Things to do in Belgium from Japanese photography in Brussels to record markets in Ghent. See you there!
Photography: Rinko Kawauchi at Meessen
Runs until 26 April Brussels
Japanese photographer Rinko Kawauchi’s M/E (Mother Earth / me) at Meessen gallery delves into the connections between self, nature, and the universe. Known for her dreamlike imagery, she captures the quiet poetry of existence – this time through the vast landscapes of Iceland. Glaciers and magma become symbols of life’s cycles, with a standout moment inside a volcano that made her feel, for the first time, “truly on a planet”. A must for photography lovers and those drawn to nature in all its rawness.
Release party: ECHT! at Ancienne Belgique
Thursday, 20 March, 19h00 Brussels
After “Sink-Along” in 2023, Belgian band ECHT! are back with a new record: “Boilerism”, which pushes beyond their signature sound (a blend of hip-hop, jazz, and electronic influences) into faster tempos and new territories such as acid, drum’n’bass, footwork, and UK garage. “This one was a real challenge to release, but it also marks a clear statement in our musical journey, diving into club culture like never before,” they said on the occasion of the release. You can see for yourself this Thursday at Ancienne Belgique, when they will bring their usual live energy to the stage.
Exhibition: Javier Pérez at Keteleer Gallery
Runs until 3 May Antwerp
In this exhibition at Antwerp’s Keteleer Gallery, Spanish artist Javier Pérez explores the interconnected realms of life and death through a series of sculptures and drawings. They reflect on the transience of life, referencing, for example, the philosophical concept of the rhizome: a root mass with no beginning or end, which does not follow a fixed direction and exists only in the moment of change. Pérez’s work invites viewers to contemplate life’s fragility and constant state of transformation.
Crate-digging: Ghent Reggae Record Market
Sunday, 23 March, 12-20h00 Ghent
What started as a small idea is now fully taking shape: Grassroots & Creativ Dubs present the very first edition of the Ghent Reggae Record Market, which is about more than just buying and selling: its makers want to create a space for connection through music, the stories it tells, its history, and its messages. Besides crate-digging (Reggae Shack Belgium, I-Topia,…) there’ll also be drinks, food, and, of course, music.
Music: Brosella Spring Festival at La Vallée
From 20 to 22 March Brussels
Founded in 1977, Brosella is a festival that celebrates urban, ethno, and jazz music. While the main event won’t take place until July at the open-air theatre in Osseghem Park, the Brosella Spring Festival at La Vallée offers an early taste of what’s to come. In an intimate setting with limited capacity, two indoor stages will host 10 bands giving you a glimpse of Brussels and Belgium’s vibrant jazz and contemporary music scene.
