More very young - though excellent - emerging galleries from the First Call and Young zones highlight the dynamic character of artbrussels, together with the “one man shows" they exemplify the truly innovative spirit of the fair with a strong international profile: 32 local galleries are being joined by other 20 from Europe, North America and Asia.
The European platform for contemporary art
Brussels, the capital of Europe is increasingly profiling itself as a cosmopolitan and
multicultural city with an intuitive feel for contemporary art. As a country, Belgium can be
proud of the number of its art collectors with world-class collections. Numerous companies
are also translating this passion for art into one of the cornerstones of their corporate
culture. It is precisely this depth of private initiative and professionalism that combines
galleries, collectors and public institutions which gives artbrussels its unique character.
artbrussels has identified itself as the international contemporary art fair of the moment,
attracting participants from 20 countries. And through a rigorous selection process that
limits the number of galleries taking part, the event has a genuine brilliance that gives it an
edge.
The very young - though excellent - emerging galleries from the First Call and Young
zones highlight the dynamic character of artbrussels, together with the “one man shows"
they exemplify the truly innovative spirit of the fair.
artbrussels tracks the trends and movements in the international art world closely and as
such will be introducing a new zone: Modernist and Contemporary Design. This is a
natural choice and evolution as contemporary art and the high-end of the design sector
address a similar audience, and thus direct themselves to identical markets. The synergy
between the two is clear.
artbrussels expects its VIP programme to draw the attention of around 600 national and
international collectors, art professionals and critics, and over 750 journalists from Belgium
and the rest of the world. Previous figures confirm its appeal, with a record number of art
lovers (over 32,000) spending on average six hours at the fair.
It’s no great surprise - given the composition and standard - that more than any other
event in Belgium artbrussels is year after year the place where the entire international art
world comes together.
artbrussels, one of the European top contemporary art fairs
A rigorous and thus strong selection with an international character
artbrussels has developed a reputation as one of the most significant contemporary art
fairs. Limiting the number of participating galleries contributes to the high standard of
artworks on display, but also to the homogenous nature and clarity of vision of the fair. The
exhibiting criteria are tough, with only one in three galleries receiving a positive response
from the selection committee. However this committee carefully considers each and every
request, ensuring that only galleries which show artworks of exceptional quality or
promising new talent are included.
The international profile of the fair is also without doubt: 32 Belgian art galleries are being
joined by their colleagues from 20 different countries in Europe, North America and Asia.
The international selection committee: Albert Baronian - Baronian-Francey (B), Elena
Buchmann (D/CH), Rebecca Camhi (GR), Elga Conrads (D), Jo Coucke - Deweer Art
Gallery (B), Rodolphe Janssen (B), Nathalie Obadia (FR), Tanya Rumpff (NL)
Space, timing and a record number of visitors.
artbrussels is being organised in Halls 11 and 12 of Brussels Expo. A detailed
architectural space plan has been created to guarantee that both exhibiting and visiting is
a highly pleasurable experience.
artbrussels opens its doors in 2006 from the 21st, up to and including, the 24th of April, with
the Preview and Vernissage on Thursday 20th April. The 2005 edition demonstrated that
the decision to reduce the fair by one day was an inspired initiative: the number of visitors
is growing steadily and gallery owners are being spared fair-fatigue! We can already
confirm a record number of 32,000 visitors.
Clear, Strong and Innovative Zones
“First Call"
For the second time in a row, the First Call zone offers 14 international creative
newcomers a special opportunity. A collector’s committee has identified the emerging
galleries and participation is by invitation only. The First Call zone will be animated by illy,
who will create an atmospheric coffee lounge as a backdrop. In addition illy is also
awarding a prize to an artist represented by one of galleries included in the First Call zone.
“Young Galleries"
This zone is reserved for 40 galleries who will be displaying works from a maximum of five
promising but unestablished young artists.
“One man shows" in partnership with ING Belgium
In 2006 the “one man shows" will highlight the contemporary and innovative character of
the fair, with 20 projects from recognised or young artists that give a representative
overview of the latest trends within contemporary art. This zone forms one of the elements
of the fair that extends huge pulling power over not only collectors, but also museums and
the press. A remarkable aspect of the artists selected this year is that 30 per cent are
actually ‘one woman shows’. This is a reflection of a striking evolution: more and more
young women are being taken seriously as artists and making their mark in the once so
male-dominated art world.
