Ceramic Brussels showcases innovation and diversity in international contemporary art practice

Championing a new wave of ceramic artists, Ceramic Brussels welcomes art enthusiasts and collectors to the contemporary art fair at Tour & Taxis from 22 to 25 January.

This year, the fair brings together over 70 galleries and nearly 200 artists from around the world, demonstrating the growing international interest in ceramic art.

Now in its third year, Ceramic Brussels has established itself as a major platform for contemporary ceramics, aimed at fostering exchanges between artists, galleries, collectors and institutions. The event combines exhibitions, talks, networking opportunities and a programme of curated displays that explore ceramic art’s evolving forms and practices.

This year’s edition features a country focus on Spain, presented in partnership with Europalia Espana, highlighting the country’s ceramic traditions and contemporary approaches within the wider context of European art. It includes an exhibition of ceramics and sculptures inspired by Spanish master Pablo Picasso.

The fair also features a variety of Nordic artists and galleries who formed the subject of last year's theme, while the guest of honour for 2026 is Austrian artist Elmar Trenkwalder (pictured above), whose work is showcased through dedicated exhibitions and talks.

A highlight of the event is the Ceramic Brussels Art Prize, which spotlights emerging talent across Europe. The 10 selected ceramic laureates exhibit their work in a collective show open to all visitors, providing a snapshot of innovation and diversity in ceramic practice.

Set in vast halls and carefully designed spaces, the fair’s immersive scenography encourages discovery and dialogue, blending traditional techniques with experimental and contemporary expressions. Organisers say Ceramic Brussels seeks not only to present works of art but also to sustain ceramics as an evolving medium that bridges craft, design and fine art.

The fair boasts artists of all ages, including Dutch ceramic legend Babs Haenen (pictured above), who has been presented at museums and galleries across the globe. She told the Bulletin about changing trends in the art. “Nowadays, if you look in America, a lot of artists are also handling clay, this reverts to more classic forms.”

Morten Klitgaard (pictured above), an artist who specialises in glasswork, described how the practice of ceramics is unique, differing from country to country, and region to region. “I think my theme is really nature-inspired. I grew up on the west coast of Denmark. Northern Europe is more focused on nature and how we treat the environment compared to Spain, which is more focused on figurative work.”

Ceramic Brussels has established itself as a notable staple in Europe’s cultural calendar, with previous editions drawing thousands of visitors and extensive media coverage. Its exponential growth shows a real emergence of interest in ceramics within the global art world, and its increasing role in contemporary art.

The fair is well worth a detour, and is filled with interesting and unique characters, from multidisciplinary artists to enthusiastic gallery owners, all willing to talk about the craft.

Ceramic Brussels
22 to 25 January
Tour & Taxis
Avenue du Port 86C
Brussels

Photos: (main image) ©Emil Verhulst; AI-Tiba9 Gallery, Barry Wolfryd, A drop in the bucket; Elmar Trenkwalder ©Ceramics Brussels; Babs Haenen ©Emil Verhulst; Morten Klitgaard ©Emil Verhulst