Lots of things to do in Belgium this week from exhibitions and design markets to nights out and bar launches in Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp. See you there!

New kid on the block: Robinet

Opens Thursday, 21 March, 18h00 Brussels

This week sees the grand opening of Robinet (tap in English)  in Brussels’ Porte de Hal area. The taps will be open from Thursday evening onwards, offering everything from coffee and fresh drinks (we can’t wait to taste the homemade Kombucha) to lunch, brunch and snacks.

Opening: Lawrence Weiner and Adel Abdessemed at Dvir Gallery

Thursday, 21 March, 18-21h00 Brussels

“Un coeur simple” (“A simple heart”) is the title of Dvir Gallery‘s new duo show featuring works by French-Algerian artist Adel Abdessemed (48) and the great Lawrence Weiner (77). One of Abdessemed’s signature works is “Grand Canyon” (2008), which consisted of the artist hanging on a precipice over the canyon’s abyss, who then carved the single word “DEATH” into the underside of the boulder from which he was hanging. This tendency to work with language fits well with Weiner’s oeuvre, whose celebrated text works appear on walls and windows of galleries and public spaces, as spoken word in audio recordings and video, printed books and posters, cast or carved objects. Weiner was a central figure in the formation of conceptual art in the 60s and a trailblazer when it comes to presenting art as language. Not to miss!

Opening: Deadly Affairs at Extra City

Friday, 22 March, 19-00h00 Antwerp

Who says art can’t be political? “Deadly Affairs”, opening at Antwerp’s Extra City Kunsthal addresses pressing issues of today such as environmental injustice, human impact on our planet in general, and the excessive and expanding modes of extraction, production, and disposal necessary to support the economic growth inherent to the modern, and particularly Western, societies. Heavy subjects indeed, but nonetheless you’re invited to dance to the sounds of DJ Jan Matthé (Risiko Press)  from 21h00 onwards. The timely exhibition features works by Boris Anje, Daniel Lambo, Franziska Pierwoss, Neda Saeedi, and many others.

Night out: Lost in Nightlife – This is Disco at De Studio

Saturday, 23 March Antwerp

“Lost in Nightlife” nights provide more than just a dancefloor. Accordingly, the “This is Disco” edition at De Studio this Saturday not only features a party but also the screening of the documentary “Studio 54” which tells the fascinating story of the New York nightclub defining an era. Also on the program: talks about the musical genre moderated by How I Work. More here for those who like to dive deep into club culture.

Talent watch: At Random at Royal Academy of Fine Arts

Until 22 March Antwerp

If you want to check out what the painting students at Antwerp’s prestigious Royal Academy of Arts have been up to, “At Random” is for you. The group show taking over De Lange Zaal showcases what the artists of tomorrow have been working on over the last months.

Market: Brussels Design Market at Tour & Taxis

From 23 to 24 March Brussels

Looks like perfect timing: while Brussels is still buzzing on last weekend’s design fair Collectible, the Brussels Design Market is getting ready for another edition at Tour & Taxis this weekend. A simple flea market at the beginning, it has evolved into one of the major European events dedicated to 20th century vintage design. Twice a year, in March and in September, Brussels Design Market welcomes around 100 international exhibitors and thousands of visitors. Expect beautiful creations by Knoll, Eames, Pesce and the likes.

Anniversary exhibition: 20 years of SMAK

From 16 March to 29 September Ghent

SMAK‘s anniversary show, “The Collection (I): Highlights for a Future”, includes more than 200 artworks from the museum’s vast collection. It’s a juxtaposition of well-known classics, newer works as well as recent additions, not only looking back but also looking into the future. A massive exhibition stretching throughout the whole building featuring works by John Baldessari, Francis Alÿs, Harold Ancart, Carl Andre, Francis Bacon, Gerhard Richter, and so many others.

Closing drinks: Michael Pybus at Tatjana Pieters

Sunday, 24 March Ghent

Michael Pybus‘ exhibition “Reality Apathy” at Tatjana Pieters tackles the great questions of our time, the way we live, and what impact the digital revolution has on society as a whole as well as each one of us. What is real, what is fake? What is an original, what is a copy? And how can we even keep the two apart in times of omnipresent filters and newsfeeds carefully tailored to our individual world views? If you haven’t seen this highly interesting and thought-provoking show yet, this week is your last chance to do so. It’s closing on Sunday.

Cover image Miles Fischler