Gregor Eldarb
A studio in a former brewery
The studio is located at WIELS, a contemporary art centre that hosts temporary exhibitions of national and international artists. The building is an old brewery established in the 1930s and was adapted ten years ago. In total, there are nine studios in the rear part of the building and the artists-in-residence are – so to speak – in a direct dialogue with the exhibition venue.
To date, Brussels does not have a “true” contemporary art museum and, as I have learnt, WIELS is very important place for contemporary art – not only for Brussels. It is a great experience to witness the day-to-day work, exhibition production, etc., there.
The studio programme is supported by three tutors, and on Wednesdays there is a meeting with the other artists of the programme for exchanging ideas at the WIELS Café. Afterwards, you have the opportunity to discuss your own projects with the tutors at the studio – everything in a very relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Indeed, the programme of lectures and symposia by artists exhibiting at WIELS is extensive. You also get visits from artists and curators at your studio. In addition, WIELS organises trips, e.g. to the Documenta in Kassel or to Münster.
Brussel’s art scene is very vibrant, with many off-spaces and international galleries. In spring, there are big art fairs, such as Art Brussels, Independent Brussels as well as POPPOSITIONS presenting exhibitions of off-spaces and alternative galleries.
In May, the Kunstenfestivaldesarts takes place – an art festival with theatre, dance, performance, film, etc.
Even though Brussels is not particularly big, it feels much bigger on account of its culturally diverse population, the districts can differ strikingly: there are Arab or African quarters and streets and just 100 metres on, everything may look completely different.
| 1. | Dos & don’ts in this place: |
| Visiting small museums, p.e. Van Buuren Museum as well as flea markets. Don'ts: Miss trying Belgian beer. |
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| 2. | Where you can buy great supplies: |
| Schleiper, Chaussée de Charleroi 149, 1060 Bruxelles | |
| 3. | On art at my residency location: |
| Upcoming exhibitions alert - NECA website, weekly newsletter: https://neca.brussels Art institutions Bozar exhibitions of renown artists, concerts, lectures, cinema etc. http://www.bozar.be ISELP: artinstitutions, relevant exhibition https://iselp.be/fr ARGOS: national institution for film, cinema and video, interesting exhibitions on film http://www.argosarts.org Etablissement d'en face: gallery hosted by artists, rather cool http://www.etablissementdenface.com c-o-m-p-o-s-i-t-e http://www.c-o-m-p-o-s-i-t-e.com Komplot: collective of young curators, off-space for emerging art, maybe hip http://www.kmplt.be/about.php Kulturcentrum Strombeek https://www.ccstrombeek.be Boghossian Foundation - Villa Empain: very beautiful Art Deco Villa with interesting programme http://www.villaempain.com |
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| 4. | Around the studio – this is where I go shopping, drink a coffee and get the best lunch specials within walking distance: |
| There is a nice coffee-restaurant at WIELS, where you can have nice food, great selection of bio and vegetarian meals. close to WIELS: Manolito, Avenue du Pont de Luttre 127, 1190 Forest (good steaks) Pizzeria-Le Pont De Luttre, Avenue du Pont de Luttre 161, 1190 Forest (ok pizza) |
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| 5. | Where I like to spend the evening (dinner, drinks and best sound): |
| Le Verschueren, Sint-Gillisvoorplein 11, 1060 Sint-Gillis (classic Belgian coffee, cool) Cafe Walvis, Rue Antoine Dansaert 209, 1000 Bruxelles (good burgers) La Boule d´Or, Avenue du Parc 116, 1060 Saint-Gilles (nice restaurant close to WIELS) North Sea, Place Sainte-Catherine 50, 1000 Bruxelles (fish market, very yummy) Place de Jeu de Balle, Saint Gilles (flea market and many nice coffees around, during the day). In the evening you have to book a table in ahead! |
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| 6. | What I would have liked to know about the studio already at the start of my residency: |
| The drivers are a bit clumsy and dangerous, the city is not particularly bike friendly. |
Website resident: gregoreldarb.com