The opening of the BRAFA Art Fair Brussel, which took place on Saturday 25 was a most wonderful event. I was happy to see impressive works of art which were on display by the participating galleries. From 11.00 hrs. until18.00 hrs. I had a close look at the galleries, and really the BRAFA is worthwhile visiting.
This year BRAFA is celebrating its 70th edition anniversary. This year, approximately 130 international exhibitors have set up their stands over 21,000 m3 of exhibition space.
Between 10,000 and 15,000 top-quality art works from every continent and period, from Antiquity to the present day, are on display from 26 January until 2 February 2025. A loyal sponsor of the Fair for almost 20 years is Delen Private Bank. Since 2009, the Fair has been under the High Patronage of Her Majesty Queen Paola
I admired beautiful paintings, bronze sculptures, objects, jewels, etc. among others paintings of Pieter Brueghel the Younger and Abel Grimmer at De Jonckheere (Geneva), Chagall and Karel Appel at Galerie Boulakia (London), beautiful jewels of Cartier and Van Cleef&Arpels at Epoque Fine Jewels (Kortrijk) and VKD Jewels (Milan/Amsterdam), Kees van Dongen and Melchior d’Hondecoeter at Douwes Fine Art (Amsterdam), tapestries at De Wit Fine Tapestries (Mechelen), James Ensor and Panamarenko at Gallery Samuel Van Hoegaerden (Knokke), Lucebert at Rueb Modern and Contemporary Art (Amsterdam), Georgio de Chirico at Repetto Gallery (Lugano), etc., etc.
At BRAFA 2025, the Guest of Honor is this year the internationally renowned Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos. She is known for her impressive monumental sculptures and colorful installations. Vasconcelos often uses materials such as textiles and plastic, that are recognizable and accessible to a wide audience. Her artwork is playful, colorful and investigative themes such as the role of women, consumption and collective identity. She creates by using recognizable elements. Her art is not only visually appealing, but also invites reflection and discussion about contemporary society.
Her work has previously been shown at impressive locations such as the Château de Versailles and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Her presence is a dynamic addition to the BRAFA. You can admire a serial of two works, called Valkyries, suspended from the ceiling, extending her immense tentacles made of patchwork of floral fabrics, embroidery, pearls, rhinestones, lace, crochet pieces and lightning effects, creating an atmosphere that is both fascinating, offering an invitation to travel into a world where everything is luxury and beauty, elegance and voluptuousness. You cannot miss her colorful works as they are hanging in the center of the two halls.
In addition to the impressive works of art, BRAFA offers a rich and varied cultural program. The BRAFA Art Talks with daily lectures by curators and experts on various art topics are popular with visitors and exhibitors.
The opening was a festive event and perfectly organized. We were continuously treated with all kind of tasting dishes/sandwiches, snacks, wines, champagnes.
Written by Nanda Jagusiak-Monteiro