Art Fairs Outgrow the Crowd: Brussels’ Creative Marathon Meets Collector Fatigue
Art Brussels 2024 didn’t just mark four decades of European art fair tradition—it became a study in contrasts. While 177 galleries from 30 countries filled the city’s Art Deco Expo halls, a sense of “fair fatigue” lingered among visitors, hinting at the shifting tides of the global art scene.
Despite the sheer scale—800 artists, 26,000 attendees, and a brisk pace of sales—many gallerists noticed that today’s collectors and curators crave more than just spectacle. Works by Tom Wesselmann, Javier Calleja, and Jeanne Vicérial found new homes, but the real buzz came from meaningful encounters and fresh connections. Institutions and private buyers alike gravitated toward pieces that sparked genuine resonance, not just market value.
As the fair’s booths emptied and new relationships formed, Brussels proved that even in an era of art overload, the right work still cuts through the noise. Sometimes, the true masterpiece is the conversation it starts.
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