Focus on Brussels

Using wet plate collodion photographic processes from the mid-19th century, the intimate portraits taken by Italian photographer Silvano Magnone give shape and feeling to suspended time.

Archaeology is a pertinent source of knowledge on ancient cultures – its enquiry deeply embedded in the past. Brussels-based landscape architect Bas Smets switches this timeline around as he looks towards designing what he calls ‘the archaeology of the future’.

The vibrant colours of Bela Silva’s newest series give Spazio Nobile’s space a Spring awakening. Inspired by the artist’s recent trip to Mexico, the show celebrates Latin-American culture, its history and diverse craftsmanship in a cycle of drawings, ceramic works and a Codex Mexico.

With its expanded roster of over 100 international exhibitors, and offering a platform for both represented and unrepresented designers, the third edition of COLLECTIBLE is an exciting space of possibilities.

As January is upon us, so is the BRAFA Art Fair. With the regularity of a fine watch-making mechanism, the doyenne of generalist fairs returns mid-winter with the aim of combining the best of the art on offer in Brussels.

Known for his sleek sculptural objects and architectural elements made of natural and industrial materials, designer Noro Khachatryan, founder of studiokhachatryan, talks to TLmag about what constitutes an “object”, the need to be selective and making a habit of giving space to new ideas.


In a city about 9000 km away from where they’re based, Brussels art centre WIELS collaborates with the recently opened TANK Shanghai in an exhibition that reflects on the dualistic nature of Belgian contemporary art and culture.

Every year, the Biennale Interieur, together with magazines Knack Weekend and Le Vif Weekend, select a Belgian ‘designer of the year’. This year, the accolade goes to none other than Linde Freya Tangelder AKA destroyers / builders.

Last month Pierre Marie Giraud gallery in Brussels hosted a solo exhibition for first time, showcasing Michael Verheyden’s furniture.

TLmag spoke to the recently established A.R.M. studio about how their 5 female founders banded together, their core values and the importance of sustainability in contemporary (textile) design.

TLmag caught up with Betty de Stefano, founder of Brussels based Collectors Gallery, to get her take on Belgian style and innovation in contemporary jewellery making.

Including the works of over 80 artists, Fondation Thalie’s most recent exhibition is a cabinet of curiosities filled with paintings and drawings from Brussels’ biggest private collectors and collections.