Things to do in Belgium this week: cinema in Ghent, lots of openings in Brussels, and more. See you there!

Cinema: A Film About Coffee at Vooruit

Thursday, 22 January, 18h00 Ghent

Specialty coffee shops run by hardcore roasting nerds are all the rage right now, and after Ghent and Antwerp the trend has finally arrived in the Belgian capital with recent additions such as Ixelles’ Parlor Coffee for example (try their freshly brewed Frenchpress!!). If you’re into coffee drinking and making and interested into roasting, finding the perfect beans and how it all works, then you’ll love “A Film About Coffee”, premiering at Vooruit this Thursday. Plus, there’ll be a coffee tasting before the screening. What more could you ask for?

Opening: Todd James at Alice Gallery

Thursday, 22 January Brussels

“Pump Pump” presents a selection of works by American artist Todd James, who interestingly started out as a graffiti sprayer in the New York subway system. Now an established artist, his colorful creations all revolve around the American way of life. James playfully deals with themes as the sexualization of weapons by the military-industrial lobby or the hedonist cliché of American happiness while using an aesthetic recalling publicity, American cartoons and Matisse all at the same time.

Art get-together: La Claque presents Le Salon at Brass

From 22 to 25 January Brussels

With “Le Salon” Belgian art collective La Claque offers a platform for artists who want to meet other artists and are open to fruitful exchanges and advice. It’s a great opportunity to gain perspective for those spending day after day isolated in their studio. So if you want some input on your artistic projects or give advice to others, drop by at Brussels’ Brass this week for some interesting exchanges.

Gallery launch: Chabah Yelmani Gallery

Friday, 23 January, 16h00 Brussels

There’s a new kid in town: This Friday Chabah Yelmani Gallery opens its doors for the very first time, inaugurating its Brussels space with a group show presenting the works of seven different artists from Emilie Benoist to William James Thurman. Its mission is clear: showcasing young, emerging and international contemporary artists from diverse genres.

Opening: Group show at Galerie Jeanrochdard

Saturday, 24 January, 17h00 Brussels

The group show “My internet was down for 5 minutes so I went downstairs and spoke to my family. They seem like nice people” deals with the rise of technology and the internet, the digitalization of our age, the importance of social media and how all this relates to the notion and usage of images. A fascinating exploration with works by Stafania Batoeva, Aude Pariset, Loup Sarion and others.

Night out: Open the Box at Varia

Saturday, 24 January, 23h00 Brussels

This weekend it’s time for another edition of Open the Box, an alternative and fresh party concept which is slowly but surely establishing itself in the Brussels nightlife scene. This time they’re teaming up with young artistic platform Foreseen, who will pimp up the venue (a different one each time) with three projections by Belgian as well as American artists. Behind the decks Rotterdam’s Marsman, Silicon Vallée, Vieira and the usual suspects such as homegrown Fais le Beau and THF will provide an awesome soundtrack for the night.

Book launch: Quentin Derouet at Peinture Fraiche

Saturday, 24 January, 18-20h00 Brussels

Peinture Fraiche, located in Brussels’ Ixelles neighbourhood, is undoubtedly one of the city’s best bookshops when it comes to art and photography. This Saturday is the perfect moment to stop by and rummage through its great selection on the occasion of the publication of Quentin Derouet’s new book “Dernier Royaume”. Get your signed copy and join the after party with Bernard Lad and others behind the decks.

Shopping & design: Open doors at La Caravane

Saturday and Sunday, 12-18h00 Brussels

La Caravane is a vintage furniture shop run by Claire Silva Moreira. Usually the whole thing operates through a Facebook page, but a few times a year you can come check out the pieces yourself, as it’s the case at this weekend’s Open doors event. What’s cool about La Caravane is not only the carefully handpicked, beautiful selection, but also its affordability. A great opportunity to get your hands on special pieces at Ikea prices!

Cover photo Margaux Nieto