With Belgium's 2024 art season already underway as the inaugural Ceramic Brussels opened earlier this week, BRAFA (Belgian Antiques and Fine Arts Fair) returns for its 69th edition this Sunday. The eight-day event will host a variety of fine art and antiques, drawing the attention of art lovers around the world.
A brief BRAFA history
Recognised as one of Europe's most prestigious art fairs, BRAFA has stood the test of time. It will again this year welcome art collectors, gallery owners and art fans from Belgium and beyond.
Today one of Europe's oldest art fairs, BRAFA was created in 1956 by Charles Van Hove and Mamy Wouters, President and Vice-President of the Chambres des Antiquaries de Belgique, with the aim of exhibiting the best fine art and antiques that Belgium had to offer.
Princess Helene of France and Charles Van Hove, 1976. Credit: BRAFA
Despite growing in popularity, the fair has remained highly exclusive and for many years only allowed recognised Belgian antiques dealers to exhibit.
In line with its exclusive cachet, BRAFA has often been attended by dignitaries, including politicians, royals, actors and actresses, from Princess Hélène of France to Catherine Deneuve and Karl Lagerfeld.
Karl Lagerfeld opens the 1988 fair. Credit: BRAFA
In 1995 the event became more international as organisers opened it up to foreign dealers, leading to the event's expansion and ever-growing international acclaim.
Since 2008 BRAFA has welcomed contemporary art to its collection, since priding itself on the variety of specialities it has on show.
BRAFA 2024
This year, BRAFA will again take place in Brussels Expo, with this year's eclectic event welcoming 132 galleries from 14 countries, who together will make a carefully curated collection. 20 of these galleries will be newcomers this year.
BRAFA displays a huge variety of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, jewellery, tapestries, furniture, and ceramics. Vice-Chairman of the event Didier Claes highlighted this in a statement: "We want to offer an even greater variety of specialities, whilst remaining close to the DNA of the fair. With this dynamic, we hope to attract a multi-generational audience."
The Didier Claes stand, featuring classical African art. Credit: BRAFA
Anniversary of Surrealism
Surrealism will be in the BRAFA spotlight this year, as 2024 marks the century anniversary of the 'Surrealism Manifesto' publication.
As part of this, The Paul Delvaux Foundation has been invited to stand as BRAFA's annual 'Guest of Honour', marking the 30 year anniversary of the painters passing.
Despite rejecting the 'surrealist' label, Delvaux was often closely associated with the movement. A section of the fair will be dedicated to his works, exploring the journey of his career, while giving insight into the intricacies of his imagination and creativity. Paintings belonging to the foundation, along with some on loan, will be on display across the eight day occasion.
Collection of works by Paul Delvaux. Credit: Paul Delvaux foundation, BRAFA website.
A number of surrealist works feature prominently in this year's edition, inviting attendees to immerse themselves in surrealist visions reality and imagination.
Works from one of Belgium's most celebrated surrealist artists, René Magritte, will be shown alongside pieces from newer surrealists such as Emily Mae Smith and Thomas Lerooy.
As well as art pieces, a series of talks will be delivered by specialists at the King Baudouin Foundation stage each day at 16:00, sharing some knowledge and insight into their field.
Last year BRAFA achieved record attendance, welcoming 65,000 visitors over the eight days at the Brussels Expo. Organisers expect even more visitors this year.
BRAFA runs from 28 January to 4 February. For tickets or more information refer to the BRAFA website.
