The main reason for my visit to Liverpool this weekend was not only to stay in a plush hotel, of course, but to pay a visit to the recently-opened exhibition at the Tate Liverpool on one of Belgium’s most famous exports (other than me), surrealist painter René Magritte (1898-1967).

Whether you’re into art or not, you’ll definitely have come across some of Magritte’s work at some point, perhaps unknowingly. This is the artist known for his witty paintings of men in bowler hats, apples, clouds and even pipes (amongst other things) in unlikely settings, always playing with the idea of reality and illusion.

As a Belgian, it was a truly great and proud feeling to see a packed Tate Liverpool, full of admirers, from little kids to pensioners, enjoying and discussing the sometimes baffling images on display. The exhibition named René Magritte: The Pleasure Principle, tracks the artists’ work chronologically and by theme through over 100 pieces from public and private collections, many of which have never been seen in the UK before.

I could give you a full, room-by-room review, but this is simply one of those exhibitions you need to experience for yourself. The fun thing about Magritte is, you don’t even need to like art to be able to appreciate it: he challenges you to look at his paintings not once or twice, but many times, as there is always something new to discover. He continuously toys with your idea of ‘normal’ or ‘real’ – what looks perfectly normal at first sight, just isn’t quite possible if you give it a proper look, and that’s what made him the master of the Surrealism era.

As for the real Magritte fans there, you’ll be happy to hear that, other than the rather amazing selection of artworks already on display, there are also exciting lesser known pieces to see, some from his “Vache” period, some of his commercial designs and even an R-rated room depicting some of his more erotic works, a real treat! That, and a Magritte-themed giftshop, which I duly raided, of course.

René Magritte: The Pleasure Priniciple
Tate Liverpool, June 24th – Oct 16 2011
Admissions: £11 for adults