Artsy April & May: Contemporary art scene in Brussels

Every year, from April to May, contemporary art takes centre stage. From the not-to-be-missed Art Brussels to the Wim Delvoye exhibition and not forgetting the Poppositions art fair, there’s no shortage of fairs and shows focused on Belgian and international artists.

Brussels has become a real hub for contemporary art and a fertile creative seedbed. Lots of international artists are being captivated by the city’s many beautiful spaces dedicated to art. Collectors from all over the world regularly visit the capital in search of that one piece of work or object that stands out from the rest.

Brussels artists at the Venice Biennale

On the occasion of the 58th Venice contemporary art Biennial, the Belgian Pavilion will be hosting the MONDO CANE project, proposed by the Brussels artists duo of Jos de Gruyter and Harald Thys, and the curator Anne-Claire Schmitz, director of La Loge art centre.

From 11 May to 24 November, MONDO CANE will be highlighting the human face. The centrepiece of the space will be occupied by craftsmen who, true to themselves, will be showing the results of their respective talents. The location will be further embellished by classic illustrations of nature and culture. On the fringes there will be a parallel world peopled by rogues, zombies, poets, psychotics, madmen and outsiders. While these two different worlds exist within the same space, they do not give the impression of mutual awareness. They do not come into contact. There’s a clear division between them. The pavilion seems to harken back to Europe, while offering a physical walk- through that’s close to a tourism or anthropological experience.

More info: www.belgianpavilion.be

Here’s a preview of the not to be missed fairs, exhibitions and events, which are taking place in Brussels over the coming weeks.

Fairs

Art Brussels

Art Brussels, one the best known and respected European art fairs, is announcing a cluster of stars who will be participants at its 37th edition. The fair confirms its international profile by bringing together 148 selected galleries from 32 countries.

It offers a unique opportunity to discover the wealth of the artistic and cultural scene of the European capital, as it draws a growing number of collectors, gallery owners, directors of institutions and art lovers from all over the world. Each year in the month of April, this fair welcomes around 25,000 visitors. In addition to the galleries selected, Art Brussels has launched a new INVITED section for 2019, made up of emerging galleries or art spaces that transcend the normal gallery format. This section supports the developing art market and is encouraging a new generation of young international galleries that have never previously taken part in Art Brussels.

Dates: From 25 to 28 April 2019
Venue: Tour and Taxis
More info: www.artbrussels.com

Wim Delvoye

A seminal figure on the Belgian artistic scene, Wim Delvoye is known for his humour and his taste for technological experimentation, and his rich and varied artistic output. The exhibition dedicated to him by the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium was devised in close collaboration with the artist. If offers an impressive overview of his work while placing the emphasis on his multidisciplinary aspect.

Dates: Until 21 July 2019
Venue: Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
More info: www.fine-arts-museum.be

You can consult the full list of events on Brussels Express.