Affordable Art Fair Brussels returns to Tour & Taxis from 5 to 9 February

The 16th edition of Affordable Art Fair Brussels welcomes 90 Belgian and international galleries to Tour & Taxis from 5 to 9 February.

Presenting thousands of artworks by more than 600 emerging and established artists, it is one of the most popular contemporary art events in the capital.

Some 20,000 visitors are expected at the Brussels edition of the art fair that was founded in 1999. It is currently directed by Blythe Bolton, who is originally from the UK and also oversees the Amsterdam edition.

The fair’s mission is to make art accessible to everyone, providing a relaxed setting for art enthusiasts and novice and experienced collectors to appreciate a wide range of works. These are deliberately priced between €100 and €10,000, and include a selection of art by new galleries in the famous ‘Under €1,000 Wall’.

All of the colourful art on display, from paintings, silkscreens and photographs to sculptures, textile and ceramic works, is by living artists. They are selected according to strict and rigorous criteria that includes originality, technical quality, creative identity and artistic intent.

This results in creating a fascinating snapshot of the contemporary art landscape, while showcasing the latest trends in the Belgian art market. The celebration of modern creativity is recognised as an invaluable opportunity for galleries and collectors alike.

Among the participating galleries from Belgium are Africa Colors Gallery and Art Unity Gallery in Brussels, Nassau 42 Fine Arts and Atelier Louis in Antwerp, Frock Gallery in Ypres, PAREIT.Gallery and Private Walls Gallery in Knokke, MLVA Art Gallery and Charline Kervyn in Ghent, Adrienne D - ceramic art from Kortrijk and Christine Colon Galerie in Liège.

Meanwhile, the international showing features galleries from 18 countries, including the Netherlands, France, Germany, Switzerland, Lithuania, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Japan, South Korea, Argentina and Iran.

Complementing the numerous gallery stands is a rich programme of activities and events. The emerging artists exhibition Total Image or Death in Person is curated by Davide Musco and Maxence Doucet. It showcases three Brussels-based artists who share an interest in the evolving relationship with images. Elise Argyris, Loïs Soleil and Pedro Tinoco draw on digital pictures, icons, photos, advertisements and bodies to create an introspective and thought-provoking exhibition.

The ‘Fresh at the fair’ section features 8 of the 14 new galleries joining the Brussels event. Together, they show diverse art and disciplines, including emerging talents, contemporary ceramics, Cameroonian and Iranian artists and graffiti and street art.

Affordable Art Fair Brussels partners with artistic social project THE SKATEROOM to present a curated selection of customised skateboards. Since 2014, the corporation has collaborated with some of the world’s most influential artists to create art on skateboard decks to empower international skate and education nonprofits and projects. For the Brussels collaboration, it launches the sale of two limited-edition skateboards designed by Belgian rapper, singer and painter Roméo Elvis (pictured above). 

The fair partners with SOS Villages d’Enfants / SOS Kinderdorpen for the second year running. The organisation presents its project ‘City Jewel’, an initiative dedicated to recognising childhood trauma survivors. They are invited to transform their own personal experiences into beads to create a participatory artwork. Ten euros from each ticket sold for the fair’s opening on 5 February (from 17.00 to 22.00) will be donated to the City Jewel project.

There is also an opportunity to understand the art and science of colours. The Colour theory system reveals how we perceive colours, their emotive meanings, mixing and harmony. It also explains how artists and thinkers have shaped our modern understanding of colour.

For the first time, the fair offers a complimentary ‘Art Advice’ service hosted by art advisor Amandine Ickx. It is available daily to give visitors tips on navigating the fair, asking the right questions to gallerists and exploring their own personal artistic tastes.

A dedicated Wrapping Station is provided by Wall to Wall Art Solutions so that buyers can transport their purchases safely home.

Affordable Art Fair Brussels
5 to 9 February
Tour & Taxis (Shed 1 bis)
Rue Picard 3
Brussels

Photos: (main image) Affordable Art Fair Brussels 2024 photo Almicheal Fraay @maikeljay; Camsuza 3 by Julie Arnoux (Pascale Vilain); Hotelroom 111 by Degann (MLVA Art Gallery). Sorry! Our prize giveaway has now closed and the winners have been notified.