Exhibitions in Brussels, a street art festival in Ostend, indie rock in Ghent, photography in Antwerp, and more.
Exhibition: Bernard Frize at Galerie Micheline Szwajcer
Until 16 April Brussels
Galerie Micheline Szwajcer currently presents a mesmerizing series of abstract paintings by French-born artist Bernard Frize, who lives between Paris and Berlin. The works on show were all created last year, revealing an approach that is process-oriented and sensual all at the same time. Frize’s practice incorporates references to abstract expressionism, minimalism and color field painting while always putting a heavy emphasis on the painting process as such.
Art festival: The Crystal Ship
Vernissage on Sunday, 13h00 Ostend
It’s time to take a trip to the seaside, and not only because Spring’s first sunrays are emerging. Starting this week “The Crystal Ship” is invading Ostend for an enormous street art festival featuring more than 25 artists from Belgium and abroad. Making the city their canvas, they’ve been creating an artistic trail throughout town since the end of March, offering everything from gigantic murals to surprising art installations. Until 9 April you can watch the artists work and on 11 April there’s a huge outdoor vernissage on the Achturenplein. And no problem if you can’t make it: most creations will remain on view for the next two years! With Disorderline, Robert Montgomery, Zio Ziegler, Cyrcle, and many others. Have a look at the full programme here.
Concert I: Born Ruffians at A210
Wednesday, 6 April Brussels
Canadian band Born Ruffians is back with a brand new record, “RUFF”. With their fourth full-length album the four-piece does not reinvent themselves, but rather continue what they do so well: catchy, carefree, scruffy indie pop rock. This week you can catch them live on stage at Brussels’ A210, supported by London-based Cristobal and the Sea.
Night out: Boiler Room with Lefto
Thursday, 7 April Brussels
Founded in 2010, Boiler Room nights are famous for their intimate settings, high-quality line-ups and of course the fact that the whole shebang is filmed and streamed live on the internet. What started in a little room of an empty East London warehouse has grown into a hugely successful global brand. And this week the legendary party series is coming to Belgium for a night out you definitely should not miss: not only is the line-up selected by Belgian DJ star Lefto, but the party will also take place “inside one of Belgium’s most important cultural landmarks”…we are intrigued! Apply here for an invitation.
Photography: Rickshawworld at Hypermobiel
Opens Friday, 8 April Antwerp
A little while ago Belgian-born photography talent Vincent Tillieux travelled through India to aim his lens at rickshaw drivers of all kinds, resulting in a fascinating series of powerful portraits that is both authentic and beautiful while drawing attention to the dying profession of motorless rickshaw operators. The exhibition takes place in one of Antwerp’s new hotspots, Hypermobiel, which features a bar and a super cool Berlin-style courtyard.
Last days: Christian Vetter and Raffaella Crispino at Super Dakota
Until Saturday, 9 April Brussels
This week is your last chance to discover two parallel solo exhibitions at Super Dakota. While Swiss-born Christian Vetter’s “Ecology of painting” mainly deals with the painting process as well as our perception of painting and what it really is, “Tokyo – San Francisco” unites works by Italian artist Rafaella Crispino, who investigates the nature of time, geography, and place.
Birthday bash: Hindu Nights turn 10 at Vooruit
Saturday, 9 April Ghent
Hard to believe that it’s already been ten years since indie party Hindu Nights first started out in the Make Up Club back in 2006, when indie rock was on the top of his game. NME’s top 50 albums list of the party’s founding year reveals just that: Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, Kasabian, The Killers, … Although it’s become hard these days for indie parties, especially in Belgium, Hindu Nights have managed to stay around, which we’re extremely happy about. So, happy birthday & rock on! Join the birthday celebrations here.
Concert II: Xiu Xiu plays Twin Peaks at Cactus
Saturday, 9 April Bruges
With the recent announcement of a long-awaited third season, David Lynch’s cult series “Twin Peaks” has undergone quite a revival lately. The perfect moment then for American experimental outfit Xiu Xiu to cover the iconic soundtrack of the murder mystery. After releasing the cover album “Xiu Xiu plays the music of Twin Peaks”, the group known for unconventional mixtures of synth pop, black noise and avant rock now brings the project to the stage, for example at Bruges’ Cactus this weekend.
Music: For the Record 2016 at Trix
Sunday, 10 April, 10h00 Antwerp
Listen up music nerds: this Sunday Antwerp concert venue Trix once again opens its doors for the fourth edition of its annual record fair. Numerous Belgian musicians, collectors and labels will be there for some serious crate-digging. And it’s all for free!
