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Monday, 20 February 2006 | Elif Sungur
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.
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 ( , Elena
Buchmann (D/CH), Rebecca Camhi (GR), Elga Conrads (D), Jo Coucke - Deweer Art Gallery (, Rodolphe Janssen (, 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.
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 Young galleries
Hoet Bekaert HANNES VANSEVEREN Belgium
Kleindienst TOBIAS LEHNER Germany
Ronmandos KATINKA LAMPE Netherlands
Art Galleries
Anhava SANTERI TUORI Finland
Camhi DEANNA MAGANIAS Greece
Conrads JANA GUNSTHEIMER Germany
Crown JEROEN EISINGA Belgium
Deweer STEFAAN DHEEDENE Belgium
Faurschou MICHAEL BEVILACQUA Denmark
Jamar LAURENT CRUYT Belgium
Janssen JEAN-LUC-MOERMAN Belgium
Koraalberg KATLEEN VERMEIR Belgium
Krinzinger ZENITA KOMAD Austria
Mauroner SON:DA Austria
Rumpff ELENA BEELAERTS Netherlands
Russo GIANNI CARAVAGGIO Italy
Simoens RYAN Mc GINNIS Belgium
Tanit CATHARINA VAN EETVELDE Germany
Transit THOMAS RAAT Belgium
Zink & Gegner FUMIE SASABUCHI Germany
artbrussels introduces a brand new zone with modernist and contemporary design
This year artbrussels introduces a brand new zone with the crème de la crème 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.
Some participating galleries
Gallery Philippe Denys
Philippe Denys has built up a reputation as an authority in 20th century European art. His
gallery at the Sablon in Brussels is widely renowned and the most influential collectors are
familiar with it. The pieces he represents are often so unique that various Belgian, French,
German, American and Japanese musea feature works from him in their collections. For
Denys, his real passion is design from the 20th century. His interest is motivated by the
varied aesthetical and intellectual impressions of emotions that were produced during the
period.
Dansk Moebelkunst
Ten years after Copenhagen, Dansk Moebelkunst opened up a second branch at the Rive
Gauche in Paris. As the name suggests, the company specialises in Danish designs, more
precisely the best pieces dating from the period 1920-1975. Pure forms, natural materials
and excellent finishing are characteristics of furniture from the Danish masters: Arne
Jacobesn, Poul Kjaerholm, Finn Juhl, Verner Panton, Hans J Wegner...
Mouvenments modernes
Pierre Staudenmeyer goes back to the very source of design with Mouvements modernes.
The famous Favela chair of the Campana brothers, a cabinet of Garouste & Bonetti, a sofa
by Robin Day and a pendant from Ettore Sottsass... In this collection major design icons sit alongside undiscovered treasures.
Contrasts
Pearl Lam chose the name 'Contrasts' for her gallery in reference to a philosophy that
celebrates the 'unique' and the 'different'. Since 1992, this Hong Kong gallery has explored
the relation and crossovers between art and architecture. Eastern designs, sometimes with
Western influences, are resulting in a new form of aesthetics. The presence of Contrasts
at artbrussels is important and interesting to find out what is happening on the artistic field,
in the new, and for many, unknown China.
Kreo
Kreo, a Paris-based design gallery realises industrial projects with renowned designers and upcoming talents. The gallery, which is situated in the 13th district, is a must see for anyone interested in contemporary art. It shows exclusive masterpieces from major designers and artists, from the Sixties until the present day, and has the exclusive rights on pieces by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, Marc Newson and Martin Szekely. At artbrussels, limited editions - made at the special request of the gallery - from highly collectable designers such as Andrea Branzi, Konstantin Grcic, James Irvine, Jasper Morisson, Jerszy Seymour, Maarten Van Severen, Michael Young, Radis Designers and Hella Jongerius, will be on show.
An informative platform with interesting debates on the fair, completed by an interesting OFF programme.
In co-operation with the institutional sector, artbrussels offers a platform for all kinds of information concerning the art scene. The collaborative partnership with the diverse organisations and societies should act as an impetus for a dialogue where not only the commercial aspect is important, but information means added value.
Debates on the fair
Saturday 22 April
1500hr 'Photography in the 21st century: between tableau and documentary', introduced by Prof. Dr. Hilde van Gelder (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven), moderator Dr. Johan Pas (curator, critic).
1700hr 'Artists in residence'- moderator Dirk Snauwaert (Director Wiels, Contemporary Art Center Brussels).
In association with the Initiatief Beeldende Kunsten and with the support of Bozar, BPS 22
and the MuHKA
Monday 24 April
1400hr 'Culture Industry'- introduction by Stefaan De Ruyck (chief of the cabinet of Flemish Minister of Culture, Bert Anciaux)
In co-operation with the Initiatief Beeldende Kunsten.
