Cultural Compass: Infinite imagination, international art fair, operatic drama and more

Exhibitions, music, architecture, books, festivals… this is Belga English's pick of cultural activities in Flanders and Brussels, published every Sunday.

Panamarenko: Infinite Imagination at KMSKA celebrates the boundless creativity of the iconic Belgian artist. Panamarenko (1940–2019) approached art as an adventurous exploration of the unknown, blending scientific principles with playful curiosity to craft a universe filled with wonder and poetry. Albert Einstein’s quote, “Play is the highest form of investigation,” perfectly embodies his philosophy.

Known for his visionary inventions—human-powered flying machines, submarines, cars and bird-inspired creations—Panamarenko’s work bridged imagination and technological exploration. His art wasn’t merely a pastime but a way of revealing the magic in the every day, inspiring audiences to see the world through new eyes.

In honour of what would have been his 85th birthday, KMSKA presents a unique collection of his most whimsical objects, sketches and original works drawn from private and public collections. This immersive exhibition highlights his playful, inventive spirit and celebrates his lifelong dream of human-powered flight.

Experience Panamarenko’s captivating world from 31 January to 4 May.

© PHOTO KMSKA

Brussels Art Fair (BRAFA), one of Europe’s most prestigious art fairs, returns to Brussels Expo from 26 January to 2 February. Since its inception in 1956, BRAFA has become a beacon for collectors seeking treasures across eras and styles, from antiquities to contemporary art. Each year, 130 international galleries carefully selected for their excellence present a vibrant showcase of paintings, sculptures, jewellery, ceramics, tribal art and more.

A hallmark of BRAFA is its meticulous vetting process, where over 80 experts authenticate every piece, ensuring collectors can purchase with confidence. This year’s edition celebrates the fair’s rich heritage, with long-standing galleries like Antwerp’s N Vrouyr and Axel Vervoordt among the highlights.

Guest of honour Joana Vasconcelos, a renowned Portuguese artist, will present her monumental sculptures and immersive installations, adding contemporary flair to this refined event that promises a journey through time and artistic excellence.

Joana Vasconcelos, Royal Valkyrie 2012 © Lionel Balteiro
Joana Vasconcelos, Royal Valkyrie 2012 © Lionel Balteiro 

Opera Ballet Vlaanderen (OBV) will present three performances of Bellini’s Norma on 26, 28 and 30 January, promising an unforgettable showcase of bel canto brilliance.

Set in occupied Gaul, Norma follows the Gallic high priestess as she grapples with personal betrayal and political rebellion. Norma secretly loves Pollione, the Roman administrator and father of her two hidden children. When she discovers Pollione's infidelity with the young Adalgisa, she faces an impossible choice between duty and desire, vengeance and forgiveness, hatred and love.

Renowned as one of the most demanding soprano roles in opera, Norma requires exceptional vocal skill. Russian-Italian soprano Anna Princeva, making her OBV debut, reflects on the challenge: “Bellini requires enormous vocal agility—not only from the deepest to the highest notes, but also in the voice’s intentions, ranging from silky soft to sharp and furious.”

With its emotional depth and technical brilliance, Norma stands as one of Bellini’s greatest masterpieces, brought to life by a stellar cast on OBV’s stage.

© PHOTO OPERA BALLET VLAANDEREN
© PHOTO OPERA BALLET VLAANDEREN

The exhibition Family Happiness at Antwerp’s Red Star Line Museum, explores the legacy of the Chinese community in Antwerp. As one of Belgium’s oldest and largest Chinese communities, its influence on the city’s cultural and business life is profound, particularly in the hospitality industry centred around Van Wesenbekestraat near Central Station.

Curated by anthropologist Ching Lin Pang, Family Happiness highlights the stories of three pioneering Chinese families who introduced non-Western cuisine to Belgium from the 1950s onward. Through personal archives, testimonies and photographs by Vincen Beeckman, visitors gain insights into their contributions and cultural impact.

