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What’s on this week: 5-11 April

12:53 04/04/2019
Our top picks of cultural events and activities in and around Brussels

Sure, it’s worth grabbing a ticket to see some great horror, sci-fi or fantasy cinema, especially when the crowd is as enthusiastic as it is at the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival. But movies are only the half of it. A standout on the cinema circuit – and considering this country’s love of film festivals, that’s saying a lot – Bifff offers a film and fantasy market, a body painting competition, a vampire ball and a zombie run. Contrary to instincts, there’s also a special programme for your little monsters under age 13. Bifff is the kind of festival people look forward to for months; pop in to find out why. 9-29 April, Bozar, Rue Ravenstein 23

A trio of works by Belgian choreographers make up Hors Temps, and everyone is perfectly intriguing: One based on the controversial paintings by Balthus, another on the women in the shadows of the Trojan War and the third danced by a bird-like figure between two thin beams of light. Until 6 April, Les Brigittines, Petite Rue des Brigittines

The next Imagination Club workshop will speak to a lot of people: Creating a Wardrobe that Works. Designed for women, the workshop is offered by New York transplant Diane Salkiewicz, who understands your desire to look chic, be comfortable and feel confident all at the same time. (In English) 10 April 18.45-21.00, Timesmore, Boulevard St Michel 47 (Etterbeek)

Floralia in Groot-Bijgaarden

The castle of Groot-Bijgaarden is the setting for carpets of flowers that have emerged from one million bulbs, all planted by hand. At Floralia Brussels, pride of place goes to tulips, but hyacinths and daffodils are also among the most eye-catching of the 400 varieties. The castle’s greenhouse is home to more exotic plants and flowers, and a market lets you purchase your own pots and plants. This year, Floralia organisers are recognising Belgium’s Bruegel Year by hosting more than 20 prints of his most famous paintings. 6 April to 5 May, Isidoor Van Beverenstraat 5, Groot-Bijgaarden (Brussels periphery)

The immersive exhibition Flamboyant at the Villa Empain Art Deco mansion welcomes you into the home of a fictional collector from the 1930s. As Villa Empain was built in 1934, the rooms full of paintings, sculpture and furniture from the period reveal the way it would have looked at the time. Until 24 August, Avenue Franklin Roosevelt 67 (Ixelles)

Naturally you’re aware that 2019 is dedicated Pieter Bruegel the Elder, as he died 450 years ago this year. Bozar opened a couple of exhibitions in February, but the Bruegel Year really bursts forth this weekend, with the opening of the interactive experience Beyond Bruegel. The Renaissance meets technology as visitors are surrounded by screens that zoom into his paintings, giving you the feeling you’re immersed in the landscape. At the end, you enter into the super cool new restaurant and event locale Plein Publiek. That will stick around past the Bruegel attraction. 6 April to 31 January 2020, Palais de la Dynastie, Mont des Arts 5

Tip of the Tongue

A theatre performance and full-dome video made specifically for planetariums will be performed on the 11th of every a month at 20.11 (the dates and time are, as you may have guessed, meaningful). The Tip of the Tongue tells a story that brings in many elements of space travel and is good for the whole family. Languages alter, but this month it’s in English, with surtitles in French and Dutch. 11 April 20.11, Planetarium, Avenue de Bouchout 10

Belgian conceptual artist Sophie Whettnall creates installations that might have a message – namely relationships between binary forces, such as absence/presence, personal/universal, man/woman – but they are also just delightful to look at. Giant studded panels dangle from the ceiling, shiny squares hang like a beaded curtain, sculptures seem to have a light within. Until 4 August, Centrale, Place Sainte-Catherine 44

If you are consistently jealous of your kids’ bouncy castle exploits, Air Games is for you. The annual event scales all kinds of watery, slidey, jumpy fun to adult size. There’s one catch: It’s a race. Though if you choose to take the competitive aspect of this journey through a fully inflatable obstacle course less than seriously, you won’t be alone. Register before the day to get a discount on entry. 7 April, Parc de Laeken, Avenue du Gros Tilleul

Dinner in the Sky Brussels

Looking ahead: Dinner in the Sky
It’s so popular, Dinner in the Sky has become an annual event in Brussels. The table for 22 will once again dangle 50 metres above the ground, with guests strapped into their seats. The exact location is still a secret, but previous locations have been nothing short of spectacular – such as over the Atomium or the Basilique. In any case, you’re guaranteed stupendous views over the capital and a multi-course meal prepared and served on site by a celebrated local chef. Antwerp is also home to Dinner in the Sky, with its table high above the Justice Palace. Book now if you want to take advantage of either of these one-of-a-kind experiences. Brussels 13-23 June, Antwerp 3-9 June

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

Meet Lucius Malfoy himself at Ghent’s big annual comics convention Facts. Or perhaps you know actor Jason Isaacs as Captain Hook or Captain Lorca, depending on your penchant for either Peter Pan or Star Trek. In any case, they are just two of the fun guests at the event, joined by Charmed star Shannen Doherty and action movie hero Dolph Lundgren, among others. Stroll along the stands to find endless fantasy, sci-fi and comics-oriented objects, books and games, check out the Cosplay Show, or take part in a number of workshops and panels, some of them in English. 6-7 April, Flanders Expo, Maaltekouter 1, Ghent

Greenland, with its ice sheet and sparse population, remains a mystery to most people, despite being officially part of Denmark. The French residency programme Hors Pistes dispatched a number of international artists to its capital Nuuk to face the harsh climate and be inspired by the work Inuit artisans. The result, Encounters in Greenland, is on show at Grand-Hornu. Until 19 May, Rue Sainte-Louise 82, Boussu (Hainaut province)

Biffff/©Eric Decossaux/Flickr, Tip of the Tongue/©Danny Willems/Kaaitheater

Written by Lisa Bradshaw

Comments

Haryo Nindito

Still a few weeks from now, Art Portrait Photography Seminar, 28 April 2019.
http://seminar.pixelsoncanvas.photo

Apr 4, 2019 20:55