Art Brussels was first and foremost established as a means for the world to discover upcoming artists, and to give emerging talent an international platform. This year, of the 145 galleries participating in the fair, around 30 will exhibit as a part of the “Discovery” section, bringing entirely new work to the forefront. The exhibition scenography is designed by Lhoas and Lhoas, a Brussels-based architecture firm and the graphic design is created by Base Design. The fair is being organised at the historic Tour & Taxis cultural hub, with the preview taking place on April 20.
The “Prime” section showcases more established names, the “Discovery’ section will showcase younger artists, while “Rediscovery” brings to focus important artists who practiced between 1917 and 1987—those that may have been underestimated in their time or unduly forgotten. There will also be a series of talks and discussions on trends in art.
Featured image above: Los Angeles’ Shulamit Nazarian gallery will showcase the work of two artists who deal with the surreal and the abstract. The wildly colourful world of Wendell Gladstone, whose contorted characters are reflections of the bizarre, grotesque structures of our own society, will stand next to the abstract sculptures of Reuven Israel, who explores a range of form and colour in his conceptual and painstakingly crafted artworks.
The fair will be on till April 24, 2017.
Here’s a look at what we are most excited about this year:
Bernier/Eliades has been at the forefront of the contemporary arts scene in Greece. The founders of the Athens-based gallery have been responsible for introducing a number of art movements to the public; and they now also have a permanent space in Brussels. At Art Brussels, they will showcase the work of Thomas Schütte, Joseph Kahlil, Cameron Jamie, Dionisis Kavallieratos and others.
Galerie Christian Lethert will put up a group showcase of modern and abstract art including Rana Begum, Imi Knoebel and Henrik Eiben.
Galerie Mitterand presents the irreverent work of Niki de Saint-Phalle, whose papier mache dolls of the proverbial “everywoman” discuss, question and eventually overturn the role imposed upon women by society. Here, work has consistently protested the patriarchy and social rigidity.
Artlead.net is an online platform set to bring new artworks to the fore at affordable prices. At Art Brussels, they will present a group showcase featuring Thomas Demand, Ryan Gander, Dirk Zoete, and John Baldessari among others.
Parisian gallery 2,248 m2 will present a solo show by Caroline Delieutraz whose work is both a product of and a comment on the information shared through the digital landscape. She uses found images and other appropriated information as a means of discussing ownership and authority.
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