Diversity

One of the many aspects of a metropolis is its diversity. That’s not different in Brussels, the capital of Europe, where people form diverse origins live. This colorful mixture, not always easy to structure and handle politically and socially, does liven up the city’s culture.

Last Thursday was the closing night of the first “Fortnight for Equal Rights and Diversity”, a new initiative by the Brussels government, to raise awareness in this matter through a variety of programs.

For the closing night celebrations I went to the historic city hall on the Grand Place, a jewel of Gothic architecture. After all these years, I fell in awe again for its beauty!

With an eclectic array of songs, the female group “Ik zeg Adieu” (I say Goodbye) gave voice to the closing night reception for the campaign to respect women’s rights.

Afterwards, I headed over to the venue “La Tentation” for more festivities: yummy food and drinks, and feel-good songs and music by the band “Viva Ninas”. Those women rocked the house with their folky, jazzy, sometimes bizarre interpretations of popular Eurovision tunes. They got many bodies moving, including mine ... a great way to cheer up a cold evening!

Facing Fall

I am continuing my “Brussels travels”. I moved to a friend’s place in the center of the city, which is unbelievably convenient. Walking distance to shops and the major cultural venues in town, what a treat!

Less of a treat is that fall has taken over the town, and with it comes an abundance of gray skies and rain … very common for Belgium, but not so for me anymore. I am already missing the Los Angeles’ sun and warmth and the darkest winter months are still to come. Oh no!

Have to explore alternatives: hammam, tanning salon, getaway to a mediterranean country? Will have to save up first.

For now, creativity and “getaways” in the local art world have to distract me from the daily grayness.

More dancing and moving, taking a contemporary dance class, visiting more art galleries and expositions are on my agenda.

During one of my recent “art wanderings” I came across the exhibition “Un corps a soi” (a body of one’s own) – photographs by the Belgian filmmaker Marie Mandy. In these very personal, often confrontational and overall liberating images, she documents her healing process of breast cancer. Mandy also wrote a diary “AMAZONe” and made a documentary reflecting all her emotions and anxieties involving. Calling herself a modern day “amazon”, she quotes the legendary artist Louise Bourgeois: “Through art, we transcend real life. Being an artist, we can overcome our torments and guarantee our mental health”.

Let art guide and inspire, indeed.