Things to do in Louvain-la-Neuve, Ghent, Brussels and Machelen, from photography retrospectives to dance festivals. See you there!
Opening: Martin Parr at Hangar
Opens Friday, 17 September Brussels
Over several decades, British Magnum photographer Martin Parr has been capturing the banalities of our daily lives on film with both affection and a satirical eye. His ability to present the familiar in an unexpected, fresh and often humorous way has made him one of the most celebrated photographers of our time who is particularly interested in cultural clichés. With “Parrathon”, Brussels’ Hangar puts on the first Parr retrospective on Belgian ground, featuring more than 400 photographs. Not to miss!
Art festival: Magma Triennale 10
Opens Thursday, 16 September Louvain-la-Neuve
Louvain-la-Neuve, predominantly known as a student city as well as for its unique architectural history, is not a place one instinctively associates with contemporary art. But, over the next few months, until 28 November to be precise, the Walloon town plays host to the 10th edition of the Magma Triennale, an art festival taking place in different spots throughout the city (Centre culturel à Ottignies, Musée L, Parking des Sciences) including offshoots in Brussels and Paris. The overarching theme is “For a fluid identity”, touching upon issues such as the fluidness of social relationships and life paths while raising the question if fluidity could serve as a concept to soften polarities between genders, individuals, movement and stagnation, … With works by Lara Gasparotto, Naomi Lilith Quashie, Pélagie Gbaguidi, David de Tscharner, and many many others.
Art fair: Art on Paper at Bozar
From 15 to 19 September Brussels
For the sixth time, Art on Paper takes over Bozar for a fair that is entirely dedicated to contemporary drawing. Over the course of five days, visitors can discover the genre in all its manifold forms. A few highlights you shouldn’t miss: Pao Hui Kao and Éva Le Roi, presented by Spazio Nobile, Stanislaus Lahaut at Dauwens & Beernaert, Tessa Perutz at Baronian Xippas, as well as German painting greats Georg Baselitz and Jörg Immendorf at Cologne gallery Michael Werner.
Dance festival: KAPLA at Wolftech
Thursday, 18 September Machelen
“Pragmatic architecture, eclectic music and new wave finger food” – that’s how its organizers describe this brand new dance festival going down this week. The line-up ranges from Le Motel and Kayu to Luie Louis and Mika Mayonnaise.
Film: Chantal Akerman at Cinematek Flagey
Friday, 17 September Brussels
This Friday, Brussels’ Cinematek shows one of the major works by iconic Belgian filmmaker Chantal Akerman. “Golden Eighties” was shot in the Toison d’Or shopping arcades, examining themes such as feminism, consumerism and Jewish identity through the lens of a shopping mall.