 16 January, 15-19h00 Ghent
This Saturday is the last day to check out Young Belgian art prize winner Hana Miletic’s current street photography exhibition at Ghent’s super cool RIOT bookshop. To end the expo with a bang, she’s hosting a DJ workshop this weekend, one that’s especially directed to girls of all ages in an attempt to make the male-dominated domain more accessible and less intimidating for females. There’s no previous experience required, and all you need to do is bring along your music on a USB stick. Sign up at info@riot-ghent.org or just come by for the after party kicking off at 19h00.
Night out: Vicuna goes Antwerp
Saturday, 16 January Antwerp
Brussels party concept Vicuna, a pillar of the Belgian capital’s nightlife, returns to its Antwerpian roots this weekend, where it all started back in 2004. For the occasion, Vicuna brings its Brussels party boat, the Boathouse Brauhaus, all the way to Antwerp, where it will cast anchor at Zuidkaai’s Straatsburgdok. Behind the decks: Vicuna resident DJs and vinyl lovers Aki, Paradise 100 and Aquila.
Bowie tribute: Just for one day at Bagger
Saturday, 16 January, 20h00 Antwerp
The sad news about David Bowie’s death have been defining this week, while people all around the world are mourning the passing of one of our time’s greatest music icons. If you feel like hanging out with fellow Bowie fans and diving into his vast musical oeuvre, stop by this Saturday at Antwerp’s Bagger bar, which is putting on a Bowie all-nighter.
Art’s birthday 2016 at M HKA
Sunday, 17 January, 14-18h00 Antwerp
Back in 1963, Fluxus artist Robert Filliou declared his own birthday as the official birthday of art, a statement made in a Parisian bar that would become the starting point for a multitude of different art festivities all over the world. In this context M HKA, together with Klara and H ART, organizes, for the eighth time already, a huge art birthday bash. The museum is accessible for free the whole Sunday and offers a varied programme throughout the day, featuring the inauguration of Kati Heck’s wall art, performance installations by Niko Hafkenscheid, Benjamn Vandewalle, Emi Kodama and Hans Demeulenaere, and many others.
