The week in Belgium: cultural things to do in Brussels, Antwerp, and Dour from exhibitions to music festivals. See you there!
Last days: Rio at Office Baroque
Runs until Friday, 17 July Brussels
This fascinating group exhibition under the name of Rio unites the works of 13 artists of different generations from the US, Canada and Israel. What they all have in common is a soft spot for 80s pop aesthetics with its bright colors, dynamic compositions and strong graphic qualities. Don’t let the title Rio mislead you: it doesn’t refer to the Brazilian metropolis, but to the second album of Duran Duran, whose cover art was created by Patrick Nagel and is a classic example of the graphic design of the 80s. With works by Matthew Brannon, Elad Lassry, Sascha Braunig, and many others.
Last days: Farah Atassi at Michel Rein
Runs until 19 July Brussels
Brussels-born, Paris-based artist Farah Atassi’s practice brings together architecture and art, modernism and ornaments. Her colorful paintings play with geometric forms, which seem to have become more abstract over time. Atassi herself explains it like this: “I do not deconstruct; I paint deconstruction. It’s a principal echoing cubism, which greatly inspired me for this new series. I don’t do abstract painting but figurative painting representing abstractions.” On view until the end of this week at Michel Rein.
Festival: Dour 2015
From 15 to 19 July Dour
It’s this time of year again: this week Dour festival kicks off for five days of festival madness, the largest of its kind in the French-speaking part of Belgium. This 27th edition already opens one day earlier, offering you a special additional program on the Wednesday night in collaboration with Mons 2015. As always the line-up is very eclectic and giving a lot of room to the discovery of emerging bands. Some highlights this year: Damon Albarn, Snoop Dog, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Squarepusher, The Drums, Carl Barat, … Plus, there’s a lot of homegrown talent too, from Recorders and Great Mountain Fire to Joy Wellboy and Raketkanon.
Outdoor drinks: Bozar Summer Bar
Thursday, 16 July Brussels
Every Thursday during summer time Brussels’ Bozar opens up its special outdoor summer bar. This week you’re invited once again to have a drink on Bozar’s terrace, listen to a DJ set by Juice Blenders and of course celebrate the opening of a new exhibition: Chinese Utopias Revisited, an exploration of contemporary art in China. Come early, the first 100 visitors will get a free drink!
Film: Julianne Moore cycle at Cinematek
Until 31 August Brussels
Earlier this year American actress Julianne Moore finally won her well-deserved first Oscar, a fitting moment to look back on her stellar career. Brussels’ Cinematek now runs a cycle bringing together all her major films. This week on the big screen: the legendary Big Lebowski and Boogie Nights. A great alternative if the summer sun refuses to come out.
Shopping: Brussels Vintage Market goes Antwerp
Sunday, 19 July Antwerp
The Brussels Vintage Market located in Les Halles St. Gery has become a Sunday institution in the Belgian capital. Giving a platform to designers, craftsmen and vintage merchants it offers everything a vintage lover could wish for. Recently the project has left its homebase to throw a few editions in Antwerp, and again so this Sunday, when it takes over the city’s Bocadero beach bar, a great spot for sunny days.
Summer fun: Brüxsel Jardin at La Fabbrica
Sunday, 19 July Brussels
Summer party concept Brüxsel Jardin invites you to La Fabbrica at Tour&Taxis for an eclectic summer event offering everything from delicious brunch to activities for kids and music. There’ll be two dance floors, a bouncy castle, and more. It’s free before 16h00!
