Bedroom beats in Brussels, Italian art in Antwerp, art made in Belgium in Wieze, and more. See you there!
Music: Bedroom Beats at Bonnefooi
Tuesday, 3 February, 20h00 Brussels
Soundboundly.be, a project run by independent label On-Point and DJ duo Onda Sonora, aims at promoting Belgian music off the beaten track characterized by a do-it-yourself attitude. This Tuesday they once more team up with Brussels music bar Bonnefooi to make two talented bedroom producers leave their own four walls and present their soundscapes live on stage: Oaktree, who’ll release their new EP Amalgamation and Avondlicht, signed on Fog Mountain Records. Entrance is free.
Exhibition: From where we stand at KASK
From 3 to 4 February Ghent
“From where we stand” signifies the very last exhibition possibility for KASK Master students before their upcoming graduation. The group expo searches for means to showcase yet unfinished projects and work in progress, uniting creations by Pauline Miko, Sanne Delcroix, Jeroen Vranken and many others. A great opportunity to get a glimpse of the photographers of tomorrow.
Opening: The future = Beurssc50uwburg
Thursday, 5 February, 19h00 Brussels
Marrying the future with the past, Brussels’ Bersschouwburg puts on a vast, eclectic, multi-disciplinary group exhibition looking back on former artist collabs while peaking into what’s next by giving room to younger, emerging artists. The show is the opposite of the typical white cube expo, breathing life into the artworks with its noteworthy architecture from theatre halls to hollow staircases. “The future = Beurssc50uwburg“ brings together works by renowned Belgian artists such as Walter Swennen or Ann-Veronica Janssen with creations by younger up-and-comers from charcoal virtuoso Rinus Van de Velde to the wonderful Karen Vermeren or Lieven Segers.
Opening: Gilbert Fastenaekens at Botanique
Wednesday, 4 February, 18h30 Brussels
“In Silence”, on show at Botanique starting this week, is the very first retrospective of the work of Belgian photographer Gilbert Fastenaekens, one of the country’s finest. Oscillating between the artistic and the documentary, he made a name for himself back in the 80s with his nocturnal images of urban landscapes, which paved the way for his poetic, mysterious and pared-down photographic practice focusing on the city, landscapes and its mutations.
Opening: Houston at Island
Thursday, 5 February, 18h00 Brussels
Island, the Brussels gallery which just moved to a new, beautiful space in Ixelles’ Rue du Mail, had just blown us away with the mesmerizing exhibition of Belgian photographer Sébastien Bonin. Accordingly expectations are high for the new show opening this week, a group expo named Houston uniting works by seven different artists from Justine Bougerol and Sarah Caillard to Nicolas Bourthoumieux.
Desktop Performance at Superdeals
Friday, 6 February, 18h00 Brussels
Brussels alternative art space Superdeals organises artist residencies and exhibitions supporting young, emerging artists. This Friday you’re invited to an evening of performances featuring three Austrian artists: David Peschka, Albert Mayr and Rene Stessl. Plus there’ll be a party afterwards around the corner, together with De La Charge, another leading Belgian off-space.
Concert: Recorders at Botanique
Saturday, 7 February, 19h30 Brussels
After the launch of their excellent debut album “Above The Tide” this September, Belgian five-piece Recorders will take over Botanique’s Rotonde this Saturday with their dancy, ethereal, atmospheric signature mix of indie, rock, electro and post-pop. Daily Le Soir described the first Belgian release by American label Caroline as “a real success” and we agree. They’ll be supported by Parisian outfit Birdy Hunt.
Exhibition: Marco Tirelli at Axel Vervoordt
Runs until 21 February Antwerp
Antwerp’s Axel Vervoordt gallery currently presents a fascinating solo show of genre-crossing Italian artist Marco Tirelli. His large-scale paintings, drawings, sculptures and installations meandering between illusions and reality explore what lies beyond, focusing on aesthetic contemplation and the mysterious and enigmatic sense of things. The poetic, eclectic and sensual work of the Rome-based artist has been shown at the Venice Biennal and in galleries around the globe.
Night out: Recorders after party at Epaulé Jeté
Saturday, 7 February, 22h00 Brussels
Remember Brussels’ legendary Indie Club nights at The Wood? If you miss dancing to the sounds of The Smiths, Kaiser Chiefs, The Beatles, and all the other great rockers just like we do, then join us at the party following the Botanique gig of Belgian band Recorders this Saturday. Behind the decks you’ll find the guys from Recorders plus the lads behind the Indie Club concept. Entrance is free!
Exhibition: Florian Roithmayr at MOT International
Runs until 7 March Brussels
“Service” is the very first solo exhibition of German, London-based artist Florian Roithmayr on Belgian ground, on show until March at MOT International’s Brussels branch. In the past he’s expressed great interest in popular culture and everyday environments, dedicating a body of work to Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Mansion, for instance. “Service” is fed by his prolonged, secluded stays in the car alteration industry, on excavation sites in the Sudanese desert, and as an apprentice in concrete restoration, including his recent series “The Attendants” which explores, among other things, the notion of acting and generating without understanding.
Opening: Where are you going? Where have you been? at Villa Olmen
Sunday, 8 February, 14h00 Wieze
“Where are you going? Where have you been?” brings together the works of three Belgian artists. While photographer Sarah Eechaut draws you in with her powerful yet intimate portraits and captivating, deserted landscape photographs, Tessa De Ceuninck works with collages and found objects. Last but not least Don Verboven tells stories by combining contemporary installations with medieval sculptures and other objects. Definitely worth a trip to Wieze.
Cover photo Miles Fischler