Things to do in Belgium this week from exhibitions, online performances and concert streams to open air shows and art to go: we try to soak up culture any way we can these days. See you there, in person or in the world wide web.

Exhibition: Vivian Suter at Gladstone

Runs until 30 April Brussels

“Wolf’s Hour” is the first exhibition of Argentine-Swiss artist Vivian Suter on Belgian grounds. For several decades now she’s been living quite secluded in the Guatemalan rain forest, organically incorporating rain fall, dog footprints and dirt caused by mudslides into her practice. The Guardian recently published this fascinating profile on Suter. The show at Gladstone gallery unites mixed media paintings spanning over more than thirty years of the artist’s career. An absolute must-see.

Music: Black History Month – Badi + April Maey at Ancienne Belgique online

Wednesday, 17 March, 20h00 Brussels

On the occasion of Belgian Black History Month, concert venue Ancienne Belgique is hosting several live gigs which will all be streamed through its Facebook page. The idea: to shine a light on promising local black artists, such as April Maey and Badi this Wednesday. While R&B singer Maey captivates with a dreamy voice and mellow beats, finding inspiration in stories, films and nature, Badi combines energetic dance tunes and rap, touching upon love, resistance, disappointment, and his quest for identity. More here.

Performance: Born in the wrong place, at the wrong time, in the wrong body? at Bozar online

Friday, 19 March, 20h00 Brussels

Dancers from Cameroon, Japan, France, Belgium, Mozambique, Argentina and Togo come together on stage at Bozar this Friday for this fascinating, intercultural performance based on the eponymous book by Cameroonian choreographer, dancer and singer Ebale Zam Martino. A plea for the respect of difference and the right to live in dignity, it is inspired by the Cameroon ritual of Mengan, a song and dance practiced by people affected by leprosy in order to transcend their pain,

Open air exhibition: La Cambre open doors at Jardins de l’Abbaye de La Cambre

From 19 to 21 March Brussels

Every year, renowned Brussels art school La Cambre opens its doors to the public to introduce itself to future students and art lovers of all kinds. With large indoor gatherings forbidden due to the ongoing pandemic, La Cambre decided to turn the concept inside-out: They’re leaving the walls of the school to meet the public in the beautiful gardens surrounding the former monastery, staging a gigantic outdoor exhibition showcasing everything from sculpture to textile design.

Coffee, cake and art: Alice van Innis at Beursschouwburg

Friday, 19 Marc Brussels

You want your cake and eat it too? Then head to Beursschouwburg this Friday, get yourself a delicious slice and a steaming cup of coffee to go, and at the same time discover the screen print atelier of artist Alice van Innis: watch her work or take home a new t-shirt to lounge in during these party-free weekends.

Opening: Sam Durant at CC Strombeek

Friday, 19 March Grimbergen

American multimedia artist Sam Durant focuses on subjects related to American history, culture, and politics. In his socially engaged works, he has dealt with issues such as student riots or the historic conflict between Native Americans and settlers, among many others. The core of Durant’s exhibition at CC Strombeek in Grimbergen  is his interactive installation Proposal for Non-Aligned Monuments, Free Movement, which is dedicated to the Non-Aligned Movement founded in 1961 by mainly developing countries not part of the two major Cold War power blocs at the time as a counterpart to colonialism and imperialism. “This project brings forward the concept of free movement at a time when Europe is struggling with migration from its former colonies due to war, economic deprivation and climate change. It also makes visible a twentieth century socio-political idea for international cooperation”, says the artist himself.

Cover photo Miles Fischler