If you happen to be in Vienna in the coming months and looking for an interesting exhibition, you will have the opportunity to see the „Brussels-Vienna Impressions“ by Andrea Morass-Maraszto. The expo takes place at „Erlebnis Europa” in Vienna, the newly opened visitor center of the European Parliament in Vienna.
When you think of Brussels, you probably think of the EU! A place where political decisions are made, deals are made and lobbyists in grey suits scurry through the corridors of the EU institutions. Those who have already been to Brussels have also explored the Grand Place, Manneken Pis and perhaps Sablon area and have probably tried mussels and waffles.
But how does it feel as an Austrian to be based in Brussels for a longer period of time? Vienna and Brussels are completely different cities, both in terms of architectural style and history, and yet – it’s human nature to want to make comparisons. These are some of Andrea’s observations:
My pictures follow impressions of everyday life: the daily traffic jam on the Rue de la Loi towards the EU institutions with the graffiti ‘the Future is Europe’ and in comparison: the Schottentor Vienna, for me always a central subway and tram station to the university and the city center. Where does Brussels look the most urban? I don’t choose the Grand Place but the Place De Broukère with the legendary Café Metropole, the ‘mini Times Square’ so to speak.
Brussels is beautiful in spring – so the pictures include the cherry blossoms in the Schaerbeek district. Did you know that the sky in Brussels on summer evenings is actually as eternally blue as Magritte painted it? That makes the summer evening, which in Belgium doesn’t get dark until 11 p.m., very special, but on the other hand you miss the possibility of swimming during the day, which in Vienna is great for refreshing yourself near the center.
Further pictures from this cycle, not all of which can be exhibited: What do residential areas in Brussels look like? What does a typical street in Brussels look like compared to one that I like in Vienna – here in the first district, around the corner from Cafe Prückel? How are houses in Brussels designed inside? They are often laid out as ‘trois pieces enfilade’ – three rooms nested one behind the other – the middle room of which has no window; next to it is a typical Viennese old building apartment, with double doors and herringbone parquet, etc.
Discover 11 digital drawings displaying these two very different cities will be shown. Get more info here or read our story about Andrea Morass-Maraszto.
From October 13 to December 15 – free entrance.