The exhibition title reflects layered meanings, including the central role of family in Chinese socio-economic life, the significance of Chinese restaurants as multigenerational gathering spaces for Flemish families and a popular South Chinese stir-fry dish symbolising shared joy.

In addition to the family stories, works by Chinese-Belgian artists Sarah Yu Zeebroek, Atang and Yingda Dong, as well as New York-based Von Hyin Kolk, explore multicultural identities and experiences. From 30 January until 4 May.

© PHOTO RED STAR LINE MUSEUM
© PHOTO RED STAR LINE MUSEUM

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with events organised by Untold Asian Stories, ST1CKYR1CE and Muntpunt on 1 February. The afternoon and evening will be filled with family-friendly activities to mark the 15-day long holiday. From cooking classes and origami workshops to dancing and karaoke, this festive event highlights the rich cultural traditions of the Asian community. Guests are encouraged to wear red or traditional attire to mark the occasion.

Flanders is home to over 170 nationalities, with 24 per cent of its population of foreign origin. Despite this diversity, many communities remain underrepresented in daily news coverage. “Belgian or Chinese? I don’t feel like either,” shares Ann, reflecting on her dual identity. “In China, my family calls me ‘the foreigner,’ and here, I hear how good my Dutch is. That difference is pointed out, time and again.” Untold Asian Stories seeks to address these sentiments by sharing the lived experiences of the Asian community in Flanders. Through storytelling, the initiative promotes understanding, counters stereotypes and broadens perspectives.

This Lunar New Year event is a chance to connect, celebrate, and amplify experiences.

© PHOTO MUNT PUNT
© PHOTO MUNT PUNT

The exhibition COMPASSION at MAS explores the many facets of compassion across time, cultures and philosophies, while also confronting its complexities. Running from 31 January to 31 August, it combines art, history and contemporary perspectives to examine humanity’s desire to help others and the questions it raises.

Visitors will encounter global representations of compassion through diverse works, including Breughel’s Seven Works of Mercy, a Japanese print depicting care for the sick, a Congolese statue symbolising generosity and a Tibetan prayer wheel inscribed with mantras. Audio stories, music and interviews with Antwerp residents by Lieve Blancquaert further enrich the experience, inviting personal reflection.

Contemporary artists such as Ai Weiwei, Berlinde De Bruyckere and Khaled Barakeh challenge visitors to think critically about compassion’s role today. Stephan Vanfleteren reinterprets the “works of mercy,” while Annita Smit’s paper sculpture calls for solidarity. COMPASSION asks profound questions such as what drives us to care for others? What happens when ideals conflict or remain unattainable?

© Kunsthaus Zürich, The Gottfried Keller Foundation, Federal Office of Culture, Berne, 1920
© Kunsthaus Zürich, The Gottfried Keller Foundation, Federal Office of Culture, Berne, 1920

Additional cultural coverage from Belga this week: Belgian film 'Reflet dans un diamant mort' could win Golden Bear at Berlinale, 'Soundtrack to a coup d'état' nominated for best documentary Oscar, Emilia Pérez scores 13 Oscar nominations

Ongoing events

Dürer: Master of the Renaissance, Museum De Reede​​
​Testerep, Venetian Galleries​​​
Fireflies, Art and History Museum​​​
Eternal Spring: Gardens and Tapestries in the Renaissance, Museum Hof van Busleyden​​
​​Whats the Story? KMSKA​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​​Alechinsky, Pinceau Voyageur​​​​​​​​
​​​​​Cindy Sherman, ENSOR 2024, FOMU​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​Masquerade, Make-up and Ensor, MOMU​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​​​​Alternative Narrative, MSK​​​​​​​​​
​​Lucy McKenzie Super Palace, Z33​​
​​​​​​René Magritte X Emily Mae Smith, Magritte Museum​​​​​
​The Panamarenko House​​
 ​​​​​Panamarenko’s Magic Carpet, S.M.A.K.​​

​(MOH)

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​​#FlandersNewsService | KMSKA © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS

 

 

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