ART CITIES:Brussels- BXL Universel

Brussels is being advertised as a new European capital for Contemporary Art, with two International Art Fairs, solid Public and Private Institutions, new galleries opening new venues or moving their premises to town at a regular pace, and above all, more and more artists and curators are electing Brussels as their base to live and work.

By: Dimitris Lempesis
Photo: CENTRALE for Contemporary Art Archive

 “BXL Universel” at Centrale for contemporary art at Brussels presents a subjective portrait of the bcity that is the Belgian capital, through archive documents, films, photographs and creations by artists who live and work there. The exhibition is a story where opposites meet, sensibilities collide and humor and seriousness interact within a celebratory structure. The exhibition captures the diversity and uniqueness of this bilingual city where the dialect embodies a mix of French and Flemish. The symbol of this city of folklore is “Manneken-Pis”, a chubby boy who urinates, a comical incarnation of a zest for life. It was designed by Hiëronymus Duquesnoy the Elder and put in place in 1618 or 1619. The statue is dressed in costume several times each week, according to a published schedule which is posted on the railings around the fountain. His wardrobe consists of several hundred different costumes. A city of contrasts, symbolic of the surrealist spirit, it continually challenges the confines of seriousness, enchanting us while annoying us. With works and evocations by: J. Louis Agai, Cécile Bertrand, Vincen Beeckman, Bernard Noccara,  Jacques Brel , Marcel Broodthaers, Benoît de Pieropnt, Lucien DE Roeck, Marc Didden, Dubus, Lise Ducalaux, Frédéric Etienne, Mueken, Christoph Finck, Franky D.C., Pieter Geenen,  Kendell Geers, Franz Gsellmann, Jean Harlez, Fernand Hellinckx, Gillis Houben, Frédéric Jannin & Stefan Liberksi, Ann Veronica Janssens, Pierre Kroll, Thomas Lerooy, Mannenen-Pis, Marec, Johan Muyle, Charlemagne Palestine, Marie-Françoise Plissart, Elvis Pompilio, Jean-Pierre Rostenne, Kurt Ryslavy, François Schuiten, Stiksof, Stromae, Pascal Tassini, Toots, Thielemans, Toone, Ana Torfs, Geert van Bruaene (le petit Gérard) and Johan Verminnen.

Info: CENTRALE for contemporary art, Place Sainte-Catherine 44, Bruxelles, Duration: 20/10/16-23/3/17, Days & Hours: Wed-Sun 10:30-18:00, www.centrale.brussels