The Belgian Collectors Committee (Jacqueline d’Amecourt, Wilfried Cooreman, Mimi
Dusselier, Filiep Libeert, Baudoin Michiels, Benedikt van der Vorst and Bruno Van Lierde)
has chosen works of only the highest standard.
ING Belgium supports the “one man shows" and also contributes to the financing of the
exhibition space. On top of that, ING Belgium also presents the top prize-winning artist
with €10,000. The winner will be announced during the press conference, which takes
place on 20th April, where the cheque will also be presented.
One man shows, selected galleries + artists
Press release : New Design zone
artbrussels introduces a brand new zone with modernist and
contemporary design
This year artbrussels introduces a brand new zone with the cre'me de la cre'me from the
field of modernist and contemporary design. For the first time, 10 of the most
internationally renowned galleries in the field will present sublime, unique pieces with an
exceptional artistic and historical value, as well as limited editions from young designers
working with the established global design names. For this zone three Belgian, five
French, one German and even one Chinese design gallery has been selected.
Design has never been so popular. The time when the art world would look down on
design has gone. No longer is the term ‘design’ used in a derogatory sense - a synonym
for a purely decorative and commercial approach without any depth or critical attitude. As
appreciation and knowledge of design has increased, so has the awareness that good
design by definition has its own aesthetic and social value, which surpasses the merely
decorative. At its best, an object can achieve the status of iconic; a sign of the times or the
totem that encapsulates an era. However design is also still very much part of a daily
reality, and its needs, dreams and desires - a quality that is sometimes absent in
contemporary art.
In order to avoid creative isolation, more artists are exploring the crossovers with design.
Design functions as an experimental playground where artists feel less constrained by the
pressures of the art world. As design has attained a growing recognition, so its own history
has developed and this has in turn evolved into an interest in design as an expression in
itself - a fascination that is heightened by the scarcity of historic design icons that have
been preserved, a consequence of decades of disinterest and neglect. Another
consequence is inflated price tags.
Parallel with the increased recognition, the design market is also subject to a profound
transformation, specifically in the sector that is most associated with design: furniture. An
example of the significant changes is the effect of rapid globalisation on the market. If for a
long time design has been the preserve of the Europeans, the torch has now been taken
over by other continents, namely Asia and North America. It’s an evolution that also runs
concurrent with an upsurge in household spending, in which Asia, with a yearly turnover of
$88.3bn is taking the lead, followed by Europe and North America, with respective annual
figures of $80.1 and $74.9 billion.
And all this goes hand in hand with the phenomenal boom in the real estate market and
the increasing trend towards cocooning in times of growing uncertainty.
A house today no longer serves just as a safe nest and home, but also an office or
workplace. It is the Alpha and Omega of our existence. And while until recently design was
catalogued as a niche industry, the fact that, for example, fast-food chains have also
become design converts, is a sign that nowadays design has become the rule no longer
the exception. This goes some way to explaining why the furniture industry, which was
once dominated by medium-sized family companies, is rapidly experiencing takeover by
the luxury sector and large organisations, who in contrast to the family-based companies
have the means for large-scale investment. Design has become big business. We are at
the beginning of an irreversible process and as such investment can only bring positive
returns on a variety of levels, but there are also benefits for the collectors who clamour for
the masterpieces that are becoming increasingly rare.
It is within this context that Brussels has quickly attained the status of a Mecca. Because
the birth of design is inextricably linked with the first industrial revolution - which took place
at the beginning of the 19th century - the new materials and production techniques that
emerged saw Brussels develop as the first industrial capital on the European mainland,
and therefore quickly gain a reputation as a capital of design.
There remain many witnesses to past glories from art nouveau to art deco. Different from
other places, in Brussels design is not considered a new phenomenon. It is tradition itself.
It also means that the average Brussels resident has the principles of design spoon-fed to
them.
Such a history could also throw light on the extensive number of dealers in vintage design,
their exceptional high quality and numerous dedicated collectors. It is therefore only logical
that the organisers of artbrussels have decided to open their doors to design - national
and international. And with only a limited number of galleries per country admitted, great
quality is ensured.
Vernissage: 20 April from 16 - 23hrs (by invitation only)
Brussels Expo
Place de Belgique, Halls 11 & 12 - Bruxelles
Opening Hours: 21, 22 and 23 April from 12 - 20hrs; 24 April from 12 - 22hrs