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2026 PROGRAMME
With the Flanders Art Festival, Flanders introduces an overarching platform that is firmly grounded in both. Rather than an accumulation of stands or encounters, it proposes a considered dialogue between viewing, understanding and connection. Two complementary events, Flanders Art Fair and ArtistMeeting, form a unified narrative: that of a region where art circulates, is sustained, and is shaped by a discerning and decisive collecting audience.
That said, the Flanders Art Fair is anything but a traditional art fair. The reincarnation of the Bruges Antiques Fair, which took place in the Belfry of Bruges from 1983 until 2002, takes visitors on a contemporary journey through time.
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Upon entering, we begin in the 16th century, where impressive objects from different centuries are presented by antique dealer Paul de Grande. With more than 55 years of experience and an international network, Paul de Grande is above all a merchant who succeeds in bringing together historic pieces. Specialising in Haute Époque, he eclectically combines furniture, tapestries and sculptures with pieces dating from the 16th to the 19th century. Recently, Paul de Grande relocated his antique gallery from the castle of Snellegem to the historic centre of Bruges. |
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Since the Middle Ages, remarkable connections have existed between Flanders and Northern Italy in the fields of art and collecting. During periods of economic prosperity, the patronage of successful merchants played a decisive role in attracting the Flemish Primitives to Bruges. This tradition of collecting and closely following the art market has never disappeared. Even today, discreet collectors from Flanders and Northern Italy continue to belong to the absolute elite of the international art market. Mario Scalfati of Santelmo Fine Art presents a selection of modern sculptures and paintings from the 1930s to the 1970s. Particularly noteworthy is the collection of works by Franco Angeli, one of the leading figures of the “Scuola di Piazza del Popolo” movement. In 1963, his work was exhibited at the Venice Biennale. As a member of the 'Syndicat National des négociants en Art' in France, Mario Scalfati has been internationally active for decades, bringing together exceptional sculptures and paintings for an international audience of collectors. In addition to advising various collectors, he works from Brussels, Paris, London and Milan. |
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In the second section of the Flanders Art Fair, visitors encounter the familial gallery from Sanary-sur-Mer, presenting classics from the second half of the twentieth century with strong ties to France. Both Claude Venard and Bernard Buffet settled in this coastal town in the Var region. Alongside Hans Hartung, Pierre Soulages and Marc Chagall, special attention is also given to Jean-Michel Folon.
Jean-Michel Folon was a Belgian artist who passed away in Monaco and spent a large part of his life in the south of France. His work also received international recognition beyond Europe, notably with the Grand Prize for Painting at the 12th São Paulo Biennale. He also designed the emblem for the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution and the logo for Amnesty International. In Belgium, Folon lives on through his foundation in Terhulpen and the iconic sculpture on the beach of Knokke-Heist. |
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Piretti Art Gallery has been bringing internationally renowned artists to Knokke-Le Zoute for decades. During the Flanders Art Fair, the gallery will present works by Xavier Le Normand, Christian Renonciat and Peter Demetz. Winner of the Prix de l’Intelligence de la Main in 2009, Xavier Le Normand enjoys international recognition for his innovative approach to glass art. Through his work, he has given this medium an entirely new artistic dimension. He will soon be honoured with a major exhibition in Venice. Peter Demetz is renowned for the remarkable sense of depth and perspective he creates in his sculptures. For more than twenty years, his work has enjoyed international acclaim, with exhibitions ranging from Bologna to Miami, as well as presentations in numerous museums across the Far East, Germany and Italy. |
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For almost twenty years, visitors have been able to discover All-In Gallery in Utrecht, a gallery housed in a home where literally everything is for sale. The concept originated from a childhood dream, as is often the case with passionate gallery owners. The interaction between artwork and environment plays a central role here. Art does not exist separately from the interior but actively enters into dialogue with it. The themes of time and evolution also strongly emerge. Maria Dellaert reinterprets the visual language of the Old Masters in her own distinctive way. The sculptures of Diederik Storms are equally remarkable. Impermanence and the fragility of nature form a recurring theme throughout his work. All-In Gallery consciously focuses on emerging talent experimenting with striking materials and techniques. Visitors should certainly take a moment to discover the work of Diederik Storms. About fifteen years ago, his work was already exhibited at Lineart in Gent. Today, visitors discover his most recent oeuvre, where classical sculptural techniques merge with modern materials and a carefully orchestrated play of light. |
©jandarthet
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©jandarthet
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During the visit, one also discovers ties with the Far East. Bruges is incredibly popular with Japanese visitors, but there are also many similarities between Flanders and Japan when it comes to art and craftsmanship. Wooden sculptures take centre stage in this presentation dedicated to Japanese Kokeshi, presented by a Belgian specialist. More than 150 years ago, the tradition of Kokeshi originated in northeastern Japan. What once began as simple wooden dolls without arms or legs for children later evolved into true collectors’ items. Today, Kokeshi remain an important source of inspiration within contemporary visual culture. They notably inspired designs within the world of Nintendo and certain characters for PlayStation games. In this way, new generations continue to be inspired, albeit digitally, by artistic objects with a history spanning nearly two centuries. |
