Unexpected Encounters by François Coorens

To celebrate the third edition of a one-year art residency, Hilton Brussels Grand Place is thrilled to unveil “Unexpected Encounters,” an exhilarating exhibition by Belgian artist François Coorens. From the vibrant hues adorning our walls to the thought-provoking pieces tucked around every corner, this collection promises to captivate and inspire guests throughout their stay until March 2025.

Artist Background and Style

A graduate of Saint-Luc Liège in graphic design, François Coorens burst onto the art scene in 1999 with a daring challenge: to create 100 canvases inspired by the Shoguns in the last 100 days of the millennium. Since then, his work has garnered widespread acclaim for its fearless exploration of contemporary themes and raw authenticity. Through a masterful interplay of paint, acrylic, and charcoal, Coorens strips away the extraneous to reveal the essence of his subjects, inviting viewers into a world where imagination and reality converge.

Creative Process

François’ creative process is a captivating odyssey marked by a relentless pursuit of authenticity and depth. Drawing from his formative years in the ’70s and ’80s, he infuses his art with raw energy and unapologetic symbolism, challenging societal norms and redefining cultural icons. Each stroke of acrylic, charcoal, and pencil is a deliberate act of creation and destruction, resulting in artworks that pulse with life and vitality, inviting viewers to reinterpret the familiar through a fresh lens.

Exhibition at Hilton Brussels Grand Place

Within the walls of Hilton Brussels Grand Place, guests will discover a treasure trove of Coorens’ most iconic works, including newly created pieces featuring Belgian icons like Stromae, Angèle, and Diane von Fürstenberg to international icons like Paris Hilton and Lady Gaga with pop culture references. And for those seeking a departure from the figurative, Coorens’ alter-ego, Bus Tomasi, offers a series of abstract pieces that challenge and provoke. The recent vernissage on March 21st welcomed over 200 guests, marking a memorable start to this year-long journey.

SCOOL

Beyond the canvas, Coorens’ artistic vision extends to Scool, an urban art workshop in Brussels that embodies his belief in the transformative power of creativity. Rejecting traditional notions of art education, Scool fosters an environment of uninhibited expression and experimentation, empowering students to explore their creativity without constraints. Through workshops focused on figurative art and street art techniques, Coorens invites participants to embrace their instincts and discover the joy of artistic discovery.

Collaboration

In celebration of our partnership with François Coorens, Sentro, our vibrant restaurant & bar, invites guests to embark on a culinary journey inspired by the artist’s vibrant creations. Head Chef Vincent Masson has crafted a menu that pays homage to Coorens’ bold aesthetic, featuring his favourite dish, the Endive and Beef Cheek Parmentier. At the bar, you can Complement your meal with François’s recommended beverages, the Mezcal Negroni cocktail and Spicy Apple mocktail, for a truly immersive dining experience.

As a token of appreciation, François has crafted a special portrait of Head Chef Vincent Masson, immortalizing their artistic collaboration. Furthermore, all Hilton Brussels Grand Place staff had the privilege of participating in a workshop led by François at Scool, forging a deeper connection with the artist and his creative process.

We invite everyone to immerse themselves in the captivating world of “Unexpected Encounters” by François Coorens, on display at Hilton Brussels Grand Place until March 2025. This exhibition is open to all, offering a unique opportunity to explore François’s imaginative world and discover the beauty of art, culture, and cuisine converging in unexpected ways.

But the journey doesn’t end here! Stay tuned for all our upcoming collaboration projects with François. Sign up for our Newsletter and be the first to be informed!