Affordable Art Fair returns to Tour & Taxis from 7 to 11 February

Renowned for its relaxed atmosphere, the Affordable Art Fair is one of the winter’s cultural highlights. Offering a snapshot of the contemporary art scene, the event once again boasts a large and highly diverse selection of works.

For its 15th edition at Tour & Taxis in Brussels from 7 to 11 February, thousands of artworks by emerging and established artists are on display. They are represented by more than 85 Belgian and international galleries, such as Private Walls Gallery from Knokke-Zoute, ART-Gallery.be from Knokke-Heist, Frock Gallery from Ypres and Nassau42 Fine from Antwerp.

Among the additional events programmed is a special project by Belgian artist Lindert Steegen (pictured), who specialises in abstract, outdoor and street art murals, sculpture and installations.

Another highlight is the exhibition Enjoy the Unexpected featuring new works by Dutch artist Malou Cohen in collaboration with This Basel and Switzerland Tourism. It was inspired by a weekend trip to Basel organised by the fair.

Timely exhibition Mardi Gras/Vette Dinsdag displays work by three emerging talents living in Brussels. The title of the show reflects their shared interest in folklore. Clément Jacques-Vossen paints self-portraits staged in folkloric settings where he adopts the hero role. Shen Özdemir (pictured) invents a universal carnival celebration that she calls Karnavolo, creating troupes in a variety of mediums. Finally, Alexane Sanchez makes figurative bas-reliefs that illustrate popular metaphors to explore the mythical animal and plant nature of human beings. 

For each edition of the fair, a Spotlight section focuses on one country or thematic. This year, the event celebrates galleries presenting contemporary artists who use uncommon materials in their art practice. Six galleries feature work by some 25 artists who employ denim fabric, old books, recycled plastic bottles and an array of other unconventional materials.

Greeting visitors at the entrance of the fair is a striking installation by Berlin-based Tomislav Topic (pictured) in collaboration with 44309//Gallery. He is renowned for his public space installations and murals as both a solo artist and part of the duo Quintessenz.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to discover plans for a new permanent art installation in Brussels’ Square Marguerite Dumas, City Jewel. It’s a project by SOS Villages d’Enfants/SOS Kinderdorpen in collaboration with city artist Laura Nsengiyumva.

Affordable Art Fair Brussels stands out in the capital’s art scene as a space where novice collectors and seasoned enthusiasts come together to appreciate paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures and installations. All tastes and budgets are catered for and the price of each work is clearly displayed.

In addition, there’s late-night openings (until 22.00) on 8 and 9 February, when some of the participating galleries will host live paintings, artist interventions and book signings.

Affordable Art Fair Brussels
7-11 February
Tour & Taxis
Avenue du Port 86C

Photos: Courtesy AAf; Shen-Ozdemir ©Romane-Iskaria. Sorry! Our prize giveaway has now closed and the winners have been notified.