artbrussels 2004
Janaina Tschape Matali Crasset Stephane Calais
The 22nd edition of artbrussels
was a tremendous success.
artbrussels unites the best
of European contemporary art!
www.artbrussels.be
Since it was established in 1968, artbrussels has become one of the world’s most important events with regard to contemporary art. This year once again thousands of collectors, artists, gallery owners, trendsetters and other art lovers were charmed by the fair’s informal atmosphere and the exceptional high quality of the art on display.
The 22nd edition of artbrussels has kept up its reputation of “high-quality event” by bringing a wonderful overview of the most recent developments in contemporary art. Painting held a clearly dominant position at the expense of photos and video installations..
International presence artbrussels presents exhibitors with a broad international platform hosting galleries from at least 20 different countries and 3 continents! This year’s international representation soared to 73%- 106 galleries out of 145.
Collector’s Committee – illy prize
For this edition we established a collector’s committee, which rewarded the work of up and coming talent. Gallery owner Catherine Bastide happily received the illy cheque for 10.000 EUROS on behalf of winning artist Janaina Tschape for her work ‘Livia 5 After the Rain’. The second prize went to designer-artist Matalie Crasset’s installation at Gandy Gallery and an honourable third place was for a work by Stephane Calais (Aliceday gallery).
Top works – top sales
Many galleries brought along several of their top works. On Monday as the balance was made in the corridors, reactions were quite positive: people bought art; it wasn’t just the small works that found their way to the exit. At Galerie Xavier Hufkens a work by Frank Stella found a new owner and a top creation by Tony Oursler will be leaving gallery Bernier/Eliades for another collection. Casini sold a work by Sol Lewitt, Jamar a beautiful Panamarenko and Marco Noire even a Francis Alys… all art works in a price range of 50,000 to 200,000 EUROS.
Rising numbers
This year the number of visitors rose to 32,032, an increase of 2.85% compared to the 2003 edition. 20 percent of our visitors came from abroad, a percentage that increased considerably for this edition. The combination of art and Brussels seems to be a winning combination – even for visitors from abroad!
For artbrussels’ next edition, in April 2005, the organisers have a number of changes in store of which you will be informed in due time.
Information for visitors:
Belgium : 0800 30 007 (toll-free number)
Abroad: +32 (0)2 402 36 66
artbrussels@artexis.com www.artbrussels.be
Information for the press:
Please contact Gerrie Soetaert
+32 (0)475 47 98 69
gerrie.soetaert@skynet.be
Information for exhibitors:
Please contact Karen Renders
+32 (0)2 740 10 20
karen.renders@artexis.com
