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.

Brussels Revisited

I arrived in Brussels 10 days ago and ... wow...what an avalanche of impressions and emotions in various directions it has been!

First of all, there is the absolutely amazing home – a modern spacious loft with terrific view over the city - of my friends Ruben, Vif and Jef I am staying. Their warm and generous welcome is an angel’s gift. Jawel, Vifke, ge zijt mijnen saving angel – Villa Vif - Vive la vie, vivre sa vie – love you, you have no idea!

Wandering with my friends through car free Brussels on Sunday, discovering new stores, some galleries, artsy spots and corners with a “Venice Beach flair”, re-discovering my old neighborhood, how cool is that?

I meet their friends, some of my old friends, and even took a contemporary dance class with the same teacher of 18 years ago.

Attended the season’s opening event at Passa Porta, an international literary bookshop and salon in the centre of Brussels. Flemish writer/traveler Lieve Joris read from her work – inspired by her journeys through Africa and Asia -, followed by the avant-premiere of a documentary about her. Extremely inspiring. World traveler, can identify with very well!

One of the author’s quotes stuck me: “No matter where you go, you always (have to) take everything with you”.

Truth and wisdom revealing – welcome Brussels, welcome new chapter in my life!

New York Vibes!

To say there is plenty to do in NYC is an understatement. There is an abundance of fun things to do in the “City that never sleeps”. Even a lot of free stuff, if you do your homework and search numerous websites & blogs covering cheap & free NY.

I’ve been having a blast here! Catching up with friends, numerous art show openings - a group at the Gallery House in Clinton Hill (Brooklyn) the most notorious so far. Sitting in the backyard of a historical Brownstone, on a warm evening, sipping a glass of wine, chatting with artists, discussing art and world travels, just wonderful.

Another superb evening was the Dance Theatre Workshop pre-season party, where I met the young Australian dancer/choreographer Ian Colless, doing an internship at the Battery Dance Company. A descent of an Australian aboriginal tribe –the Gundungurra Nation – he’s in the process on creating a dance opera on and with them. How intriguing!

Highlight last week was the screening of the Belgian film “The Misfortunates” – not exactly a literally translation of the Flemish title “De Helaasheid der Dingen” which is beautifully poetic – at the Flanders House. Enjoyed the humoristic, very Flemish feeling film a lot and the delicious appetizers and libations hit the spot. Stunning view over the Big Apple from a 44^th floor in Central Manhattan – unbeatable!

From LA to NY

What a couple of full days it has been!

Last Friday my birthday with (my last for now) First Fridays on Abbot Kinney, followed by a nice treat at Hama Sushi by two good friends.

Farewell old neighborhood! I had lots of fun here, and you were an important part of my life.

Sunday some “artistic” friends of mine joined me in a lovely, sunny garden for great conversation, BBQ delights, and a glass of wine. Creating art, writing, expressing anger by female writers vs. male writers, what brought us to and inspired us in the City of Angels, were hot topics. Go figure.

Thanks for a wonderful time, friends. I will miss you … but will be back some time.

In less than 2 days I am heading to New York. Curious what my explorations there will bring. Very excited to organize a retrospective evening of Broad Humor shorts in Brooklyn (on August 29), in collaboration with Malesha of the Musesalon Collective. Any New York peeps out there, check it out and spread the word!

Up to my next adventure!

For more info on the retrospective: http://www.broadhumor.com