With a display of both classical art and more contemporary pieces, Brussels’ countless art galleries cater to a wide range of interests. Among the many galleries and places for art lovers, in the city we have selected two galleries and an art fair that we consider amongst the very best to visit in Brussels: the Almine Rech Gallery, Therorema, situated close by our hotel just off Avenue Louise, and Art Brussels, a contemporary art fair definitely worth seeing in case you are passing through Brussels in April. For those interested in modern art, there are impressive exhibitions at the Centre of Contemporary Art and Museum of Modern Art.
1. Almine Rech Gallery
Almine Rech is an internationally recognized exhibitor. His gallery in Brussels, just like the one located in Paris, proposes highly regarded exhibitions and participation in many international art fairs contribute to the gallery’s pedigree.
The strength of the gallery lies in its solid roster of artists, which includes both historical mainstays and more cutting edge names like Joseph Kosuth, Anselm Reyle, Katja Strunz, James Turrell, Amelie Von Wulffen, Hedi Slimane and many more. Until mid-November 2012, you’ll be able to find a great exhibition of the works of the American artist Jeffrey Koons. Koons is very well known for his reproductions of banal objects, such as balloon shaped animals produced in stainless steel with mirror finish surfaces. If you’ll come to Brussels before the end of the year or in the beginning of 2013 and you want to visit the Almine Rech Gallery, you’ll find the works of the artist Francesco Vezzoli in an exhibition titled “Olga forever!”. His works often present “Pop Icons” or “Stars” of the big and small screen presented in an original way. Really worth a visit! Follow their news and events on Facebook! The gallery is located in 20 Rue de L’Abbaye/ Abdijstraat 20
2. Art Brussels
Art Brussels has the reputation of being Europe’s leading cutting-edge contemporary art fair. This is a must-see event for every art lover! The next edition is will happen from 18 April to 21 April 2013 at Brussels Expo. This is one of the most prestigious international art fairs and is visited by over 30,000 artists and art fans annually and counts over 180 participating galleries, 80% of which come from abroad. Art Brussels is as international as it gets. The admission of galleries is extremely complicated, since they have to pass through a challenging selection procedure. This does make Art Brussels such an incredible event. Besides the main program of the fair, there is an emphasis on presentations of works by young prospective artists coming from all parts of Europe. Join them on Facebook!
3. THEOREMA Art Gallery
THEOREMA art gallery presents today’s Greek art scene in Brussels in connection with contemporary European artists. It is located around the corner of the hotel, on rue Berckmans 39. After heading out of the Pantone hotel, turn to your right onto Rue Berckmans. After a two minute walk, crossing Rue de Suisse and Rue Capouillet, you’ll hit the gallery. Until the 17th of November 2012 here you’ll find Tassos Mantzavinos’s paintings. His works are a mix of European traditions and contemporary Greek frames combined in a mix ofscholar techniques and authentic popular instinct.
He focuses on a personal surreal humanism. He says: “le peintre est son propre mythe, l’univers de ses pensées, les choix de sa vie, tout cela aboutit sur son tableau.” Freely translated into: “The artist is his own myth, his thoughts are his universe, his choices in life, all lead to his canvas.” In spring 2012 his works were presented at the Benaki Museum in Athens. Here a list of artists who exposed their works at the THEOREMAGallery during 2012: Maria Kelaidi, Nikos Oikonomidis, YiannisStefanakis, therewith setting the bar high for 2013.
Enjoy visiting these galleries in Brussels, Belgium !
