Seventy years of history, excellence, and artistic passion culminate in BRAFA 2025, an event that transcends the mere concept of an art fair.
A pure celebration of culture, an intersection where past, present, and future blend seamlessly under the grand roof of the Brussels Expo. This anniversary edition is poised to be a landmark in the art world, gathering one hundred and thirty exhibitors from sixteen countries, each bringing an exquisite selection of artworks spanning from antiquity to contemporary masterpieces. The air will be filled with an electric sense of discovery as collectors, curators, and aficionados immerse themselves in a kaleidoscope of rare and exceptional pieces that have been rigorously selected to uphold the fair’s unwavering quality standard.
BRAFA’s DNA is defined by its commitment to timeless artistic merit rather than fleeting trends. Old Master paintings share the stage with classical African sculptures, ancient manuscripts, and cutting-edge modern creations. The grandeur of the fair is enhanced by its venue, a space that offers both accessibility and an ambience befitting an event of such prestige. The fair thrives on its convivial atmosphere, a meeting ground where experts passionately share their knowledge, interior designers seek inspiration, and collectors unearth treasures that redefine their collections. Each edition is a journey through time, and this seventieth anniversary will be a spectacular testament to the fair’s enduring legacy.
At the heart of the celebrations stands Joana Vasconcelos, the distinguished Portuguese artist whose work radiates a vibrant energy. Her monumental sculptures and thought-provoking installations will weave a dynamic thread through the fair, encapsulating femininity, identity, and consumer culture themes. Her presence amplifies the importance of contemporary art within the broader artistic narrative, offering a striking contrast to the historical treasures that fill the halls. She sees her role as guest of honor as a tribute to BRAFA’s significance on the global stage, a platform where the dialogue between past and future flourishes.
– Joana Vasconcelos –
Beyond its status as an elite marketplace, BRAFA plays a pivotal role in cultural preservation. This year, a unique collaboration with the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage will spotlight the meticulous art conservation work, inviting visitors to engage with restoration techniques through interactive workshops. Meanwhile, the King Baudouin Foundation continues its mission of safeguarding Belgian heritage, displaying newly acquired pieces that will now be accessible to the public. The BRAFA Art Talks promise to enrich the experience further, bringing leading experts together to discuss themes that resonate within and beyond the art world.
Four prestigious Swiss Galleries participate this year at Brafa Art Fair:
Galerie Von Vertes, Zürich – Modern, contemporary Art
Galerie De Jonckheere, Geneva – Old Masters, modern Art
Cortesi Gallery, Lugano – Modern and contemporary Art
Repetto Gallery, Lugano – Postwar Italian Art, Land Art
As visitors weave their way through the fair, they will encounter a breathtaking array of works that span millennia. The archaeology section unveils a fourth-century BC bronze sculpture of a right arm, its anatomical precision preserved through time. Greek and Roman marble masterpieces stand proudly beside rare fossils and meteorites, including the leg of a woolly mammoth that once roamed prehistoric landscapes. The depth of human creativity is fully displayed, from African masks imbued with spiritual significance to Japanese ceramics that fuse tradition with avant-garde expression. Ancient drawings and paintings transport viewers to bygone eras, with highlights including a self-portrait by seventeenth-century artist Lavinia Fontana and a striking depiction of Notre-Dame de Paris by Sebastiaen Vrancx.
Furniture aficionados will be drawn to Regency-era console tables, intricate marquetry, and Art Deco marvels crafted by design masters. Gold and silver artefacts whisper stories of bygone craftsmanship, with pieces dating back to the sixteenth century capturing the imagination. A rare automaton book from Geneva, a testament to ingenuity and artistry, is among the treasures that will enchant collectors. Porcelain enthusiasts will revel in seventeenth-century Kutani statuettes, while tapestries from the Flemish Renaissance to modernist masterpieces by Le Corbusier add yet another layer of richness to the fair’s offerings.
The allure of jewellery is ever-present, with rare diamond creations and gold masterpieces reflecting historical grandeur and contemporary elegance. Meanwhile, the presence of comic strip art introduces an unexpected yet thrilling dimension, with an original page from the 1932 edition of Tintin in America appearing. This interplay between the classical and the modern, the revered and the avant-garde, makes BRAFA a unique and unmissable event on the global art calendar.
In a world where art fairs often chase trends, BRAFA stands resolute in its dedication to authenticity and excellence. It’s a place where art is displayed and celebrated in all forms. As the doors have been opened on January 26, the fair will reaffirm its role as a cornerstone of the artistic world. In this event, passion, history, and innovation converge in a spectacle of unparalleled beauty.
Enjoy even more @ BRAFA ART FAIR 2025
Article edited by Massimo Basile
Editor & Founder