The third edition of Art Antwerp promises to be an international, invitation-only boutique fair

Art Antwerp, the contemporary art fair organised by Art Brussels, is set to return for its third edition from Thursday 14 to Sunday 17 December 2023 at Antwerp Expo. As in 2022, the fair is delighted to count on the support of the two main partners, Delen Private Bank and Bank Van Breda.

This year, the fair welcomes 72 participating galleries - of which 26 are new participants to the fair - from 12 different countries (Austria, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States). Compared with the 68 galleries from 11 countries in 2022 and 59 galleries from 6 countries at the fair’s launch, Art Antwerp has evolved over three editions, from a rather regional fair to a truly international platform. Among these 72 galleries is a mix of well-established galleries with over a decade of contributions to the art world, as well as young and exciting galleries. ​ 20% of the galleries are from Antwerp while 50% are international.

37% of the galleries participating in Art Antwerp choose to present a solo (17) or duo (10) exhibition. This choice is a declaration of gratitude to visitors, optimising the chances of a viewer making a deep connection with an artist’s work. ​ 

This, and the distinctive feature of the invitation-only character of Art Antwerp (galleries are invited to participate by the Hosting Committee) makes Art Antwerp a real Boutique Fair. A human scale fair with an international programme where particular attention is paid to the experience of its participants and visitors. The fair is more intimate, more personal in its approach. 

Furthermore, the participating galleries are very much committed to showcasing artists under the age of 40 (a third of all artists represented at Art Antwerp are under 40 years old), with two galleries (Pizza Gallery and Stigter Van Doesburg) presenting a group show with only (very) young artists. 

Stands also promise to be colourful, cheerful, sculptural, festive, dreamlike, intimate, even poetic…

The fair also benefits from and contributes to the attractiveness of the Antwerp art scene, with numerous exhibitions in partner museums such as KMSKA, FOMU, M HKA… and galleries. A foretaste and a must-see to make your visit an unforgettable one, as the 40th anniversary of Art Brussels looms in spring 2024, with several highlights. Since its launch in 2021, Art Antwerp has been supported by the City of Antwerp. 

"Creativity attracts. This was proven by the high visitor figures of MoMu and KMSKA last year. Not only do local citizens let their imagination run free in our museums, but day-trippers and art lovers from all over the world also admire our art collections. The creative sector, both national and international, fuels our city economy. That is why fairs like Art Antwerp are an indispensable link in the international growth of our city."
​— Alderwoman for the Economy, Erica Caluwaerts

The first edition of Art Antwerp was affected by the Covid pandemic, bringing together mainly major galleries from Belgium and neighbouring countries on the lookout for new opportunities, while retaining a significant representation of Antwerp-based galleries. Most of the participating galleries were already used to taking part in numerous fairs each year. One might conclude that this represented a golden opportunity for galleries with an established clientele in Belgium, eager to meet internationally recognised Belgian collectors.

The second edition marked a return to normality with the resumption of international fairs. Some galleries returned to their usual schedule, preferring the major fairs. Others, notably galleries with a younger programme, expressed their desire to take part in Art Antwerp. The success of the first edition of Art Antwerp also attracted galleries from further afield, although these were still concentrated in Europe.

Now, Art Antwerp has integrated perfectly and needs no further introduction. The fair has become an international platform for collectors from neighbouring countries. A visit to Art Antwerp, which takes just a few hours, is often accompanied by a trip into the city to discover its exhibitions, indulge in a shopping spree in the homes of the great masters of the fashion industry, or enjoy a culinary experience.

“We are thrilled by the enthusiasm for this fair, which continues to grow year on year. Art Antwerp enjoys strong support from gallery owners, artists, museums, the city and art lovers. Antwerp has such a rich art scene! As with any new initiative, it took us a while to find our place in the cultural landscape. Now we’re convinced that Art Antwerp has integrated perfectly and needs no further introduction.”
​— Nele Verhaeren, director Art Antwerp
​

The solo presentations at Art Antwerp are varied, both in their use of materials and in the periods in which they were created, ranging from the post-war period to the present day; and this is thanks to both established and emerging artists from all over the world. 

Some highlights include: the black-and-white photographic works by Ghanaian-born artist James Bernor, moving works from the 50s to the 80s, to be discovered at the stand of Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière; the solo presentation by young Belgian painter Gommaar Gilliams with Sofie Van de Velde; the two juxtaposed solo presentations at Galerie Guy Pieters by Belgian conceptual artist Kris Martin and the works of American painter and director Julian Schnabel; the peaceful oil paintings on wood by the young Chinese artist Kong Lingnan represented by Capsule Shanghai gallery, and the solo presentation at Fontana gallery by Feipel & Bechameil, who will be exhibiting artists working in duo on a new body of ceramic work showing interference through fragments of the human body, animals and plants.

Participating galleries and artists (confirmed on 5 December)

Art Antwerp​​
​14 December - 17 December 2023
​Antwerp Expo
​Jan van Rijswijcklaan 191, 2020 Antwerp

Press Preview: Thursday 14 December, 10.45am

Invitation Committee ​ 

​The fair works with an Invitation Committee whose role is to select the participating galleries "by invitation", guaranteeing the same high quality of exhibitors for which Art Brussels is known. The selection is based on the profile of the gallery. Galleries have a carte blanche in presenting their booth project. ​ 

The members of the Invitation Committee are: Myriam Attali (from Galerie Lelong & Co., Paris, New York), Jason Poirier dit Caulier (from PLUS-ONE Gallery, Antwerp), Will Lunn (from Copperfield, London) and Alexia van Eyll (from Nino Mier Gallery (Los Angeles, Brussels, New York, Marfa). 

