Art: unmissable exhibitions this autumn in Brussels

Blending artificial intelligence, colonial imagery, television references and evocations of the civil war in Sri Lanka, Christopher Kulendran Thomas creates an unclassifiable body of work where pop culture, identity issues, and geopolitics intersect. Whether on the surfaces of his canvases of varying formats or on the screens of his videos, his recent work explores his relationship with his country of origin (Sri Lanka) in the era of AI. 

When? 7 September 2024 to 5 January 2025
Where? WIELS

Between witchcraft, the fourth dimension, and aquatic and esoteric experiences, Narcosis brings together six female artists around the mythological figure of Narcissus. Doubles, inconstant reflections, abysses, and mirroring: Botanique explores all states of contemporary creation and plunges us deep into the depths. It features, among others, the undulating stained glass of Clara Rivault, the hedonistic worlds of Esther Denis, and the aquatic explorations of Luna Duchaufour-Lawrance.

When? 7 September to 27 October
Where?  Botanique

With a mastery of chiaroscuro worthy of the great Flemish masters, photographer Stephan Vanfleteren has made greyscale portraits his trademark. His exhibition Atelier, based on the eponymous photo book, features a series with exceptional grain, entirely shot in natural daylight. Throughout these prints with their simple settings, both famous and anonymous faces appear. We encounter Nick Cave, the artist’s children, a long-haired individual wearing a pirate bandana, the muscular body of a dancer, and the timeworn face of an elderly man in a suit. This exhibition invites us to discover the photographer in the intimacy of his studio. As contemporary as it is timeless. 

When? 13 September to 21 December
Where? Hangar

Sophie Taeuber-Arp and Hans Arp form one of the most endearing and prolific couples in art history. Their romance, set against the backdrop of Dadaism and tinged with geometric abstraction and a touch of surrealism, challenges the traditional 'painter and muse' duo. The exhibition offers a varied insight into the talents of these two artists, featuring collages, drawings, illustrated books, jewellery, paintings, photographs, sculptures, and textile artworks. Bozar pays tribute to the creative energy of this power couple from before the term was even coined. 

When?  20 September 2024 to 19 January 2025 
Where?  Bozar

When the imagination travels, the brush follows! This solo exhibition takes visitors to the heart of Alechinsky's universe. It’s an opportunity to rediscover his distinctive touch, the fluidity of his line, and the expressiveness of his graphics. Featuring an exceptional collection of around a hundred works and numerous archival documents, the Boghossian Foundation revisits the Belgian artist’s fascination with Japanese calligraphy, his numerous experiments as a jack-of-all-trades, and even presents some of his collaborative works created with artist and writer friends.

When? 26 September 2024 to 16 March 2025
Where? Fondation Boghossian – Villa Empain

Having a sense of hospitality is essential for a museum. With Hosting, La Centrale focuses on sharing and opens its doors to the artistic diversity of Brussels. For its reopening after renovation works, the contemporary art centre has selected 245 local artists and 350 works (based on anonymous submissions), displayed throughout the entire building. The exhibition is designed to allow each visitor to explore as they please, imagining Hosting as a giant cabinet of curiosities perfect for a leisurely stroll. An exhibition that invites us, in every sense! 

When? 10 October 2024 to 9 February 2025
Where? CENTRALE for contemporary art