What's on this week: 20 September

The advent of the atomic bomb in 1945 inaugurated an era of atomic art, pregnant with explosive power and impending doom. The traces of nuclear power are more subtle in the 21st century, when the threat of mutually assured destruction has been substituted by the silent accumulation of radiation in the environment. Perpetual Uncertainty features works by 21 international artists, all addressing the nuclear Anthropocene – the current stage of geologic evolution marked by nuclear activity. The free exhibition is accompanied by events, including field trips to nuclear sites with the artists and a roundtable discussion on the politics and aesthetics of the nuclear age. Until 10 December at Z33, Hasselt

With its boutique galleries and weekly market, Brussels’ Zavel district has long been known by locals as the place to score art and antiquities. Brussels Art Square was conceived in 2005 to communicate that reputation on an international level. Each edition boasts loads of guest dealers from across Europe selling everything from modernist paintings to pre-Columbian sculptures from the Americas. Previous editions have showcased British, Italian and Spanish galleries. BAS 2017 shines a spotlight on France. A dozen French vendors join some 30 local names to fill the streets of the Zavel with collectible art of every stripe. 22-24 September at Zavel, Brussels

Founded by Pixies bassist Kim Deal and featuring her twin sister Kelley, the Breeders have been crafting critically acclaimed alternative rock since 1989. It hasn’t been a smooth ride. The Deal sisters have worked through a long line of bassists and drummers over the years. Indeed, even Kelley has often strayed from the fold. Now operating with something close to the original line-up, the band continue to tour sporadically although the last studio album is nearly a decade old. Despite all that, nearly half of this autumn’s tour dates sold out quickly. 23 October, 19.00 at Trix, Antwerp

Think Pink: Benefit concert celebrating the 10th anniversary of the national breast cancer campaign, featuring Flemish indie-rock girl choir Scala, Koen Buyse of Zornik and an after-party led by DJ Regi of Milk Inc. 21 September, Ancienne Belgique, Anspachlaan 110, Brussels

Nachtasiel (The Lower Depths): Theater Antigone presents the still highly relevant 1902 piece by Russian playwright Maxim Gorki about outcasts, wanderers and antisocials. Tours Flanders following initial run. (In Dutch) 27 September to 18 November, Theater Antigone, Overleiestraat 47, Kortrijk

Geta Brătescu: The Romanian artist’s first solo exhibition in Belgium is a compact overview of the remarkably varied oeuvre of the 91-year-old, including drawing, sewing, printmaking, performance, film and installation. Until 14 January, MSK Gent, Fernand Scribedreef 1, Ghent

Mikio Naruse retrospective: Screenings of 20 titles by the mid-20th-century Japanese filmmaker whose extraordinary filmography includes domestic dramas such as When a Woman Ascends the Stairs, Floating Clouds and Yearning. Until 18 October, Cinematek, Baron Hortastraat 9, Brussels

Yu Hua: The internationally renowned Chinese writer talks about what it is like to be read outside of your own linguistic and cultural area, and gives his perspective on today’s China. (In English) 21 September 20.00-21.30, Passa Porta, Antoine Dansaertstraat 46, Brussels

Meertaligheid (Multilingual): Several experts discuss multilingualism in Ghent, including its challenges and advantages, its use in the classroom and as the contact language in an immigration context. 26 September 19.00-21.00, De Krook, Miriam Makebaplein 1, Ghent

Photo by Clara Hermans