Main Partners for Art Antwerp & Art Brussels 

Partners 

Institutional Partner 

Media partners 

Art Antwerp is delighted to count on the collaboration of three important media partners which are also involved in Art Brussels: De Standaard, Le Soir, Klara. 

Pompidou with Chantal Pattyn, a Klara radio programme, will broadcast live from Art Antwerp on Thursday 14 December at 5pm. 

artpass ID ​ 

Art Antwerp works with artpass ID to preserve the reputation of the art market and to enhance trust and transparency in the art market without burdening administrative procedures for all participants in the art market, including international art fairs, art galleries and collectors. 

The app designed by artpass ID is an all-in-one solution to comply with legal obligations regarding anti-money laundering and KYC “Know your customer”, and is accessible to all players in the art industry.

Artland  

Art Antwerp is happy to announce its new collaboration with Artland. ​ ​ 

The fair will have an online viewing room on the platform from 14 to 17 December 2023. ​ ​ 

You can also discover a selection of “coup de coeur” artworks from Art Antwerp online catalogue by two prominent figures: Carmen Willems (director KMSKA) and Gil Bronner (German art collector Philara Sammlung). 

Visit this page to be notified as soon as the Online Viewing Room goes live. ​ 

Press Contact
​Micha Pycke
​Club Paradis
​+32 (0)486 680 070
​micha@clubparadis.be

Selection of images (all images in h-res can be found here)

Jasper Hagenaar, The blue hole(2023), 40x30cm, oil on linenCindy WRIGHT - Light of Night 2021- Belgian Gallery

Léonard Combier, Sans titre, 2022, Posca acrylique sur toile, 80 x 80 cmKong Lingnan, Inseparable Forms, 2022, oil on wood, 39 x 30 cm-Copyright the Artist. Courtesy of the Artist and Capsule Shanghai

Joost Vandebrug TDXI - DEUSS gallery kopie

Markamee3_All_DSC1461

Kaspar Dejong, Ecnesba I, 2023- DMW GalleryLisette de Greeuw-2023-courtesy of dudokdegroot-photoBeeldsmits2

Tramaine de Senna - Fred_Ferry -1Claire Trotignon_The Cliff_serigraphie bleue_120 x 150 cm_2023-ok- Galerie 8+4

Alex Feuerstein-o.T(Orangen auf grünem Tisch)- 2016-courtesy galerie bursterLéo Dorfner, Going faster miles an hour, 2023-Galerie CLAIRE GASTAUD- Galerie CLAIRE GASTAUD

5- Galerie Clémentine de la FéronnièreJames Barnor, Gladys Kwakor Owoo, a worker at Alsalso House, Ever Young studio, Jamestown, Accra, 1957- Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière

Fred Bervoets, Betoging, 2023, 150 x 110, painted etching-De Zwarte PanterPatrice GIORDA, L’orage II,2023- Galerie La Forest Divonne

Lionel Sabatté-Butineur du 04-08-2022- 2022-LaurentinGallery

Gideon Kiefer, The Canopy Watcher Gide, 2023- Galerie Martin KudlekGilleam Trapenberg, 166 (New Suns), 2023- Galerie Ron Mandos

Gommaar Gilliams, Ridder-How old is spring-2023-Oilacryliconpaintedandstitched fabrics-SofievandeveldeJohannes Sivertsen-La Dhuys-2023- Gilles Drouault

View2-KaifanWang-GNYPAntwerp(2023)

Ulrike Rehm, ‘Radau’ (2021), glazed ceramics and horse hair, 48 x 145 x 4 cm

Julian Schnabel-UntitledBEZ-2008- Guy Pieters GalleryKris Martin_Mandi VIIIDSC_4168_© Bert Bossaert- Guy Pieters Gallery

Anna Retulainen_Living room, back home_2023_credit_Jussi-Tianen_HC2172_Helsinki ContemporaryAlbarrán Cabrera - Nyx #60002- 2018-IBASHO

Bernard Villers- Réversible bleu-1998- Irène Laub gallery

Steen Ibsen - Ellipse 4, 2023- KANTEnrique Marty, De Profundis, 2023 - Keteleer GalleryVeerle Beckers- Lipstick-2023- Kristof De Clercq gallery

Pol Bury - Sculptures _ Fountain Projects-2- Lukasz Majewski GalleryLumen Travo_THIERRY OUSSOU_PTijhuis_March 2022-1792FRED BERVOETS-René-1982- Maurice Verbaet Gallery

Mayur and Tushar Vayeda Night Life 2023 - Modesti Perdriolle GalleryAndrea Joyce Heimer - I Did Not See The Ocean Until I ... - Courtesy the artist and Nino Mier Gallery

No Man’s Art Gallery KIOSK, presenting SPECTRUM-Jamal Nxedlana- No Man_s Art GalleryLouise-Delanghe_pizzagallery_3

Ritsart Gobyn-Untitled-2023-PLUS-ONE Gallery2-MarieRosen- Rossicontemporary

Hans Vandekerckhove, Little Red Riding Hood 1, 2023- TATJANA PIETERSLuc Dondeyne, Amphibi road, 2023, aquarel and ink on paper, 65 x 46 cm-TRANSITChris Meulemans Enigma, 2019- Gallery Valerie Traan

Johannes Daniel, Incantation (service call), 2023, 220 x 160 cm, Oil on canvas-ValeriusGalleryA_blurred_action_Muhka_ClinckxStefan Peters. Untitled, 2023- Zwart Huis