Exhibitions, film screenings, food festivals, plantswaps and more – see you there!
Opening: Cirque de Mafate at Super Dakota
Thursday, 28 May, 18-21h00 Brussels
After having been mesmerized by Belgian photographer Sébastien Bonin’s excellent solo show at Island, we can’t wait to see what he has in store for us at Super Dakota, where he will exhibit a selection of new works together with French but Brussels-based artist and musician Brice Guilbert. The opening also marks the launch of their book “Cirque de Malfate”, published by the lovely Théophile’s Papers.
Film: Cineclub at Daarkom
Thursday, 28 May, 19h00 Brussels
A number of members of DocStories, an international collective of independent documentary filmmakers, have recently started to run an informal Cineclub celebrating their love of cinema. In collaboration with Brussels’ Daarkom, which hosts an incredibly beautiful screening hall, they organize film nights once a month, focusing on the experimental and documentary. This Thursday there’s another edition taking place, and you’re invited to dive into a selection of short movies by Jan Svankmajer, John Smith and Bill Plympton, Errol Morris’ Gates of Heaven, an intriguing film about a pet cemetery, as well as new work by a member of the collective.
Munchies: Food festival at Kerk
From 28 to 31 May Ghent
Four days of bliss for foodies: At Ghent’s Kerk a great bunch of food trucks is setting up shop this week, giving you the yummy opportunity to eat yourself through different cultures and surprise your tastebuds. You’ll find everything from spicy Indian curries to quirky seaweed burgers. Also on the menu: music, DJs and activities for kids. The Belgian equivalent to London’s Dalston street fest or Berlin’s Markthalle!
Opening: Un-Scene III at Wiels
Friday, 29 May, 19h30 Brussels
The not-to-miss group exhibition “UnScene III” kicking of this Friday at Wiels offers a captivating glimpse into today’s diverse, slightly divided and ever-more international Belgian art scene and its emerging artists of the moment. The selection of artists ranging from Yuki Okumura and Leen Voet to Jean-Baptiste Bernadet and Stephanie Kiwitt perfectly reflects this intriguing diversity, bringing together different genres, generations and nationalities.
Closing drinks: Tyson Reeder at Office Baroque
Saturday, 30 May, 14-18h00 Brussels
New York’s Independent art fair recently has established a home in Brussels including a massive exhibition space in Rue de la Régence, with plans on hosting a first edition of the fair on Belgian grounds in 2016. More proof that the Belgian art scene is booming! Part of the Independent project at Régence is a newly launched residency programme, and American artist Tyson Reeder is its first participant. You can still discover his fascinating works until this Saturday at Brussels’ Office Baroque gallery, when the show closes with drinks and music selected by the artist himself.
Night out: Kunstenfestivaldesarts closing party at Auguste Orts Street
Saturday, 30 May, 19h00 Brussels
If you’ve always dreamed of dancing through the city streets in a cloud of golden glitter, now is the time. The closing party of art festival Kunstenfestivaldesarts which has been energizing Brussels with a multitude of art happenings in the last weeks invites you to do just that. There’ll also be Icecream by Comus & Gasterea, a special festival cocktail, and music by dj NiXiE. Plus, the party continues afterwards at the Beursschouwburg.
Art auction: TL Collectief at Gouvernement
Sunday, 31 May, 13h-22h00 Ghent
Michael Descendre
Art auctions usually are rather fancy, stiff and traditional affairs. But Belgian TL Collectief now invites you to discover their alternative, unpretentious and fun take on the olden concept; mixing it up with food and Pecha Kucha presentations by the artists in a laid-back atmosphere. The participating artists, mainly at the beginning of their careers, cover all genres from photography and painting to graphic design and sculpture. You can even bid on a band and win a concert in your living room! With Stephanie Van De Velde, Ellen De Vos, Preben Van Der Straete, and many others.
Greenery: Seeds at La Tricoterie
Sunday, 31 May, 14h00 Brussels
If you’ve missed Seeds’ inaugural event at FÖR, you now have another chance to get to know this lovely, newly founded “Community for greenery” encouraging discovery, exploration and creation around the world of plants this Sunday. They’re taking over Brussels’ La Tricoterie this weekend with another plant-swapping project and the lovely “Wishful Garden”, a collaborative planting concept inviting you to plant the seeds of your choosing. Kid-friendly!
Cover photo Margaux Nieto