Openings, opera, fashion, music, and books – a selection of things to do in Belgium this week. See you there!
Opening: Ivan Moudov Artists Club Coffre Fort
Thursday, 15 October, 19-22h00 Brussels
Exhibition project Artists Club Coffre Fort already convinced with a strong appearance at Art Brussels earlier this year. Now you can discover the work of Ivan Moudov in their own spectacular space, the vault of a former jeweller in the center of Brussels: a rather unlikely venue. Bulgarian artist Moudov’s multifaceted practice ranges from performance to video work and installations. At Coffre Fort he will also present an interactive, retrospective catalogue of his creations. Visitors are invited to buy pages, and only those sold to a collector will later appear in the actual publication, integrating the audience into the making of his book.
Opera: La Vestale at Cirque Royale
15 and 17 October Brussels
Due to extensive renovations, Brussels’ opera house La Monnaie is leaving its homebase quite a lot this season, taking over other venues of the Belgian capital such as Bozar or the Kaaitheater. This week you can enjoy a La Monnaie production in the gorgeous premises of Cirque Royal. “La Vestale”, composed by Gaspare Spontini, is about a woman who frees herself from the power of religious authority, and has influenced composers from Wagner to Berlioz.
Fashion: Brussels Fashion Days 2015
From 16 to 18 October Brussels
This week the fourth edition of the Brussels Fashion Days kicks off with a multitude of events from fashion shows to talks and exhibitions taking place all over the city, aiming at making the sometimes slightly elusive world of fashion more accessible to the general public. A sure highlight is the Brussels Fashion Days after party hosted by Libertine Supersport, which at the same time celebrates its sixth birthday. See the full programme here.
Shop launch: La Super Ouverture at Lulu
Friday, 16 October, 18h00 Brussels
Only a few weeks ago Lulu, a 830 square meters big space dedicated to all things interior, opened its doors for the very first time. The new Ixelles hotspot also hosts a lovely café (which reportedly makes delicious Oreo lattes) and a pop-up store under the name Super. The latter is being launched this Friday, and you’re invited to the opening! Super’s goal: to showcase great products made in Belgium, featuring everything from Frédérique Ficheroulle’s design objects to Superpieceofchic’s clothes and bags.
Apartment expo: KLAN
From 16 to 18 October Ghent
KLAN is a non-profit exhibition project launched by two Ghent-based artists, a French photographer and Italian painter. With the goal to show art in a different, more intimate setting, they recently started organizing expos in their own home. This week you can check out their second show, the duo exhibition “La Peur D’Un Monde Entier”, presenting works by Gabrielle G. Bianco and Emmanuel Le Cerf.
Release gig: Ulysse at Reflektor
Saturday, 17 October Liège
Ulysse first appeared on Belgium’s music scene back in April 2014 with its debut EP “U as in Ulysse”. Now the electro-pop three-piece is back with its second EP, “Cashmere Guns”, and this weekend you can discover the new tracks live on stage when the band throws a release party at Liège’s new music venue Reflektor.
Printed matter: Art book fair at Antwerp Academy
Saturday, 17 October, 10-18h00 Antwerp
For the second time Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts hosts an international art book fair putting forward more than 70 publishers from Belgium and abroad. Unique is the mix of antiquarian and second-hand books with contemporary artist editions. This year there’s a special focus on the printed works of Werner Cuvelier, who left his mark on publishing with his geometrically abstract, conceptual and minimalist publications. Featuring Ghent’s Art Paper Editions, Berlin’s Antiquariat Walter Markov, and many many more.
Opening: Sarah Morris at M Museum
Sunday, 18 October, 15h00 Leuven
We’re really excited to announce this one: Leuven’s M Museum is bringing the captivating work of renowned British artist Sarah Morris to Belgium. From her homebase New York, the city of all cities, she explores different facets of city life, examining codes and structures in Paris, Rio, and other urban landscapes. The results are fascinating films and large-scale, colorful, abstract paintings focusing on architectural details and a city’s psychology and actors. A must-see!