Culture beat – November 7

The legacy of Brussels sculptor Jacques Moeschal remains a dynamic presence in his home city and sites further afield. Monumental structures of concrete and steel soar above motorways (the interchange of the E40 and Brussels ring; the Franco-Belgian border between Mons and Valenciennes), the middle of the Porte de Namur roundabout, and less urban settings in the deserts of Mexico and Israel. An exhibition of Moeschal’s sculpture is running at auction house Cornette de Saint Cyr from Friday until Tuesday, November 11, part of a month-long programme of Belgian art. Other upcoming events are a sale of Belgian Art & Design on November 18 (including painters Armand Rassenfosse, Georges Lemmen, Jo Delahaut, furniture designers Gustave Serrurier-Bovy and Jules Wabbes as well as sculpture by Moeschal), and an exhibition of contemporary art from November 27 to 30, with a sale on November 30. Cornette de Saint Cyr is the Belgian wing of a French auction house, located in a hôtel de maître, close to Avenue Louise.

Belgian singer songwriter Roman makes a rare live appearance as the guest of Brussels Rhythm and Blues Club at Sounds Jazz Club on Saturday at 21.00. The francophone singer songwriter boasts a captivating voice. He is joined by BRBC house band Eric Moens’ Jive. Tickets €10 and Italian food available.

Chicago-born, award-winning author, journalist and playwright Bonnie Greer presents her memoir A Parallel Life at Waterstones on Sunday at 15.00. For the past 25 years Greer has worked and lived in London where she has served on the boards of the Royal Opera House and the London Film School. Greer’s memoir of her life from early childhood in Chicago to her arrival in New York in the early 1980s is the “story of a journey deliberately and bravely taken against all expectations,” according to The Independent. Greer was awarded an OBE for services to the arts in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2010.

Bozar hosts the premiere of The Salt of the Earth, a documentary about renowned Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado on Sunday at 19.00. Signed by the subject’s son Juliano Ribeiro Salgado and Wim Wenders, it is a fascinating portrait of one of the world’s most widely-respected photojournalists. Salgado has reported from his homeland and some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones; many of his projects have been published as books. His present work is a tribute to the natural beauty of the planet. The film is screened in its original version (Portuguese and English with French and Dutch subtitles). La Libre’s Jean-Marc Bodson will introduce the evening.

From analysis of big data to a discussion on national identity, Brussels club Full Circle explores subjects that matter in two events this month: each includes a reception followed by a Talking Heads dinner. Sean Gourley presents Big data for strategic decision-making on November 17. The physicist is a political advisor, TED fellow, and co-founder of the Silicon Valley data analytics software company Quid. The impact of the recent Scottish referendum and the debate on national identity in the UK and EU is the hot topic on November 27. Professor Linda Colley, author of Acts of Union, Acts of Disunion, leads the debate. The early evening discussions with drinks are free for Full Circle members, €10 for non-members. You can free pay on the door but registration is necessary. For the dinner, the member’s rate is €55, non-members €75. Full Circle is a Brussels-based networking group for creative and forward thinking professionals, interested in exploring and acting on new ideas.

Outside Brussels

Antica Namur is one of Belgium’s finest antique fairs. For the 38th edition from November 8 to 16, more than 155 antique dealers from Belgium and abroad come together to present a show of stunning interiors. With gastronomy this year’s theme, the fair promises to be even more tempting. TV chef Gerald Watelet has designed the menu at the fair’s restaurant as well as a special stand on the topic. Gastronomy will be explored in art (painting, etchings, collectibles and table art), furniture, porcelain, glass and silverware, and textiles. The city of Namur is presenting a selection of exceptional pieces from the its museum collections and conferences and themed tours provide additional entertainment for visitors. Major Belgian, French, Dutch, English and German houses will be present, including a number of young dealers. At Namur Expo; entrance €20 (€15 if bought online).