Bruno Baptistelli
Of Flags and Futures: Afro-Brazilian Resonances in Brussels
Upon entering the courtyard of TheMerode, a private members’ club in Brussels, the tricolour flag of Belgium decorating the facade of the majestic historical building immediately catches the eye. The red-yellow-black banner hangs above the main entrance, in front of a window on the first floor. So many flags could have been chosen but it is the Belgian flag, representing a country that will be celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2030, that TheMerode has chosen to associate itself with.
How do we interpret and contextualise flags today? They can unite or divide. They can provoke, polarise, heal, or create a sense of community and belonging.
Until the end of March 2026 a second and rather unconventional flag inhabits TheMerode. This one is located inside, on the first floor and in juxtaposition to the Belgian flag that waves outside. Bandeira afro-brasileira (em diálogo com David Hammons) — 2a versão (2020) is an artwork by Bruno Baptistelli. This work has been selected for the exhibition ‘ENERGIA. Artistic presence in the Belgian-Brazilian landscape’, a group exhibition co-curated by myself and Kathleen Weyts.
I meet Bruno Baptistelli for the first time through a digital screen, separated by over 9,500 kilometres and a five-hour time difference. Our conversation spans flags, gold, the cultural fabric of Brazil, artistry, and Baptistelli’s growing connection to Brussels.
BG: (Benedicte Goesaert) Dear Bruno, thank you for making time to talk and for accepting the invitation to present two of your artworks in the exhibition ‘ENERGIA’ at TheMerode. Are you familiar with Brussels?
BB: (Bruno Baptistelli) Yes, I have been to Brussels about three or four times. I lived in Budapest from 2015 till 2019, so I have a growing relation with Europe. It was during this time that I also befriended the Belgian artist Kato Six.
BG: Can you tell us more about your time in B (…)
