Cultural Compass: Terracotta Army, diversity in Brussels, social commentary and more
Exhibitions, music, architecture, books, festivals… this is Belga English's pick of cultural activities in Flanders and Brussels, published every Sunday.
The exhibition Terracotta Army and the First Emperor of China at Tour & Taxis in Brussels is a fascinating journey back to ancient China, 2,200 years ago. With more than 300 reproductions of statues, chariots, weapons and artifacts unearthed from the necropolis of China’s first emperor, it is the largest and most comprehensive display of the Terracotta Army, providing an authentic glimpse into this ancient world.
The replicas were crafted by artisans from the Wi'an region, where the original excavations took place.
Visitors are treated to a multi-sensory experience, enhanced by sound and light effects, videos on large screens and audio commentary. The exhibition space spans 1,800m², allowing guests to explore themes including the emperor’s military conquests, the origins of the ta soldiers and the story behind the archaeological discoveries.
One of the highlights is the life-size reproduction of more than 170 warriors, showcased in a sound and light show that partially reconstructs Pit 1 from the necropolis. This immersive experience opens on 9 October and runs until 31 December.
Brussels' Centrale for Contemporary Art is reopening on 10 October after six months of renovations that have transformed the space into a more welcoming hub for visitors and artists. The newly refurbished centre will debut with the exhibition hosting, which runs until 2 September 2025.
The show celebrates the artistic diversity of Brussels, with 353 works from 247 artists across various media, including video, painting, photography, sculpture and installation. "In French, the term 'host' means both the person who gives hospitality and the guest who is hosted – bringing to mind reciprocity and sharing," says artistic director Tania Nasielski. "With this in mind, hosting reflects our desire to be hospitable to both artists and audiences.”
Presented as a large-scale cabinet of curiosities, the display invites visitors to explore an eclectic mix of artistic expressions. Alongside the artworks, a series of talks will explore questions such as: What defines art? How is it created and perceived? What impact does it have on society?
Nástio Mosquito’s King of Klowns, his first major exhibition at M HKA in Antwerp, runs from 11 October to 26 January. This overview of Mosquito’s work invites visitors into a world where complex personalities challenge us to navigate a multifaceted reality.
Mosquito moves across various fields with his art primarily centred on video and performance. His work invents multiple personas, drawing inspiration from politics, culture and mass media. Through these personas, he explores provocative themes like war, sex, stereotypes, wealth and religion. The artist raises simple yet radical questions: What do you truly care about? What are you willing to die for?
The exhibition will feature key works from Mosquito’s career, spanning from the early 2000s to new creations, as well as collaborations in performance, literature and music.
This autumn, the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK) presents a monographic exhibition dedicated to German artist Erich Heckel. A co-founder of the Brücke artists' association, Heckel was a central figure in the Expressionist movement. The display focuses on a lesser-known but intriguing chapter of his life: his time in Belgium during World War I, when he worked as a Red Cross orderly in Ghent, Roeselare and Ostend.
Heckel became captivated by the Flemish landscapes and cities. His works from this period reflect a unique blend of romanticism, expressiveness and spirituality, capturing both the tangible and intangible aspects of the region.
Despite the war, Heckel remained deeply engaged in his artistic practice, improvising with materials at hand due to supply shortages. He used coarse linen, diluted tempera and even wood salvaged from station paneling.
Heckel was part of an artists' colony that formed around an emergency hospital in Ostend, where he met notable figures such as artist James Ensor and poet Ernst Morwitz. This environment allowed him to produce a series of gouaches, watercolours, drawings and prints, depicting Flemish landscapes, seascapes and city views.
Although not a traditional war artist, Heckel’s time in Flanders deeply influenced his work, reminding him of earlier artistic endeavours with his Brücke colleagues. The exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into this formative period of Heckel's career, highlighting the enduring impact of the local environment on his art.
© VIDEO MSK
Discover the intimate world of artistic creation through Drafts: From Rubens to Khnopff, an exhibition showcasing over 100 artworks that runs until February.
Visitors are invited to explore the creative process behind iconic pieces by masters like Rogier van der Weyden, Rembrandt, Rubens and Magritte. Spanning from the 15th to the 20th century, the exhibition in Brussels shows the journey from the first sketch on a blank sheet to the final masterpiece.
Some highlights include a sketch by Jacques Jordaens, a model by Alexander Calder, preparatory works by Rik Wouters, Fernand Khnopff’s designs for the Stoclet House, and plein-air sketches by Gustave Courbet and Ferdinand De Braekeleer.
Featuring rarely exhibited pieces and sketches by Rubens, the exhibition is built around the Fine Arts Museums of Belgium’s exceptional collections. It also celebrates the completion of a two-year restoration campaign.
Additional cultural coverage from Belga this week includes: Toy Museum Mechelen to reopen at new location in station building, Facade and roof of iconic Hotel Solvay fully restored after two years of renovation, Spain takes centre stage at EUROPALIA festival 2025
Ongoing events
Whats the Story? KMSKA
Emile Claus: The Prince of Luminisim, Mudel Museum of Deinze
Alechinsky, Pinceau Voyageur
Cindy Sherman, ENSOR 2024, FOMU
Masquerade, Make-up and Ensor, MOMU
Ensor's States of Imagination, Plantin-Moretus Museum
In Your Wildest Dreams: Ensor Beyond Impressionism, KMKSA
To Antarctica, The Polar Pioneers of the Belgica, MAS
Margaret of Parma, MOU
Alternative Narrative, MSK
Lucy McKenzie Super Palace, Z33
Juliette Vanwaterloo’s Burn it All Down, BPS22
Alain Séchas’ Never Get Bored, BPS22
(MOH)