Skip to main content

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

Martin Parr, Magnum Photos

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.

Studio visits: HISK

From 17 to 20 September Ghent

Hadassa Ngamba in her HISK studio

Every year, reputed art school HISK invites art fans to discover what’s happening within its walls. This weekend, all 24 artists currently residing there will open their studios to the general public, giving interesting insights into their working methods and personal spaces, and of course what they have been working on. A fascinating glimpse behind the scenes and into the future of the art landscape.

Leave a Reply