Art Brussels is one of the major modern and contemporary art fairs around the world. This year hosted 177 exhibitors within five different sections.
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Association of Galleries. Every year Art Brussels brings more than 150 contemporary art gallerists among the most important ones inside the international art scene. It continues to evolve, innovate and inspire, celebrating four decades of artistic excellence, creativity and cultural dialogue. The fair is divided into four sections and one sub- section. One section is called discovery, which focuses on young emerging, lesser known artists with works made between 2017 and 2020. The Prime section exposes established artists from modern to contemporary. Rediscovery, is a section dedicated to the art from the 20th century artists living or deceased, who are underrated, underestimated or forgotten. SOLO, is another section dedicated to solo presentations, a project dedicated to the work of one artist: a one-artist show in the entire stand. Last, invited is a section different from the others, supporting the evolution of the art market providing booths to young and upcoming galleries participating in Art Bruxelles for the first time.
Nele Verhaeren, the managing director of the fair, stated: “With a significant 60% of returning galleries and notable newcomers, we are extremely proud of the diverse and influential line-up. Art Brussels continues to attract leading international players with established or mid-career artists, and one in four galleries is also part of the burgeoning young art scene. The forthcoming edition promises a celebratory atmosphere with various initiatives, including Prizes for the winning gallerists or artists for each section of the fair, an outdoor sculpture project produced in collaboration with the city, and a nostalgic flashback area where treasured souvenirs will be on display. In addition, numerous reception events will provide engaging opportunities for collectors, exhibiting gallerists and curators to connect and celebrate the rich tapestry of artistic expression.”
Art Brussels is held in Brussels Expo, a big art deco building, built in 1933. This year it attracted 26,000 visitors, this year celebrating 40 years. It takes place from the 25th to the 29th of April, it is one of the longest running art fairs in Europe. The fair this year hosted 177 exhibitors, 25 more than the 2023 edition. There were around 30 countries represented and 800 artists in total. A strong energy and enthusiasm was felt among the fair. However, the public seemed to express fatigue, as the fair size increased and the art to experience was huge. There is a changing culture within what visitors seek to gain from such events. However, galleries were able to close the fair with significant sales.
The 2024 edition of the fair has objective innovation and inclusion. This year, with the support expressed by Philippe Close, the city’s mayor, on behalf of the City of Brussels, which is committed to acquiring an outdoor sculpture for a public space, the Art for the City project took place. A jury will decide which artist will be chosen from the new outdoor sculpture project. This project was ongoing in the past from 2009 to 2012 and this year is curated by Carine Fol. Fourteen Galleries selected from the fair decided some statues to be exhibited, the winner will have the chance to create a public project permanent in the city of Brussels. Moreover, there is a strong representation of Italian galleries among the fair. They are: Massimo de Carlo, ABC Gallery, Triangolo, Poggiali Gallery, 10 A.M., Deep Art Gallery, Monitor and P420.
Written by Kooness