Cinema, music, art, parties: what’s on in Belgium this week in Brussels, Liège, Ghent, and Antwerp. See you there!
Music meets cinema: UFA Film Nights at Bozar
Until 17 September Brussels
Bozar, Cinematek, Bertelsmann and UFA have teamed up to bring you some pretty special movie nights: The second edition of the UFA Film Nights pays tribute to the almost forgotten art of silent film with the screenings being accompanied by live music performances. On Tuesday you can experience “Menschen am Sonntag” with the soundscapes of Raphaël Marionneau and on Wednesday Michael Nyman and his band offer the musical background to Dziga Vertov’s films.
Gallery launch: Tailers for the Future at Yoko Uhoda Gallery
Thursday, 18 September, 18h00-21h00 Liège
If you’ve been following this agenda for a while you might have noticed that Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent all have quite a varied exhibition programme on offer. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Liège (yet). But with the launch of her gallery this weekend twentysomething art historian Yoko Uhoda wants to change that and put the city on Belgium’s contemporary art map. The opening expo “Tailers for the Future” already looks extremely promising, uniting the works of nine young, fresh, up-and-coming Belgian artists such as Benoit Platéus, Sarah & Charles and Aline Bouvy.
Opening: Summer Bummer at Alice Gallery
Thursday, 18 September, 18h00 Brussels
This week Brussels’ Alice Gallery, the capital’s specialist for street art, celebrates its 10th anniversary. On the occasion Belgian collective Pica Pica will take over the premises, moving its studio into the gallery space to work on new projects while meeting other artists for exchanges and collaborations touching upon collage, drawings, printing and painting. The move-in will be marked by a concert of Lawrence Ledoux & Roger 3000.
Opening: Patrick Bock at Jean-Philippe Braam Gallery
Thursday, 18 September, 18h30-21h30 Brussels
Brussels’ Jean-Philippe Braam Gallery invites you to discover the mesmerizing images of American-born photographer Patrick Bock. His so-called seascape series, a subject he’s been exploring for almost a decade now, focuses on the many shades of light and colour, bending the boundaries between photography and painting. “The reaction to the ‘real’ scene is always the same: How can this grand expanse of space and color – and its meditative ebb and flow – be communicated in a photograph?” says the artist, who lives between Paris and Corsica, about his work.
Last days: A Simple Plan
Runs until Friday, 19 September Kruiskerke
This week is the last chance to experience the fascinating group show “A Simple Plan” curated by art journalist Sam Steverlynck. For a change it doesn’t take place in the usual gallery surroundings but in the beautiful villa of a Belgian collector, expanding into the garden, the street and even the neighbour’s house. The exhibition located in the Flemish village Kruiskerke features 13 different artists ranging from Gert Robijns and Pierre Bismuth to Roeland Tweelinckx. Contact frank_tuytschaever@hotmail.com for visits.
Art festival: Borg 2014
From 19 September to 5 October Antwerp
Antwerp art festival Borg 2014 kicks off this Friday and as the name already indicates, it’s located in the Borgerhout neighbourhood, one of the city’s most vibrant. The project, thought up by a bunch of local gallery owners and curators, offers art lovers an urban track guiding visitors to 22 different sites including art spaces as well as public places and more unusual locations. Make sure to check out “Midway through the journey, neither here nor there” at HAL, curated by Thomas Caron and Ward Heirwegh. On the opening day there’ll be an after party at the Postgebouw.
Opening: Runa Islam at KIOSK
Friday, 19 September, 20h00 Ghent
With “Anatomical Study” Ghent’s KIOSK presents films, sculptures and drawings by Bangladesh-born, London-based artist Runa Islam referencing the original function of the KIOSK space as a didactic anatomical theatre. The Turner Prize nominee is known for her conceptual and experimental approach, examining visual mechanisms and changing moving image technologies.
Fashion: Reopening party at Reservoir Shop
Friday, 19 September, 19h00 Brussels
After a brand new makeover, Brussels’ Reservoir Shop opens its doors again for the coming season with live music, free drinks and a tattoo performance. Also on the menu: the super yummy food truck from Garage à Manger. A nice opportunity to discover the new fall/winter collections and shop with a drink in your hand.
Music meets art: Tuupe festival
Saturday, 20 September, 12h00-22h00 Ghent
One-day festival Tuupe aims at offering a hotbed for creativity and a platform for young talent bringing together music, art, food and people at Grindbakken in Ghent’s historic industrial district. For this fourth edition Tuupe has teamed up with Brüxsel Jardin, whose Nathan Oye and DkA will provide the music, amongst others. A rather alternative affair with a relaxed atmosphere – the perfect weekend hangout.
Opening: Le Labo des Héritiers at Grand Hornu Images
Saturday, 20 September, 18h00 Hornu
What does it mean when you’re born as the child or grandchild of a famous artist, architect or designer? How do you deal with the legacy, the inheritance? In the context of this year’s heritage theme the exhibition “Le Labo des Héritiers” examines these issues drawings on the children and grandchildren of accomplished artistic personalities such as Carlo Scarpa, José Vermeersch or Maarten and Dan Van Severen.
Night out: Open The Box at Bravo
Saturday, 20 September Brussels
After the summer break Brussels collective Open The Box is back with one of their intimate but memorable party nights. This time it’s all taking place in the trendy Dansaert neighbourhood, in the charming and cozy basement of BRAVO. Behind the turntables you’ll find Rydim from Berlin as well as the usual Belgian suspects. Hangover guaranteed.
Concert: Blonde Redhead at Botanique
Sunday, 21 September, 20h00 Brussels
After four years Blonde Redhead are back with their new record and ninth studio album „Barragán” which was just released earlier this month. The American alternative rock band made up of Japanese front woman Kazu Makino and Milanese twin brothers originates from the New York of the early 90s and have quite a musical journey behind them ranging from art punk to shoegaze and dream pop. This Sunday you can discover them live on stage at Botanique.
