Architecture of Loneliness at WIELS Art Book Fair

During the Wiels Art Book Fair, Valiz will be hosting a triple conversation between Mieke Bal, Ernst van Alphen and Sophie Berrebi. Mieke Bal is the editor of the recently published book The Architecture of Loneliness: Reflections on Displacement and Welcoming. Van Alphen and Bal co-wrote the introduction. The three essays in this book each explore a side of loneliness heavily influenced by the lack of social connections. The book is a plea for true exchange. In our current harsh political climate this book encourages a heartfelt interest and contact with the ‘other', your ‘neighbour’ — close and far.

Sophie Berrebi talks with Mieke Bal and Ernst van Alphen about the difference between 'loneliness' and 'solitude', about how the three other authors Wahbie Long, Marie-Jose Mondzain, Lysiane Lamantowicz (not present at WIELS) explain the concept of 'loneliness' and how they offer an opening to forms of sincere connection.