It’s been a long time since we had our last stop in Brussels. Even though Tel Aviv is keeping me quiet busy, Brussels is always on my mind and it’s about time that we take another arty walk in this buzzing city. Your many emails regarding the three first parts of this projects were a great motivation, most of you were asking about a focus on Ixelles neighbourhood and its impressive amount of art galleries. So here we go.
T H I R D S T O P : I X E L L E S
Ixelles is definitely a hip and lively area in Brussels where all the youngsters (and the not so young ones) like to hang out. The neighbourhood is home to many bars, coffee shops, restaurants, movie theaters, designers, but also to countless contemporary art galleries. Very eclectic but more chic than underground, few French galleries decided to settle in this area few years ago alongside established Belgian names making Ixelles an important art spot. I did not listed all the galleries, only the ones I regularly visit and like, so feel free to share with us your favourite art spaces in the comment section bellow or by email at infothebublistblog@gmail.com.
Musée d’Ixelles : Located in the quiet streets of Ixelles, the Museum hold an impressive collection of Belgian Art (Delvaux, Magritte, and many others), but doesn’t forget to give some room to the contemporary art scene. Last year I particularly enjoyed Duane Hanson disturbing exhibition, and discovered the work of the Belgian painter Stephan Balleux. Always keep on eye on this museum.
Rodolphe Janssens Gallery : Few minutes away from where I used to live in Brussels, this gallery was always (and still is) a must visit for me.Their exhibitions are consistently on point and well curated, presenting international artists both established and rising stars. What makes this venue so special to me it is the natural light coming from the glass ceiling. There is nothing worst for me at an exhibition that a bad lighting. Don’t forget that they have a second space almost in front of the first one.
Almine Rech Gallery : Based also in London and in Paris, the Almine Rech Gallery is probably the only one presenting big international (very bankable) artists in Brussels. From Koons to Richard Prince, the gallery does not focus much on emerging artists but still present an eclectic selection. Always worthy to stop by and push the door of the gallery.
Meessen De Clercq Gallery : Few steps away from the Almine Rech Gallery, in a beautiful house built at the beginning of the 20th century, the Meessen De Clercq is one of the most respected and established Belgian gallery presenting international and local artists in their amazing art space. Their plus? They also publish catalogs and editions in collaboration with their artists. A must.
Galerie Albert Baronian: The gallery owns two spaces both in Ixelles, dedicated to the contemporary art scene but also presenting artworks from important artistic movements (such as the Arte Povera). Slightly more discreet that its neighbours, the gallery became through the years an important institution spreading its influence locally and internationally.
Galerie Feizi : I visited the gallery for the first time last winter, and really enjoyed their exhibition. I’m not an expert in Chinese art so it was very interesting to discover what the contemporary art scene has to offer. Also based in Shanghai, the gallery is deeply connected with the local creative heart beat and promote internationally the talents they come across. Located really close from Almine Rech Gallery and Meessen De Clercq, so feel free to stop by to discover something different that what you are use to.
Harlan Levey Projects : I realised while writing this post that I actually never mention this gallery on the blog. Located in the heart of Ixelles, the gallery HL Projects is a very interesting and cutting-edge art venue presenting local and international artists through special projects, group exhibitions, performances and educational programs. A must discover.
Galerie Michel Rein : Always worthy to stop by when you are in the Châtelain area. The gallery offers a very eclectic and rich exhibition program showing established but also emerging French and international artists from all generations. The gallery is also based in Paris if you happen to be in the French capital.
Super Dakota Gallery : I like this gallery. Balancing perfectly well-established artists and new talents, their exhibitions are always well curated and never boring. “Our program revolves around cutting-edge, engaging shows which focus toward compelling contemporary art which finds its roots in the history of art” as seen on their website, Super Dakota is a gallery with a vision. A MUST go if you never pushed their door before.
Xavier Hufkens Gallery : The last but not the least. Xavier Hufkens is one of the best art venue not only in Ixelles but in Europe. They started presenting emerging artists in 1987 in a building located in the Midi Station area before moving close to the very chic Avenue Louise in a 19th-century townhouse completely renovated in a contemporary art venue. The gallery has a real talent to scout new artists and to offer engaging exhibitions. An absolute must go.
I also recommend to stop by the following art galleries while you are strolling around Ixelles : Nathalie Obadia, Levy.Delval, Island, and also the Rainhart Gallery that is currently presenting the works of the amazing Colombian artist Rafael Gomezbarros.
COVER PICTURE BY GREGOIRE PLEYNET
The Bubblist 
I feel like these artworks are designed for my new living room!
Which ones? 🙂