Saturday 22nd April 1500h
Debate 'Photography in the 21st century: between tableau and documentary'
Moderator: Dr Johan Pas (curator, critic - Belgium); introduction by Prof. Dr. Hilde Van Gelder (KU Leuven - Belgium); panel members: Jean-Marc Bustamante (artist - France, unconfirmed), Jean-François Chevrier (curator, art critic - France), Prof. Wilhelm Schürmann (collector - Germany) and others.
To give today's photography a theoretical backdrop, in Hilde Van Gelder's article 'The
Theorisation of Photography' (Photography Theory, ed. J Elkins, Routledge) the
contrasting visions of photographers Jeff Wall and Alan Sekula are seen. In the work of the
first, photography stands out as a modernist form of art, distinctive because of its specific
capacity to reproduce a certain reality in a figurative way. Sekula on the other hand,
suggests that there is an important causal relation between a photographic image and the
reality. He believes this causal relation is more important than the iconographic
reproduction of the reality. A picture is not only an image of the reality; it is also saying
something about the actuality. While Wall focuses on the shared relation between picture
and reality, for Sekula, the context of photography is more important; a trace of the reality
the picture is an impression of.
Out of these thoughts, Hilde Van Gelder concludes two possible models within
photography. On one hand, the absorption model, where photography absorbs the reality
and in a certain way is a continuation of the painting style from the 19th century paint art (Wall). And in contrast the intervening model, where photography is a pseudo documentary medium, reproducing reality in a critical way (Sekula).
Saturday 22nd April-1700h
Debate: 'Artist residencies'
Moderator: Dirk Snauwaert (director Wiels, Contemporary Art Centre Brussels-Belgium.
Panel members: Kendell Geers (artist - Belgium), Hans Martens (cultural consultant for the
Flemish Minister of Culture, director HISK Gent - Belgium), Janwillem Schrofer (director Rijksacademie Amsterdam - the Netherlands) ao.
The attraction that emanates from an artistic centre, such us that which radiates from a city
like Berlin would be greatly reduced if the role that artist residences like DAAD and
Bethanien play were not so significant. Workshops, artist residences, interdisciplinary
platforms and research or production companies are quite recent phenomena in the artistic
landscape. The enormous boom over recent years only shows that artists and
organisations from all over the world are seeking alternative ways to connect with the
international art scene. In opposition to the large-scale, temporary nature of big events,
local and international players are looking for more durable and in-depth spaces to work in,
where artistic research and practice has the opportunity to flourish in an environment
without any boundaries. Crucial themes are the dissemination, the distribution and the
improvement of cultural diversity, the enlargement of personal mobility, networking by
durable exchange, alternative creation and production possibilities, checking of the theory
with the practice, and general professionalism.
Art residences offer a new platform for artists, organisers and the audience. What kind of possibilities do art residences offer to artists? What role can they play in reinforcing the border crossing intercultural exchange in the art world and in post-graduate studies?
Previews
Friday 21 April Brussels 'Gallery Night'
18.30 - 2100hr
Preview of the exhibition 'Jean-Michel Alberola-'les grands et les petits' at the Verrière-
Hermes, Chaussée Waterloo 50, 1050 Brussels
20 - 2200hr
All the Brussels galleries taking part will have a late night opening on Friday 21 April 2006.
A list of the participating galleries and artists is published in the folder 'contemporary art in
Brussels' or can be consulted at www.neca.be
2000hr
Preview of the exhibition 'Angel Vergara & Damien Delepeire'-Extramuros: 'Fons de
Muynck' at CC Strombeek, Gemeenteplein 1853 Strombeek-bever, www.ccstrombeek.be
OFF programme
artbrussels 2006 proposes an attractive Off programme for exhibitors and visitors, with private visits to museums, corporate and other collections.
A selection from the OFF programme
o "DE-REGULATION Kutlug Ataman in Context" at MuHKA, Antwerp;
o "KÜBA by Kutlug Ataman", Extra City, Antwerp
o "Yearning for Beauty, The Wiener Werkstâtte and the Stoclet House", Bozar,
Brussels
o "Honoré d'O : The Quest", BPS 22, Charleroi
o "Recollecting Landscapes" and "Dora Garcia", SMAK, Ghent
o "Anagramme. Histoire réécrite de la collection du Mac's", Mac's, Hornu
o "Angel Vergara & Damien Delepeleire", CC Strombeek, Strombeek-Bever
Location
Brussels Expo, Halls 11 and 12
Place de Belgique, 1 / BE-1020 Brussels
Brusselse Ring - Exit 7bis or 8 - plan on website
Opening Hours
Preview: 20 April from 14 - 16hrs (by invitation only)
Vernissage: 20 April from 16 - 23hrs (by invitation only)
Opening Hours: 21, 22 and 23 April from 12 - 20hrs; 24 April from 12 - 22hrs
Ladies' Day: 21 April, free entrance for ladies
Free Guided Tours:
Each day at 15 and on 17hrs
Entrance Prices:
Entry: €12 per person
Catalogue: €20
Combi-ticket: €25 (one entry + one catalogue)
For more information, please visit http://www.artbrussels.be
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