Things to do in Liège, Brussels & Antwerp from art shows to afternoon parties. See you there!
Opening: Julien Meert at Sorry We’re Closed
Thursday, 19 January, 18-22h00 Brussels
“Planetarium”, on view at Sorry We’re Closed in Brussels’ picturesque Sablon neighbourhood, presents a new series of paintings by Belgian-born, Brussels-based artist Julien Meert. Known for switching back and forth between the (hyper)figurative and the radically disembodied, he, in his latest work, addresses the absurdity of human existence, dealing with metaphysical and existential questions.
Exhibition: Frank Van Hiel at Rossi Contemporary
Runs until 4 March Brussels
Belgian artist Frank Van Hiel, living and working in Ghent, can currently be discovered at Brussels’ Rossi Contemporary situated in the Rivoli gallery hub. Combining different paints within each work, from acrylic to graphite, his geometric abstractions create a dialogue between form and color. Bare frames, visible brushstrokes and pencil marks add a certain warm roughness to the cool subject matter of his paintings.
Exhibition: Michael Dans at Espace 251 Nord
From 13 to 28 January Liège
“Urubu” is an exhibition dedicated to the bird species of vultures, on view at Espace 251 Nord in Liège. Belgian artist Michael Dans, a trained painter, has been working on a series studying the multifaceted animals since 2021. Using metal points and pencils, the pieces possess an astonishing attention to detail. “I thought scavengers were malevolent profiteers, but if someone has these faults, he certainly cannot bear the name of this noble animal”, says the artist.
Art bash: Art’s birthday 2023 at M HKA
Tuesday, 17 January, 18h00 Antwerp
In 1963, French Fluxus artist Robert Filliou cheekily declared his own birthday, 17 January, as the official birthday of art. Since then, “Art’s birthday” has been celebrated all over the world. Antwerp’s M HKA joins the party with experimental performances, the inauguration of a new piece by Frederik Lizen, a birthday cake designed by Tinka Pittoors, a drum and draw session, a DJ set, and more. Find the full program here.
Daytime party: The way you move at Studio City Gate
Sunday, 22 January, 13-23h00 Brussels
“The way you move”, a Brussels-based party collective bringing together young artists with a true passion for collecting (dance) music, is back this Sunday with another afternoon edition at Studio City Gate. Behind the decks: Hypnotic grooves by Vlada, and more dancy tunes from Gurl and Pablo Driesmans in a space that aspires to safe from “any form of violence, discrimination, racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia.”