Exhibitions in Brussels, a pop-up store in Antwerp, a magazine launch in Hasselt, a label night in Leuven, and more. See you there!

Exhibition: Armand Jalut at Michel Rein

Runs until 5 December Brussels

Michel Rein’s Brussels branch currently presents recent paintings by French artist Armand Jalut, a show you definitely shouldn’t miss. Jalut’s colorful, figurative and surreal paintings, which also expand on the gallery walls and a carpet, are heavily inspired by popular culture and his travels to Los Angeles, notably the omnipresent American Apparel billboards. The recurrent motif of industrial machines, a reference to his visit of the sweatshop free American Apparel factory, is juxtaposed with oranges or grapefruits, creating a strange mix revoking a certain erotisation of the city.

Shopping I: Wish list evening at Vanessa Aerts

Wednesday, 25 November Brussels

Christmas is almost around the corner, and if you are clueless about what to get for your loved ones, Vanessa Aerts’ wish list evening is the perfect opportunity to kick off your gift shopping. In her lovely little shop right off Place Chatelain, the jewellery designer not only presents her own handmade creations but also a carefully curated selection of international creators, from Maryvonne Wellen and Studio MHL to Justine Clenquet and Studio Collect.

Last days: Saar De Buysere at Cecilia Jaime

Runs until 28 November Ghent

Under the title “We are still here”, Ghent’s Cecilia Jaime Gallery exhibits the mesmerizing sculptures and drawings of Belgian artist Saar De Buysere. Dreamy and nature-inspired, they show mountain views and landscapes, examining them as economic, touristic and geological phenomenons. While De Buysere integrates everyday objects such as sand, flowers, newspapers, coffee or salt into her sculptures, her drawings are made with graphic pencils and treated with a secret mattifying procedure.

Shopping II: Pop up store at Graanmarkt 13

Thursday, 26 November, 18h30-22h00 Antwerp

Antwerp’s Graanmarkt 13, a shop, gallery and restaurant all in one, expands its offerings even more this Thursday: Until 16 January Graanmarkt will host a pop up store featuring the gorgeous creations of Belgian designer Michael Verheyde, whose furniture pieces and objects skillfully combine purity with sensuality.

Art event: Ding magazine at Z33

Until 13 December Hasselt

Ding, a Belgian online magazine featuring artists from around the world, is now going offline with a series of art-related events, all hosted by Hasselt’s contemporary art center Z33. The core of it all is a multifaceted group exhibition under the title “The way we look at the other space”, featuring paintings, sculptures and performances by six different artists. The expo is accompanied by a Pecha Kucha night on cultural entrepreneurship with, among others, photographer Sarah Van Looy and architect Ruben Castro. Plus, there’s also a so-called art learn up afternoon on Saturday, a kind of professional speed dating, where See you there will be present too, by the way. You can sign up here!

Design: Integrated 2015 at De Singel

From 26 to 27 November Antwerp

For the fifth time already Antwerp’s St Lucas School of Arts hosts “Integrated 2015”, an international art and design event meant for everyone with a fascination for design. Conferences, talks, lectures and performances examine the relations between art, design and society, looking both forward and backwards. Participants come from all over Europe, including James Langdon, Olaf Breuning and Joost Grootens. Plus, don’t miss the official after party at Antwerp’s Ampere this Friday featuring a visual spectacle and music by Fijn Stof, Emillionaire, and others.

Group expo: Foreseen at Canal Wharf

Friday, 27 November< Brussels

Brussels exhibition project Foreseen is back with another fantastic group expo this Friday, this time taking over the city’s Canal Wharf. This time, it’s all about the space, inviting five artists from Belgium and the US to rethink their work in relation to the surroundings. Their practices cross very different genres from sculpture and performances to dance and choreography.

Night out: Tangram label night at Het Depot

Friday, 27 November, 21h00 Leuven

Leuven’s Tangram record label turns three this month, and you’re invited to a huge birthday bash in their hometown to celebrate! The line-up includes LTGL, Up High Collective and Sokoto, all Tangram protégés, but also a some of the label’s personal favorites, such as Kutmah, a veteran of L.A.’s beat scene, and Belgian turntable star Lefto. A night full of beats, hip hop, electronica, jazz, funk, and more. Happy Birthday!

Opening: You(th) be alright at Do Not Open Gallery

Saturday, 28 November, 18h30 Brussels

If you are into music, photography, or both, chances are high you’ve already heard of Tina Herbots, who has made a bit of a name for herself with her captivating concert shots. In this exhibition at Brussels’ Do Not Open Gallery, she presents a different aspect of her work, a compelling selection of images taken in Jamaica, the island of her family roots.

Cover photo Miles Fischler