Over the past few years, the art of ceramics has enjoyed a remarkable comeback. Appreciation of this medium and its revival has come from a number of pioneering artists such as Grayson Perry, Klara Kristalova, Carolein Smit and Anne Wenzel. By crossing over into the practices of contemporary artists, it has opened the field to new experiments being showcased by contemporary art galleries.
Ceramic Brussels is a fair resolutely focused on championing contemporary ceramics, the organizers say the new event will take up the artists’ cause. The enthusiastic feedback received during the consultation with international actors during its development phase (galleries, artists, collectors and international institutions in particular) shows there is real enthusiasm for this initiative.
For its first edition from 25 to 28 January 2024 on the Tour & Taxis site, the fair will bring together nearly 60 Belgian and international galleries. Remarkably, 19 galleries will be showcasing a single artist in a solo show specially designed for the event. Presented mainly on the initiative of Belgian and French galleries, these solo show exhibitions will explore the specific world views of artists from a wide range of disciplines and nationalities (Belgian, French, Austrian, Venezuelan, American, Spanish, Swiss, Mongolian, Estonian and German).
Johan Creten: guest of honour 2024
Johan Creten will be the guest of honour of this first edition. Creten has been working with ceramics since the late 80s. The artist will be given prominence during the fair, will contribute to the programming of the edition and will also participate in the selection of participating galleries.
The fair is co-managed by a Franco-Belgian duo, Jean-Marc Dimanche (ELEVEN STEENS, a private space in Brussels dedicated to Art and Materials) and Gilles Parmentier (Brussels Drawing Week). The exhibition will include sessions dedicated to reflection on the various issues that run through the practice of ceramics today, and will expand the vision, developed by the founding duo, of an ‘activist’ fair.
