Brussels gallery opens art bar for experimental parties

Brussels-based gallery Maniera is bringing good design and good company together under one roof with a new series of pop-up evenings at its art bar, hosted by artists, architects, designers and curators. 

The evenings will take place in a space within the gallery entitled ‘1b’, which has been designed by the Belgian artist Koenraad Dedobbeleer. Dedobbeleer is best known for creating sculptural installations out of everyday objects such as chairs, tables, brooms and water bottles, in order to offer new perceptions of the things we so often take for granted. 

 ‘1b’ is a continuation of that work with Maniera transformed into an almost surrealist landscape filled with modular chairs, twisting candlesticks, and table lamps shaped like soft-serve ice cream. 

Until mid-January, this unique bar space will play host to a series of evenings organised by creatives such as American artist and sculptor Rita McBride, who experiments with design and architectural objects; ‘protean’ artist Pierre Leguillon, known for reworking images from mass media; and experimental glassware designer Marta Armengol. 

The series of events is the 21st century equivalent to the ‘Happenings’ of 1960s New York, with each evening’s artist-host dictating the music, food, performance, and all around atmosphere of the night. Guests are invited to hang out and engage with both the art and people that surround them. It is a place for jovial conversations amongst old and new friends, as much as it is a place for challenging, intellectual discussions amongst fellow art-enthusiasts.

‘A good bar is a space for sharing pleasurable moments in the company of friends or acquaintances,’ says architect Asli Çiçek about the project. ‘Where easy chit-chats and deeper conversations fuse amid good drinks… As an interior typology, the bar is one of the most enjoyable spaces to be designed and experienced.’ 

 ‘1b’ is certainly a bar that promises to be enjoyable by offering up a bouquet of life’s most immediate pleasures – art, music, drinks and good company. The event series will happen once a week at the Maniera gallery until 14 January 2022. 

INFORMATION

maniera.be