For its 9th edition, the PhotoBrussels Festival continues to challenge perceptions with “A Public Affair,” an evolving exhibition curated by Bayo Hassan Bello. Hosted at Frédéric De Goldschmidt’s private collection space, this expanded showcase delves deeper into the fluidity of public and private identities, a theme that resonates powerfully within queer communities.
Originally featuring twenty striking photographs, the exhibition now welcomes iconic voices in queer and subversive art, including Robert Mapplethorpe—whose raw, sensual, and unapologetic portrayals of masculinity and desire have shaped LGBTQ+ visual culture. Alongside him, trailblazing artists like Shirin Neshat and Danh Vō bring their perspectives on identity, exile, and the personal as political. The exhibition also gives space to a new generation of artists such as Brussels-based Léa Belooussovitch and Yoel Pytowski, whose in situ installation adds a contemporary, immersive element.
Other featured artists include David Armstrong, David Brognon & Stéphanie Rollin, Edgar Martins, Musa N. Nxumalo, and Hank Willis Thomas—each contributing a distinct reflection on visibility, power, and representation. By bringing together different generations and artistic approaches, “A Public Affair” sparks a necessary conversation about who gets to be seen and how queerness is portrayed in photography. The exhibition offers a compelling reflection on identity and self-expression, making it a key highlight of this year’s festival.
You may also like
-
Midis-Minimes Festival: Your Lunchtime Classical Adventure in the Heart of Brussels
Brussels is buzzing this summer with the return of the beloved Midis-Minimes Festival, now celebrating its
-
Dance Under the Stars: Brussels’ Bal National Lights Up July 20
Every year on July 20, the heart of Brussels beats to the rhythm of the Bal
-
The 2025 Festival de l’Été Mosan: Where Music and Heritage Meet
From July 13th to August 30th, 2025, the Festival de l’Été Mosan returns to animate
-
NIGHT 5: The Official Kickoff to Festival Season in Brussels!
Get ready to ignite your summer—NIGHT 5 is here to launch the festival season with
-
Why Staying in Brussels in July Is Absolutely Brilliant
In partnership with Visit.brussels If you think summer in Brussels means empty streets and closed
English 
French 
Dutch