BOZAR Radar

Musings on Art and Well-being

Dirk De Wachter

Dirk De Wachter, practising psychiatrist and lecturer at UPC KU Leuven, will be making regular appearances as our ambassador this season. Reflecting on art and well-being, he offers these words of encouragement for us: ‘In these strange times let us use the arts to strengthen the imagination and communication. If we are prevented from touching each other, we might, through the indirect appreciation of art, find a special and more deeply entwined bond than that offered by touching directly.'

— published on 17 November ’20
The artist who resists

WHO IS PHILIPPE VANDENBERG?

The Belgian artist Philippe Vandenberg (1952-2009) was a man of many faces: he drew, painted and played with word and image. Keep moving and take risks to challenge artistic and social orders: that was his credo. The vagabond moved from Ghent to Molenbeek in 2006. We are exhibiting his work from this Brussels period from 17 September in BOZAR. Who was this radical Belgian artist? A brief introduction.

— published on 16 September ’20
In conversation with Chantal Pattyn

Luc Tuymans on art in times of corona

A conversation on stage in an empty concert hall… Our exceptional times are the subject of a conversation recorded in autumn 2020 between Chantal Pattyn and artist Luc Tuymans about art during a pandemic, the shifts we see and the solidarity we seem to lack, about Trump and Black Lives Matter, and what the world will look like post COVID-19.

— published on 26 November ’20
5 fun activities to brighten up your autumn holidays with your family

The school holidays offer your children plenty of free time to occupy as best as possible. We offer you a range of creative and fun activities for you and your family to enjoy at home. Rediscover some of our most popular digital content from 2020, but especially some new activities from Big Bang and Filem'On. Just a few ideas to satisfy your curious mind.

— published on 04 November ’20
VISIT OUR EXHIBITIONS VIRTUALLY IN 3D

BOZAR’s autumn exhibitions help you make it through the winter. As much as we would like to welcome you for a visit to our exhibitions, you can now – while waiting – virtually visit our exhibitions. Via a 3D scan, your laptop or tablet screen will catapult you straight into the foyer of HOTEL BEETHOVEN or the Molenbeek of Philippe Vandenberg. If dance and movement are more up your alley, then Danser brut will lead you into trance. Or do science, climate and the future sound like music to your ears? Then be sure to check out the 3D scans of Next Generation, Please!, STARTS Prize '20 or Gallery of Futures. Pick one, pick them all... but most of all, enjoy the ride!

— published on 28 October ’20
May Day Podcasts go in search of a new reality

Ridiculed, Radical, Reality

Coronavirus may have thrown a spanner in the works for our annual May Days debates, but that did not stop BOZAR and Are We Europe thinking about the future of Europe. This contemplation resulted in the May Day Magazine & Podcast, with four podcasts about ideas that were once dismissed as ridiculous, but have since become a fundamental part of our society. Listen now on Spotify!

— published on 23 October ’20
Livestreams

Beethoven - From Ear to Here

What do orchestra director Philippe Herreweghe, writer Claudia Durastanti and psychiatrist Dirk De Wachter have in common? Undoubtedly, their passion for Beethoven’s music! The conference series Beethoven. From Ear to Here provides a kaleidoscope of perspectives. From the standpoint of Beethoven and his work, ten leading figures from wide-ranging backgrounds will reflect on the role of art in society, on artist engagement, and on listening and its role in democracy. The multiple viewpoints will give rise to a subjective and nuanced portrait of the German composer, as the world marks his 250th anniversary in 2020. The eight conferences will provide an in-depth look at Beethoven’s iconic stature and put his work into a present-day perspective.

— published on 21 October ’20
Mayday Magazine looks into the future

Where do we go from here?

Last spring, our annual series of debates May Days was one of the casualties of COVID-19. But that didn’t stop BOZAR and We Are Europe from pondering Europe’s future. The result is here: Mayday Magazine & Podcast. In times of crisis like the one we are living through, questions about the future are more pertinent than ever, and we delve into the past to try to get a grip on our uncertain present. Mayday Magazine does exactly that, in words and images, with illuminating stories, thoughtful opinions, and striking illustrations and photography.

— published on 12 October ’20
A conversation with our artist in residence

Isabelle Faust, a true musician

Isabelle Faust is a true musician. The eminent German violinist, approaches a piece of music by delving into the aesthetic and the writings of its composer, so she can hear its beating heart. The records released by this outstanding soloist and chamber musician, who is as much at home with Bach or Beethoven as she is with Kurtág, have been consistently hailed by the public and the press. We met her on 14 December 2019, when she gave a concert at BOZAR, accompanied by Ivan Fischer, Tabea Zimmermann and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Speaking flawless French, tinged with a delightful accent, Isabelle Faust spoke to us about the programme of her residency here this season.

— published on 01 October ’20
Patch 2 : Armin Linke - 2036

Gallery of Futures

Exhibited from 7 October to 22 November 2020.

— published on 29 September ’20
Patch 1: Gilbard, Lucie Payoux and Juliette le Monnyer - 2025

Gallery of Futures

Exhibited from 7 October to 1 November 2020.

— published on 29 September ’20
5 reasons to look forward to Danser brut

BOZAR kicks off autumn with a surprising exhibition that looks at dance, movement, the body and health. Film, outsider art and medical documents are all thrown into this original mix. Discover how art and dance were influenced and shaped by unexpected sources: by pathologies and insanity, unusual movements and ‘abnormal’ bodies, as well as the most everyday gestures. An exhibition that pushes the envelope and dances across borders.

— published on 21 September ’20
A conversation with Ana Torfs

The artist's breath

Having to close her new exhibition due to the COVID-19 crisis, a mere 24 hours after opening, came as a blow for artist Ana Torfs. After the exhausting preparations for the show, she spent most of the lockdown on her bike and in her walking shoes. Now her mesmerising installations – simultaneously generously accessible and complexly layered – are open to the public once again.

— published on 17 August ’20
BOZAR AT HOME

Who am I?

Get to know this fun, educational family game! Using clues that stimulate their imagination and curiosity, children will go in search of iconic characters who followed a special trail.

— published on 29 July ’20
Writers and Thinkers for Another World

Repairing the Future

During the summer after the first corona wave, BOZAR took a look into our future through conversations with leading authors, scientists and philosophers. Via videolink in an empty Henry Leboeuf Hall - corona and all that. But we will looked unflinchingly beyond, to imagine what our world afterwards could look like. (Re)discover all the interviews below.

— published on 22 June ’20
Nuits Sonores reinvents itself

Nuits Sonores is the annual date in October when you can warm yourself by the fire of the best of electronic music. Sadly, due to the coronavirus measures, Nuits Sonores cannot take place this time. But don’t despair! Nuits Sonores has also reinvented itself and is simply taking a different direction. A range of events will instead take place over the course of the year.

— published on 30 September ’20