Meet my Valentine!
He's made me feel wonderful things.
Reading time: about 3 minutes.
Happy Valentine’s Day, friends.
Today I find myself thinking about a man who’s made me feel hope, gratitude and somehow, despite the fact that his life took place in its entirety well before my own, companionship.
George Seurat was a painter in the 19th century, who came after the Impressionist movement — right after, actually. He used all the glorious colors they used but created his own way of painting through meticulously arranging dots one next to the other. That’s why we refer to him as a post-Impressionist: he took the original model but changed something about it. We call his model pointillism.
After reading about this painting for years, I finally got to witness its glory for myself on a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago a couple years back. Seeing it in person was nothing short of spectacular.
“What is it about art that is so enrapturing that temples have been built across the globe to house and preserve it?”
I recently came across this quote in British art historian Katy Hessel’s new book, How to Live an Artful Life. It’s a lovely way of summarizing the effect art can have on one’s soul.
She goes on to say:
“I find it miraculous that despite the fact that humans have used similar foundational materials for thousands of years — like paint, clay, stone or pencil — they always find new things to say.”
I couldn’t agree more, Katy. Humanity has recorded its artful endeavours for thousands of years yet we’re still finding new ways to express ourselves.
I am still surprised and amazed by the contemporary art I discover through my work, through living in Brussels and through the interwebs.
What a glorious time to be alive, and how wonderful that we get to explore all this together. How exciting to be discovering Brussels’ galleries with you.
I am honored by your trust and readership. Thank you.
Upcoming events
Looking forward to seeing you at our first gallery visit next Saturday! We’ll visit more galleries in March and April as well. Stay tuned.
Jeff Goldblum, the American actor who starred in the Jurassic Park trilogy in the 90s, Wicked most recently and a bunch of other movies in-between, is coming to Belgium. As an actor, you ask? No, actually. As a musician, touring with his band and performing in Antwerp in July. The event venue is right next to the Central Station, which could make this a very easy evening trip from Brussels.
Japan’s cultural center in Brussels is organizing a bunch of exciting events this Spring, to celebrate 160 years of diplomatic relations between Belgium and Japan. Here’s the full programme, there’s a good mix there including some performances at Bozar and ‘Japanese Musical Instruments trial day’ on March 21st.
The annual BANAD festival, highlighting Brussels’ glorious Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture, will kick off again on March 14th. The programming includes a slew of guided tours, and since access like this only comes around ever so often, they tend to sell out in advance. If you want to partake, I’d recommend booking in advance.
A correction
We always strive for accuracy here at Nap at the Opera headquarters, but occasionally life will move so fast that we might miss a thing or two.
On those occasions, just like all other great publications of our time, we acknowledge it.
The Corinthia Hotel, which reopened last year after extensive renovations, is continuing its series of Sunday concerts this year. Here’s the programme.
Individual tickets are 45 euro, but a group of 10 people or more can get them for 35. (Last week I said prices “start” at 50 euro)
I mentioned it’s an intimate experience, which it is. But the room can fit up to 60 people or more, rather than the 30 I’d mentioned.
Mea culpa! I know George would forgive me, and I hope you will too.
That’s all for today. Hope you all have relaxing weekends!
Speak soon,
Ana