Art Brussels 2026 didn’t disappoint again! In fact it’s one of the best Art Brussels I have experienced during the last 15 years I am sure!
Art Brussels 2026 © photo David Plas
The fair went down to the “humans size” and instead of 165 galleries it has 139 this year! And all these galleries are located in the historical Hall N 5 in the Heyzel building! In the next Hall N 6 there is a brand new addition “Horizons”, where 6 giant projectiles from different international artists are presented! Along with the super delicious food for brain (a press-stand) and food for thoughts! Annual The KickCancer collection stand with its action gives a chance for children with the diagnosis!
Art Brussels 2026 © photo Yelena van Kharitonova
But before entering the fair in the main hall and near the info point there is a wall art work from Natasja Mabesoone: “Cher mouths Mary, Mary mouths Cher”, which makes a huge difference with previous editions of Art Brussels! It’s in beige powder pink light colors and is also at the stand of Sofia Van de Velde Gallery! A giant copy of silk print collages with photographies! Melancholy at its best with ladies fantasies!
There are solo artists exhibitions, young artists, new galleries and the known usual suspects! The last ones were presented by a separate booth to cheer their commitments to the fair! They were gathered under the following name: “Not everything is for sale” and paid tribute to those who are at the fairs for the last 25 years!
Art Brussels 2026 © photo Yelena van Kharitonova
As always, there is a discovery section with new names and extremely refreshing ideas! Young artists and galleries dedicate their work to global geopolitical, social, economic and cultural issues, which are reflected in theirs work! Ecology and circular, responsible fashion are also on the agendas of the fair! Fashion designers such as NATAN are present with his booth and prizes, he gives to artists and galleries! There are also various awards as well and it’s a good way to stimulate those artists!
A new initiative “Art Advisory Desk” is here to stay: it proved to be popular among visitors! Which makes the process of buying and selling even more accessible and transparent!
Art Brussels 2026 © photo Yelena van Kharitonova
It’s also necessary to mention that one of the sponsors a Champaign company Ruinart keeps surprising us annually not only with its booth’s design, but sustainable projects it presents! Every year this luxury bubble house presents a new artist with always impressive project to us!
The main sponsor: DELEN Bank has one of the best curation works, which was done again! This is one of the best practices for the others!
Art Brussels 2026 © photo Yelena van Kharitonova
But back to our art works and galleries, better to say to trends and tendencies, which I have underlined during the opening day: vernissage!
Many natural materials are used, from wood to its leftovers, from colored sand to herbs and even insects! From glass to recycled paper! But the most interesting is in the edge of it, on the intersection, at the crossroads and mixes!
There are daily art talks and guided tours, which anyone can attend! And there is the traditional OFF Programme, some participants believe it’s even more interesting than the fair itself! In any case, some Brussels galleries treat international visitors, journalists and guests with dinners, vernissages and special programs! What not to like? We do enjoy it!
Art Brussels 2026 © photo Yelena van Kharitonova
The Managing Director of the both fairs: Art Brussels and Art Antwerpen, Nele Verhaeren would like to develop the fairs it’s own unique ecosystem! What is for sure: it’s becoming more pleasant to attend Art Brussels for sure! So, I hope the management of it will keep the ball rolling and will surprise us with new ideas!
Collectible design in Brussels in action
