Things to do in Belgium: Exhibitions and digital parties in Mons, Brussels, and Liège. See you there!
Opening: Samuel Jablon at Ballon Rouge Collective
Thursday, 15 April Brussels
Curator collective Ballon Rouge, whose permanent space is located in Brussels while putting on exhibitions all over the world, currently presents the first solo show in Belgium by American poet and artist Samuel Jablon. The Brooklyn-based artist works on the intersection of painting and poetry, exploring the possibilities of connection of the two genres. We hope you have a good time at “Bad Time”, on view until 29 May.
Last chance: 2 Pop Art Heavyweights
Closes Sunday, 18 April Mons and Liège
Belgian art lovers have the opportunity for an exceptional art historic journey: if you want to learn more about Pop Art, now is the time. Two major pioneers of the genre are currently on view in Belgium: Roy Lichtenstein, celebrated for his dot paintings and prints inspired by comic-strip scenes, at Mons’s BAM, and pop culture icon Andy Warhol, considered one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, at Liège’s La Boverie. Book your tickets, it’s the last weekend!
Opening: Sayre Gomez at Xavier Hufkens
Thursday, 15 April Brussels
In his fascinating practice, Chicago-born artist Sayre Gomez examines the relationship between our everyday surroundings and digital culture, reality and manipulated images. He dubs his semi-fictionalised and photorealistic paintings “X-scapes”, which are largely inspired by the urban landscape of Los Angeles while using a wide range of techniques from trompe l’oeil and airbrushing to stencilling and those used to paint Hollywood sets. On view at Xavier Hufkens until 15 May.
Digital party: Silenceless & Kollectif Bunker at KulturA.
Friday, 16 April Liège
Every Friday eve, Liège music venue KulturA. gives a digital carte blanche to DJs who normally make the indoor dancefloor shake. An online alternative for lockdown times, this 8th edition welcomes Silenceless and Kollectif Bunker behind the turntables. Join the party here.
Last Chance: The Light House at Villa Empain
Closes Sunday, 18 April Brussels
This one’s an absolute must-see. “The Light House”, a largely immersive exhibition, brings together 21 major contemporary artists who all present works falling in the realm of light art. It’s a sensual, colorful experience that is most rewarding after the sun begins to set. The captivating show includes pieces by celebrated light artists such as James Turrell, but also those who normally focus on other genres, such as Thomas Schütte. By the way, the exhibition extends into the street, where visitors are guided by street lights turned blue. With works by Mona Hatoum, Ann Veronica Janssens, Nadia Kaabi-Linke, Kimsooja, Joseph Kosuth, and many others. Hurry up, closing this weekend!