Must-See Art Guide: Knokke-Heist

This week’s guide features René Magritte, Carrie Mae Weems, Alexander Calder, and more.

Carrie Mae Weems, Blue Notes (Basquiat): Who's Who or a Pair of Aces #1 (2014). Courtesy of Maruani Mercier Gallery.

This week we are heading to the luxurious beach towns of Knokke-Heist—the Hamptons of Belgium. This glamorous destination located 26 minutes outside of Bruges offers up far more than your average coastal town. Known for its eclectic art scene, Knokke-Heist hosts a vibrant gallery scene and a few hidden gems for visitors in the know—insiders flock to the local casino to sneak a peek at prints by Keith Haring and a mural by René Magritte. And, with the sun shining brightly and the 41st installment of Art Nocturne Knocke underway, there is no better time to head to Knokke and vacation like Europe’s elite.

When in the area, don’t pass up an opportunity to see “Masters of Art: Impressionism to Abstract Art- Hommage à Magritte” at the Boon Gallery, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Surrealist’s death. In addition to rarely-seen Magritte paintings including Les perfections célestes and Le Baiser, the exhibition features the work of prominent abstract painters influenced by the artist’s legacy. Fans of contemporary art should stroll over to Maruani Mercier Gallery to see their new show “…And the people,” which features powerful works that explore African American identity. The exhibition celebrates the works of Carrie Mae Weems, Titus Kaphar, and Hank Willis Thomas—each of whom contributes a unique perspective to the conversation on racial politics. Finally, be sure to visit the whimsical work of Stéphane Halleux in the show “Rent-a-Bot” at the Absolute Art Gallery. The artist’s innovative sculptures, inspired by childhood toys, will intrigue the young and the young at heart.

For more art that rivals the ocean vistas, check out our full list of picks below.

Exhibition: “…And the people
When:
August 5–September 4, 2017
Where:
Maruani Mercier Gallery, Kustlaan 90, Knokke, Belgium

Guy Van Bossche, Shameless. Courtesy of Mulier Mulier Gallery.

Exhibition: “GUY VAN BOSSCHE Shameless
When:
August 4–September 24, 2017
Where:
 Mulier Mulier Gallery, De Wielingen 14 Knokke-Zoute, Belgium

Heimo Zobernig,
Untitled (HZ 2011 – 087)
(2011). Courtesy of Patrick De Brock Gallery.

Exhibition: “Heimo Zobernig
When: 
August 5–September 5, 2017
Where:
 Patrick De Brock Gallery, Zeedijk 578, Knokke, Belgium

Mauro Corda, Contorsionniste au circle. Courtesy of Cafmeyer Gallery.

Exhibition: “The Artistic World of Mauro Corda
When:
August 1–August 31, 2017
Where:
Cafmeyer Gallery, Kustlaan 29 Knokke, Belgium

Alexander Calder, Ball Game- (1974). Courtesy of Boon Gallery.

Exhibition: “Masters of Art: Impressionism to Abstract Art- Hommage à Magritte
When: 
August 3–August 20, 2017
Where:
 Boon Gallery, Kustlaan 197, Knokke, Belgium

Installation view. Courtesy of Absolute Art Gallery.

Exhibition:Rent-A-Bot
When: 
August 4–August 28, 2017
Where:
  Absolute Art Gallery, Knokke Kustlaan 285, Knokke, Belgium

Pierre Alechinsky. Courtesy of Guy Pieters Gallery Zeedijk.

Exhibition:Pierre Alechinksy- Early Works
When: 
August 5–September 9, 2018
Where:
Guy Pieters Gallery Zeedijk, Zeedijk–Het Zoute 753, Knokke-Heist, Belgium

Adrien Lucca, Wave Patterns Series 1, #6 (2016). Courtesy of Alter Ego Gallery.

Exhibition:Wave/Particle
When: 
July 1–August 27, 2017
Where:
Alter Ego Gallery, Ebbestraat 5, Knokke-Heist, Belgium

Fred Eerdekens, Light Sculptures. Courtesy of Samuel Vanhoegaerden Gallery.

Exhibition: Fred Eerdekens
When: 
August 4–September 17, 2017
Where:
Samuel Vanhoegaerden Gallery, Zeedijk 720, Knokke, Belgium

Installation view. Courtesy of Jones Gallery.

Exhibition:Eddy Van Gestel
When:
Ongoing
Where:
Jones Gallery, Zeedjk 817, Knokke-Zoute, Belgium