ExpoPhoto "Poor Brussels / Rich Image"

"Arm Brussel / Rijk Beeld" refers to a photo project by non-profit organization vzw HoedGekruid, a book by Geert van Istendael and a literary bike ride (17km through Brussels). In “ Arm Brussel / Rijk Beeld “ the major social contrasts in Brussels are highlighted: from poverty and growing inequality to the 'rich' cultural and historical treasures, with symbols such as the Atomium, eclectic social housing, and various Brussels streetscapes that show the complex identity of the capital. The project and the meaning Title: "Arm Brussel / Rijk Beeld". Focus: The contrast between the rich, European facade of the capital and the growing poverty, unemployment and social challenges. Form: A combination of text (Geert Van Istendael – Filip Van Zandycke) and photography ( Filip Van Zandycke). Activities: The photographic work of Filip Van Zandycke is published in the book “ Arm Brussel “ (2013 edition) by Geert van Istendael. Based on that published photographic work, a literary bicycle ride / walk (17km) was created. This bicycle ride / walk can be done by anyone on their own. Route, info, video can be found via Google when you type in the title “ Arm Brussel / Rijk Beeld “. Examples of "rich image" in Brussel Monumenten: The iconic Atomium (symbol of modernity) and historical places such as the triumphal arch, the (R)abattoir, the Bank, Bozar and town hall tower, The federal parliament that (w)atches ... over everything and everyone, always everywhere, and so on…. Historical figures: Simon Vinkenoog reads on the potbelly stove in 't Goudblommeke in Papier, ... What the project shows Brussels is a city of extreme contradictions: a rich region within Europe, but with grinding poverty in other neighborhoods. The title sums up this duality: the 'rich' image of a global metropolis versus the 'poor' reality of many inhabitants. You can do the literary bike ride on your own or under the guidance of Geert van Istendael and Filip Van Zandycke. More info via hoedgekruid@gmail.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expo in Belmundo, Henegouwenkaai 41, 1080 Sint-Jans-Molenbeek Van September 04 to October 04, 2026 “ Arm Brussel, Rijk Beeld “ Technique: word and image - stories and photography. (vzw HoedGekruid – Filip Van Zandycke) 20 years ago Filip founded the socio-cultural-artistic association vzw HoedGekruid. ( The association aims to open a window to the world through artistic initiatives and by drawing links between 'elsewhere' and 'here'.) (HoedGekruid vzw is recognized by the Vlaamse Gemeenschapscommissie.) For the origin story: see opening page www.hoedgekruid.be The project has been running at vzw HoedGekruid for over 20 years “ city photographer Brussel Hoofdstedelijk region “. (see also https://www.facebook.com/hoedgekruid/) For over 20 years Filip has been wandering criss-cross through the Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest for HoedGekruid vzw. Various photos from the project are published in, among others, the book “ Arm Brussel “ by Geert van Istendael, in Snoecks, in the book “Inspirerende Verhalen Uit Brussel“, various magazines and weeklies, …). Photos from this project have been awarded multiple times. (incl. ' The story of the canal', ' Straffe Madammen ', ' Break time ', ... In a distant past Filip was a reporter for De Morgen, Het Volk, Panorama and others. He reported (in word and image) on the elections in the Philippines, the student protests in Thailand, the earthquake in Kobe (in Japan), the Gulf War in Iraq, … Filip has a condition linked to MS (“Strümpell-Lorrain”). Today he photographs from a wheelchair, mobility scooter or from his orthopedic tricycle. “ Back to the basics of photography “, he says about it, “ standing still and waiting “.