The 27^th edition of Art Brussels closed its doors in Brussels on Monday 27^th. It has become one of the most important contemporary fair in Europe alongside London, Paris or Berlin. It is even said the art fair in Brussels has drained more visitors that the other contemporary fair in Köln hosted at the same period.

180 galleries from around the world were represented for four days on two halls. 115 established galleries are shaping the core of the fair, and nearly 50 names make up the Young Talent section where young galleries introduce emerging and innovative young artists. In addition to that 7 women have created site-specific work or interventions on the fair grounds. Sculpture, photography, painting, video, installation were put forward. Moreover almost 30 solo shows were displayed by the galleries. A selection committee has decided to explore a new program in order to highlight an artist's work. Recently it can be seen that numerous art galleries are opening their doors in the capital of Belgium. The reputation of the city has even reached that of one of the big capitals. Some foreign galleries have decided to open other locations in Brussels. Has Brussels become a key point for contemporary art?

Every year new galleries are present and the high quality of the participants and the reputation of the fair attract an important number of visitors. In a short period of time those last ones can have an overview of what is the artistic creation of the contemporary world. What are the new tendencies and what are the valuable names. With the economic crisis, collectors and galleries focused more on young artists who will become important names. The prices of their emerging art are interesting for art lovers who will always support creation. So in this context an art fair allows to measure the tendency in contemporary art world.

This year the Dutch art galleries have outnumbered the French galleries. They can create more easily some new contacts with a public who lives close by their borders. Some galleries exhibit the same artists and by this fact show the relationship between them. We should not forget that a gallery represents an artist in a certain country and that he or she can therefore be exhibiting simultaneously in several galleries. The art world stays a small world where everyone knows everyone.

Alongside the event, an open galleries night was organised in Brussels city and Art in the city was displaying some art pieces in an open public space allowing everyone passing by to enjoy a piece of art.

--Stéphanie Bliard

*photos by Stéphanie Bliard.