‘A free spirit also means letting go of the expectations of the outside world’

On the 20th September, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) will gather at Brussels’ Koninklijk Circus for the Feest van de Vrije Geest, or Celebration of the Open Mind. This event marks the opening of the new academic year and celebrates the values that the university steadfastly upholds: critical thinking, freedom of speech, the right to self-determination, solidarity and connectedness. As part of the evening programme, six renowned guest speakers will share what the concept of freedom means to them, through a short speech or performance.Music will come from Ão, the band of Brenda Corijn, Siebe Chau, Jolan Decaestecker and Bert Peyffers. They bring a unique mix of saudade, indie and subtle electronica.

What does an open mind or a free spirit mean to you?

Siebe: “That during the creation process we clear all possible obstacles. For example, by letting go of conventions and working through different genres.”

Brenda: “The opposite can also be an obstacle: the fear of falling into clichés and the compulsion to always strive for something new. At the intersection of those two extremes, you can be sincere and stay truest to yourself. That is freedom, I think.”

Bert: “A free spirit also means letting go of the expectations of the outside world. You quickly get pigeonholed; that’s clear and convenient, but the reality is much more nuanced. For example, our music is often described as fado, but there are plenty of other influences woven into it.”

“With Ão, we consciously choose not to attach a strong political opinion to our artistic work”

Who do you consider a role model in terms of free expression?

Brenda: “I immediately have to think of FKA Twigs; all four of us are deeply impressed by her. She shares her own story openly, honestly, it’s almost raw, both in her music and on other platforms. In doing so, she doesn’t shy away from difficult topics such as trauma, racism, sexual assault and domestic violence. It’s intriguing how much control she has over her own narrative. She carefully guards her artistic output and the message she wants to convey. I think that’s why her work feels so precise, thoughtful, pure and sincere.”

Should we be able to say anything, or are there limits to freedom? 

Jolan: “Those limits are something you can choose for yourself as an artist, we think. With Ão, we consciously choose not to attach a strong political opinion to our artistic work. So on stage, as a rule, we make no political statements. In personal interviews or our own social media, of course, everyone is allowed to use that freedom.”

Is freedom of expression under threat? What do you see as the biggest danger?

Siebe: “In some places more than others. For us, that threat lies more in some people confusing discriminatory, racist or hurtful statements with their freedom of speech. Because of social bubbles and algorithmic loopholes, people often don’t even realise they’re doing it.”