
Sonia Dermience, 1958
Curator
Describe yourself, your background and what you do today.
I’m a curator at Komplot, a non-profit art space in Brussels. I’ve lived in Brussels for 29 years now.
How has Brussels shaped you as an individual as well as your professional activities?
I’ve biked for as long as I can remember. As far as I’m concerned, it’s the best way of getting around, even if the city does sometimes make it rather difficult. My practice as a curator encourages me to be rather critical of the city, whilst also celebrating it. I’d rather a city that has an open philosophy towards public spaces; one which encourages initiatives that mix nature with urban infrastructures as well as different audiences. I work in Brussels on different projects that have allowed various people to express themselves and reinforce their artistic practices, which, in my opinion, could have more of an opening towards societal and environmental aspects of living in a city like Brussels today. Our everyday reality is rather chaotic for the time being and has the potential of reducing our chances of living together and coexisting.
List three things you like the most about Brussels, bike-related or not.
- Reading in parks
- Shopping by bike
- Dreaming on my bike
I’d rather a city that has an open philosophy towards public spaces
List three deciding factors that converted you to bicycle use.
- Pollution
- Landscape
- Movement
List three favourite bike routes in Brussels.
- Along the canal: fresh air and a great view.
- The city’s smaller streets for its décor.
- Large bike lanes for the relaxation.