Art in Brussels, dance in Charleroi, openings in Ghent, and more. See you there!

Exhibition: Lighght at Super Dakota

Runs until 17 October Brussels

“Lighght”, that’s not only the name of Super Dakota’s current group expo, but also the title of the controversial one-word-poem by minimalist American writer Aram Saroyan. The fascinating exhibition, which explores the manifold relationships between space, the viewer, and the artworks, features for instance Bruce Nauman’s video “Wall/Floor Positions”, part of a performance series from the 60s, and a mural by Alex Clarke.

Dance festival: Charleroi Danses

Runs until 18 October Charleroi

Charleroi Danse is an annual festival dedicated to Belgian and international contemporary dance. This year it’s not only taking place in five locations all over Charleroi (including the brand new Ecuries), but also in Mons and Brussels. A great opportunity to discover different dance movements from here and abroad, including young Belgian choreographer Louise Vanneste’s “Gone in a heartbeat” or Jonathan Schatz’s “Elephant Rock”, based on his research about ritual and trance.

Music: The Secret Sessions at Vk

Thursday, 8 October Brussels

“The Secret Sessions” is a musical project committed to promoting creative exchange, bringing together musicians from different bands and genres. For three days they all write and record songs together, which are then presented to the public with a concert. This edition unites members from a number of Belgian bands, including Recorders, The Sunday Charmers, The Girl who Cried Wolf, and more. Check out the result of their collaboration this Thursday at Vk.

Concert: Born Ruffians at Belvedere

Friday, 9 October Brussels

Canadian band Born Ruffians is back with a brand new record, “RUFF”. With their fourth full-length album the four-piece does not reinvent themselves, but rather continue what they do so well: catchy, carefree, scruffy indie pop rock. This week you can catch them live on stage not only this Friday at Namur’s Belvedere, but also at Botanique in Brussels on Sunday.

Gallery launch: Deborah Bowmann

Friday, 9 October Brussels

With the exhibition “Everything you need to bring bathrooms to a shine”, gallery project Deborah Bowmann inaugurates its new space in Brussels right next to Porte de Hal after six months in Amsterdam. Deborah Bowmann operates at the intersection of art and branding, challenging the current state of the art market and toying with notions of commodity and commerce. “We like to question the value system of conventional economy…it’s a thin line between performance and branding”, the founders recently said in an interview.

Gallery move: Marion de Cannière and Geukens & De Vil

Saturday, 10 October Antwerp

Two major Antwerp galleries, Marion de Cannière and Geukens & De Vil, are moving shop and opening up new spaces at Antwerp’s Leopoldplaats, both in the same building. This Saturday you can check out their inaugural exhibitions while having a drink and munch on French fries. At the same time it’s the first edition of brand new art even “Leopold Sunday”, highlighting all galleries and exhibitions in the neighbourhood.

Opening: The Bottom Line at SMAK

Friday, 9 October Ghent

SMAK‘s “The Bottom Line” shines a light on the current state of drawing in contemporary art by exhibiting the works of about 50 homegrown and international artists. The group expo gives an extensive, extremely interesting overview of the many shapes and forms drawing can take, showcasing the figurative and the abstract, small and large works, quick sketches as well as long-time projects, and even in situ works. Featuring Turner Prize nominee Tacita Dean, Belgian painting star Michael Borremans, Adel Abdessemend, and many others.

Electronic arts festival at Bozar

From 8 to 11 October Brussels

Bozar’s Electronic arts festival dedicates three days to digital arts and culture, offering a wide-ranging program including electronic music, installations, artistic performances, screenings, workshops, and talks. You can find the full agenda here.

Duo expo: Imagine at Cecilia Jaime Gallery

Until 31 October Ghent

Argentinian-born Cecilia Jaime is not only the owner of one of Ghent’s best galleries, but also an artist herself. With “Imagine”, she puts on an extremely personal duo show, presenting works of her own as well as of her partner, Luc Rogiest. Making use of different genres from installation and painting to video work and photography, Cecilia mixes life experiences, memories and environmental changes into her creations, while Luc mainly focuses on sculptures referring to existing and imaginary architecture, blending reality and fantasy.

Cover photo Ulrike Biets