The Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has always held his father, the poet Ai Qing, in great admiration. There are a number of remarkable parallels between the paths of father and son, but Ai Qing was also the one who introduced the Belgian poet Emile Verhaeren to the Chinese public. This exhibition: Life, Revolt, Poetry —three concepts that summarize the lives of Ai Weiwei and Ai Qing. It has become a very personal exhibition featuring pieces selected by Ai Weiwei. It provides an overview of the artist’s artistic journey, but is simultaneously conceived as a tribute to Ai Qing and Emile Verhaeren. 

Who was Emile Verhaeren (1855-1916)? He was the most famous and internationally recognised and celebrated Belgian poet of the early 20th century. He was a French speaking author and one of the prominent figures of the Symbolist movement. His poetry; short stories; art criticism and plays have been translated into 28 languages and he was the Belgian ‘national’ poet in the early 20th century. He was also nominated for the Nobel Prize for literature. 

Parallel to this exhibition, a retrospective of the work of Ai Weiwei will take place from September 18 to November 14, 2026 , organized by Patrick Derom Gallery in Brussels. 

Ai Weiwei’s connection was through his father, the poet Ai Qing who introduced him to the Belgian poet and Ai Wei, has, in turn introduced Emile Verhaeren to the Chinese . Admission prices: €10 and €8 (reduced), open Tuesday to Sunday (11 am - 6 pm). 

Reservations are not mandatory, but recommended on weekends and for groups. 

Tickets via this link : https://emile-verhaeren.weticket.io/weiwei

Image from Wikimedia Commons