What’s on this week: 4-10 February

Bringing a welcome glow to city life is Bright Brussels, the capital’s traditional midwinter festival of lights that follows hot on the heels of last year’s event, postponed to autumn 2021 (main image). For its sixth edition, in addition to the area around the Royal Palace and the EU quarter, the Flagey neighbourhood joins in the fun, decked out with light installations by national and international artists. The festival’s three trails once again feature a fringe programme, including night openings at museums, all celebrating the growing lightness after the long period of darkness. 10-13 February, across the city

For its 12th edition, Brussels’ temple to urban art Mima revisits its past while projecting its future in new exhibition Reload. The canalside institution showcases works from its permanent collection acquired since opening in 2015. The internet revolution and growth of social media are just some of the themes explored in the 120 works on display by 61 artists from all corners of the globe, some showing at Mima for the first time (Brecht Events untitled work, pictured). 4 February-29 May, Quai du Hainaut 39-41 (Molenbeek)

Four Korean photographers join the city-wide PhotoBrussels Festival in the free exhibition The Resonance of Trees at the Korean Cultural Center. Kim Jungman, Kim Daesu, Kim Shinwook (pictured) and Lee Jeonglok present 40 works offering different perspectives and personal approaches to trees, the festival’s central thematic. Says curator Seok Jaehyeon: “This exhibition consists of works that have a deep resonance that the trees have wanted to hear and want to convey.” The show is part of PhotoBrussels Festival 06, currently running in the capital at 37 different venues, including organiser Hangar Photo Art Center. Until 13 May, Rue de la Régence 4

It’s an annual exploration of the sense that we too easily ignore. Sharpening our awareness of the almost continual noise that surrounds us is the 12th edition of La Semaine du Son/Week van de Klank, a series of performances, screenings, installations, conferences, ‘sound walks’ and concerts in multiple venues (Félix Blume's Grillon du rève, pictured). Under the theme Microcosm, the programme enables participants to discover intimate and striking sound universes thanks to the imagination of artists from all over the country. 7-13 February (Brussels); 14-20 February (Flanders and Wallonia)

Tapping into the fan base of South Korean Netflix smash hit Squid Game, the Korean Cultural Center Brussels is running Squid Game Nights at Cinéma Galéries. This weekly free screening of films feature actors who appeared in the gory survival thriller. The programme kicks off with Deliver us from Evil by Hong Won-Chan this Thursday 3 February (pictured) followed by Sleepless Night by Jang Kun-jae on 10 February. Thursday 19.00, until 17 March, Galérie de la Reine 26

Get ready to be transported to another dimension thanks to the Live at Museum project at Botanique. In an experimental fusion of sound and music, young Belgian musician and multidisciplinary artist Jente Waerzeggers (pictured) performs a roving 30-minute set against the backdrop of the exhibition A Voyage into Moon. 4 February 18.00, Rue Royale 236

Join the American Women’s Club of Brussels for one of its regular book club meetings. The American & Canadian Reading Group’s next meeting discusses A Calling for Charlie Barnes by award-winning author Joshua Ferris. It’s a tale about a modern American family and one man’s attempt to come to understand the many lives of his father (registrations via website). 9 February 19:00-21.00

Book ahead Joe Biden’s First Year as President is the next topic for discussion at the International Study Group. Former diplomat and Democrats Abroad spokesperson Gerald Loftus will be examining the state of American democracy, changes to the American electoral system, how the world views of the US has been affected by the Trump era and how the Biden administration is dealing with foreign and domestic crises (in Eng).  21 February 10.30 (doors open 10.00), Château Sainte-Anne, Rue Du Vieux Moulin 103 (Auderghem)

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

 
The ambitious group exhibition Masculinities: Liberation through Photography focuses on the myriad ways that masculinity is experienced and performed through film and photography from the 1960s to the present day. Some 50 pioneering artists present 300 works at the  FOMU Photo Museum, challenging society’s expectations and norms and rejecting the concept of the ‘ideal man’. Fully deconstructing gender, they critique traditional views and present alternative perspectives (Adi+Nes Untitled from series Soldiers 1999, pictured). Until 13 March, Waalse Kaai 47, Antwerp

The biennial Festival de Liège returns with an exciting mix of international contemporary performance that continues to interrogate contemporary society and culture. Attracting spectators beyond Belgium’s borders, the festival boasts an increasingly international reputation for its unique programme of theatre, dance and music from all over the world. Home-grown productions also feature. 5-26 February, Manège Fonck/Ecuries and Salle B9/St Luc, Liège