As a seasoned gamer who has navigated countless virtual worlds and artistic landscapes, I can confidently say that this year’s RendezVous — Brussels Art Week lineup is nothing short of an immersive, dreamlike quest through surreal realms. The five exhibitions showcased in this article have caught my eye, each one offering a unique perspective and inviting me to explore the depths of human creativity.
Brussels Art Week, held annually, showcases Brussels’ vibrant contemporary art community by linking galleries, cultural institutions, artist workshops, and independent studios. Typically occurring in September, this event symbolizes the commencement of the art season after the summer hiatus.
Cave Canem by John Fou at Stems Gallery
From now until October 5th at Stems Gallery, you can see “Cave Canem” by John Fou. The title comes from an ancient Roman mosaic found in Pompeii, featuring a threatening dog as a warning to passersby. In his work, Fou revisits this symbol to delve into mythology and the uneasy relationship between humans and animals, the known and the unseen. His pieces evoke a sense of “charming terror” reminiscent of Romanticism.
Through layers of pencil and paint, Fou’s artworks portray humans and creatures merging and fading into strange, dream-like landscapes. Similar to Goya’s The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters, Fou’s works are animated, ever-changing, as characters twist and transform in a vibrant, psychedelic ballet.
Stems Gallery
Rue du Prince Albert 4
1050 Ixelles, Belgium
Portals by Melissa Gordon at Beige Brussels
At the moment, Beige Brussels is displaying Gordon’s initial solo show in the city, showcasing a fresh collection of paintings influenced by images of her female artist acquaintances’ studios. This series delves into the areas where women craft art, merging architectural aspects with an artistic rendering to hint at other locations’ presence.
In her artwork, windows are transformed into expressive areas, adorned with smudges, splatters, and natural elements. Historically associated with the two-dimensional aspect of paintings, Gordon uses the window as a metaphor for musing about an uncertain future through abstract expressions. The display also includes modifications such as a brick wall rubbing that enhances the illusion of depth, and a fresh series of drawings titled “Sayings“. A written piece on the “strange” in painting is provided as a handout, providing additional complexity to this intricate exhibition.
Beige Brussels
Rue Coppens 31000
Bruxelles, Belgium
When It Was Dark I Called and You Came by Arisa Yoshioka at Gladstone Gallery
From September 11 to October 12, 2024, Gladstone Gallery will feature the exhibition “When It Was Dark I Called and You Came“, showcasing the artistry of Japanese-Mongolian artist Arisa Yoshioka. The exhibit combines elements of still life, portraiture, and landscape painting, frequently incorporating assemblage techniques. Yoshioka’s narrative pieces delicately straddle the boundary between reality and dreams, imbuing common subjects with what she terms “the mystical charm of everyday enchantment.
Drawing inspiration from photographs, Yoshioka reinvents perspective and shape, crafting complex compositions that oscillate between precise detail and fluid brushstrokes. Her textured canvases switch between soft and vivid tones, brimming with delicate natural motifs such as animals and flora which subtly alter the viewer’s understanding.
Gladstone Gallery
Rue du Grand Cerf 12
1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Out of Time by Jess Allen at Nino Mier Gallery
Nino Mier Gallery showcases the exhibition titled “Out of Time” from September 12 to October 26, 2024, in Brussels. This display features oil paintings by British artist Jess Allen, concentrating on domestic interiors. The artistry skillfully portrays the interaction between light and shadow, suggesting the flow of time and recollections. The artist emphasizes architectural elements such as cushions, benches, and walls, immersed in rich shades of red, green, and blue. Shadows starkly drawn across these items serve as a “reverse spotlight,” accentuating presence through absence.
Allen’s shadows symbolize transient instances, similar to memories, providing a subtle, evocative portrayal of our tangible selves. In these shadowy depictions and scant details, the works encourage viewers to insert their personal experiences and feelings, fostering an intimate, symbiotic bond. “Out of Time” delves into contemplation about absence, loss, and the mundane aspects of life, converting ordinary spaces into musings on memory and temporal transition.
Nino Mier Gallery
Rue Ernest Allard 25
1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Reflets by Bilal Hamdad at Templon Gallery
Known for his lifelike portrayals of modern seclusion, Bilal Hamdad delves into the topics of isolation amidst public settings, intimacy, and social dynamics. His upcoming exhibition titled “Reflets” (September 12 to October 31, 2024) at Templon Gallery showcases a series of a dozen fresh canvases, including both large and medium-sized pieces that were developed during his stay at Casa de Velázquez in Madrid as part of his residency.
Drawing inspiration from the great Spanish masters Velázquez and Goya, along with artists who have been captivated by Hispanic culture like Rubens and Manet, I strive to weave my own artistic tapestry. By employing chiaroscuro techniques, I merge contemporary urban landscapes with historical allusions, inviting viewers to explore diverse perspectives in my work.
Templon
Rue Veydt 13A
1060 Bruxelles
Belgium
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2024-09-12 22:56