"This is not Belgium"

copyright: Nathalie Van Eygen

Still on the same subject of the complexity of the Belgian structure, politics, bilingualism, regional co-existence  - a subject which is never far away in this country-  I'd like to introduce Nathalie Van Eygen, a Belgian photographer, author of  "Ceci n'est pas België". The book is the result of Nathalie's graduation work at the Academy of Anderlecht. It illustrates life in Belgium and the challenges of different communities living together.  What better way than photographs to put things in perspective and show narrow-mindedness or oddness here and there.

The book is for sale in different libraries in Brussels and can also be ordered directly from the author at  nathaliev@mac.com (19,99 eu).
www.vaneygen.be

http://www.vaneygen.be/Nathalie_Van_Eygen/Book_%28excerpt%29.html

Academy Anderlecht

 
 
 

Stop 2 on my June Academy trip is the Academy of Anderlecht (Brussels),  one of my very favorite.  Take one step into the door and you breath another world: you enter a captivating place with a special atmosphere, gorgeous old buildings, exceptional teachers (last photo).

Work of graduating photography students was presented to the critical scrutiny of an external jury.  Teun Voeten, a well known Dutch journalist, is shown in picture 3 (man holding book). 
One student painted the floor under a voting booth in the Belgian colors to provide an appropriate context for her slide show on Belgian politics (photo 2).
http://www.academieanderlecht.be/
www.teunvoeten.com

Mathilda's photos

"City gardening at any price" is the title of Mathilda's final work to graduate from the photo Academy in Anderlecht (Brussels). Mathilda is a retired schoolteacher and thoroughly enjoys her new passion. 
In June,  the works of graduating students will be on display for the general public to admire at the Academy, opening Friday June 22.

Academie voor beeldende kunsten Anderlecht

Dapperheidsplein 17 - 1070 Anderlecht

Tel. 02 523 03 71 - Fax 02 523 02 81

e-mail: klik hier
www.academieanderlecht.be

"Tournée general" or scenes from a temporary cafe

The scenes in the café set up for visitors and friends of the Academy students are almost as interesting as the exhibition itself.  
"Tournée géneral" on the poster means that the person pronouncing these words treats everyone present to a drink. Unfortunately, the poster is referring to an event in the future. 

Academy exhibition

The last weekend of June, the art academies of Brussels open their doors to the public, very often family and friends of the students. I look forward to it every year. It is great fun to admire and absorb the results of a year of creativity, imagination, thinking and work by students who, in Brussels, come from everywhere. The different nationalities and backgrounds are reflected in the works.

Mark and Johan, Academy students

Mark is reflecting on how to tackle

        his personal interpretation of a bird's nest. 

Johan poses with self-portrait.

The students of the painting and drawing department of the Art Academy of Anderlecht work in large spacious rooms filled with light and energy.

 www.academieanderlecht.be/