Things to do in Belgium this week: art in Antwerp, Brussels, and Ieper as well as nights out, and more. See you there!

Opening: Heyokas at Stadslimiet

Monday, 18 August, 20h00-23h00 Antwerp

Antwerp’s Stadslimiet and Trampoline Gallery team up for one big group exhibition celebrating contraries and antipodes. Heyokas, the title of the expo, embodies this theme: it’s an expression used by the Lakotas, a Native American tribal group, for „contrary behavior“. The show is curated by Simon Delobel, founder of Trampoline Gallery, and features works by Jóhanna Kristbjörg Sigurðardóttir, Leen Voet, Vaast Colson, and others.

Opening: Saartje Van de Steene at CC Het Perron

Friday, 22 August, 19h00 Ieper

Strange coincidence: While a Lakota expression titles the previously recommended exhibition, this expo showcasing works by Belgian photographer Saartje Van de Steene actually features images shot in the Lakota reservations. In “You can get pretty lonely out here, and your visit is like a good medicine” the KASK graduate documents life in the reservations and reveals her personal relationship with the community, at times using an ancient analogue image developing technique.

Exhibition: Sept Femmes En Résidence at Contretype

Until 28 September Brussels

Since 1997 Brussels’ probably most prestigious photography gallery Contretype offers a residence programme for Belgian and international photographers. “Sept Femmes En Résidence” shows a selection of works by the seven female former residents. All images were created during their time in Brussels and are shown for the very first time on Belgian ground. A compelling, multifaceted exhibition featuring Canadian Isabelle Hayeur, French Isabelle Arthuis, Sari Ember from Hungary and others.

Weekend expo: CTRL C (girls) at De Coöperatieve

From 22-24 August Hasselt

Art project De Coöperatieve hosts 50 exhibitions a year with each expo being thought up by a different curator. This time it’s the turn of Pieter Jan Valgaeren, researcher and artistic coordinator at Hasselt’s Triennale. He’s selected upcoming Belgian photographer Ulrike Biets, whose images are raw, authentic poetic and provocative all at the same time. In “CTRL C (girls)” she examines the dilemma between the photograph as a unique object and its reproducible nature.

Night out: Vicuna

Saturday, 23 August, 23h00 Brussels

The vicuna is an animal living in the alpine areas of the South American Andes and is a relative of the llama and alpaca. Plus, it’s the name of a Brussels party concept championing vinyls and innovative music. Changing locations with every event, Vicuna takes over a boat on the Brussels canal this weekend, with Paradise100, Aguila and DJ AKI behind the decks.

Exhibition: Kevin Marcell at Atelier d’artistes

Runs until 29 September Brussels

Born in Venezuela, now living in Brooklyn, Kevin Marcell makes his home base the subject of his art. Using old cycling and subway maps as well as cardboard pieces as a starting point, the artist creates colorful and vibrant portrayals of the city, integrating spray paint, silkscreen painting, stencils and more. Contemporary and timeless all at once, Marcell’s works read like a love letter to New York City, one of the most storied places of our time. You can discover it yourself at Brussels’ Atelier d’artistes.

Sunday shopping: Brussels Vintage Market goes Antwerp

Sunday, 24 August, 12h00-19h00 Antwerp

The Brussels Vintage Market located in Les Halles St. Gery has become a Sunday institution in the Belgian capital since its beginnings three years ago in Madame Moustache. Giving a platform to designers, craftsmen and vintage merchants it offers everything a vintage lover could wish for. This weekend it will leave Brussels for the very first time to set up shop in Antwerp’s Bocadero. Entrance is free.

Cover photo Sasha Vernaeve