A summer exhibition in Ghent, an artist talk in Antwerp, a music festival in Spa, and much more. See you there!
Opening : Summer Camp #1 at Cecilia Jaime Gallery
Friday, 18 July, 14h00 Ghent
While most galleries are closing down for the summer, Ghent’s Cecilia Jaime Gallery treats you with a special summer edition. The genre-crossing group exhibition “Summer Camp #1” unites works by Bert De Geyter, Maggie Michael, Juan Paparella, Lucia Sammarco Pennetier, Juanan Soria, Lore Vanelslande and Conrad Willems, displayed in a lovely space with an attached city garden which can also serve as a nice, quiet refuge from the Gentse Feesten for those who need it.
Artist talk: Jason Dodge at Objectif Exhibitions
Wednesday, 16 July, 19h00 Antwerp
While Objectif Exhibitions’ normal exhibition programme is on hold for the summer, the art space is hosting a special artist talk this Wednesday. On the menue: Pennsylvania-born, Berlin-based artist Jason Dodge who is known for his minimal conceptual work. “To be an artist, you have to say something no one else can say in the way you’re saying it,” he recently told Art in America. Sounds promising.
Pop-up summer bar: LEFT
Open until end of September Antwerp
Temporary pop-up projects created for the summer months only seem to be all the rage this season. One of our favorites is Bar LEFT, a perfect hangout for the sunny days located right at the border of Galgenweel, Belgium’s biggest sailing lake. It’s family-friendly, only 10 minutes away from the heart of Antwerp and open five days a week, offering everything from street food and fresh drinks to deck chairs, yoga workshops and much more.
Last days: He An at Daniel Templon Gallery
Closes on Saturday, 19 July Brussels
If you haven’t had a chance yet to check out Chinese artist He An, you should definitely do so before his solo exhibition at Brussels’ Daniel Templon Gallery closes for good this Saturday. With “Wind Light as a Thief” the gallery (which has branches in both the Belgian capital and Paris) presents a series of neon installations by the upcoming conceptual artist. Authentic, intimate and provocative at the same time, he uses stolen light letters from his native city Wuhan in his artworks, recreating the names of people close to him.
Music festival: Francofolies de Spa
From 16 to 21 July Spa
Festival concept Francofolies, founded 1985 in La Rochelle, aims at promoting French-speaking talent at home as well as abroad. The mainly francophone music bash has already travelled to Berlin as well as Buenos Aires and had its Belgian debut back in 1994. This weekend around 200 000 festival goers will once again invade the city of Spa to see first and foremost bands from France and Belgium live on stage, ranging from Belgian indie rockers Girls in Hawaii and French superstars M to Soldout, Yuksek and Fauve.
Exhibition: Extra Curriculum at Komplot
Runs until 16 August Brussels
Brussels’ non-profit art space Komplot teams up with Bunk Club, an art initiative founded by Laurence Dujardyn and Mathias Wille focusing on supporting emerging artists who deal with relevant current developments in today’s society and culture. The fascinating group show features duo works by Samuel François & Claire Decet, Lucas Knipscher & Mae Fatto, Martin Belou & Margaux Schwarz, Erik Frydenborg & Amanda Ross-Ho, Benjamin Jaubert & Laurie Charles and Vaast Colson & Nel Aerts.
Outdoor concert : La Plage at Bruxelles Les Bains
Friday, 18 July Brussels
Every summer since 2003 Bruxelles Les Bains graces Brussels’ canal with a varied programme for the sunny days. This year’s 12th edition runs until 10 August and offers everything from activities for kids and sport events to parties, film screenings and concerts. This Friday sees three bands live on stage: Ulysses, Wax on Mars and La Plage, a Belgian pop outfit from Liège who count Justin Timberlake and France Gall amongst their influences.
Music festival: Dour
From 17 to 20 July Dour
Annual Dour festival is undoubtedly one of Belgium’s absolute summer highlights. Not only loved for its great music selection but also for its unique atmosphere, the festival shines with special features such as Le Bar du Petit Bois, a little enclave with lovely lights, mushroom seats and wooden huts. The genre-crossing line-up is as good as ever with Breton, Connan Mockasin, Jagwar Ma, Klaxons, Little Dragon, Mogwai, Phoenix, Slow Magic, SOHN and The Notwist on the top of our list.
Last days: Made in New York at Charles Riva Collection
Closes on Saturday, 19 July Brussels
Here’s another one you shouldn’t miss before the closing date: Brussels’ Charles Riva Collection currently presents “Made in New York”, a group exhibition showcasing how painting as a genre constantly reinvents itself, especially in combination with digital technology. At the same time the expo focuses on artists of the New York scene who were born between the 50s and the 80s and partly question the status of paint and pictures. With works by Christoph Wool, John Miller, Nate Lowman, Valérie Snobeck, Kelly Walker and others.
