BRAFA IS REINVENTING ITSELF WITH ITS INITIATIVE
‘BRAFA IN THE GALLERIES’
As the traditional BRAFA at Tour & Taxis has been postponed until 2022, an alternative event is taking place from 27 – 31 January 2021 which links exhibitions held in galleries with art objects presented online and original videos made by gallerists. A creative response to difficult times!
2020 was a year without precedent, and 2021 is hard to foresee… In the art market, cancellations, postponements and online events continue. BRAFA, which usually takes place at the end of January, is taking an innovative form: 129 art and antiques dealers, spread between 14 countries and 38 cities, are setting up exhibitions in galleries or online, in accordance with the COVID-19 regulations in place near them.
The gallery shows are at the heart of the initiative, based on exhibitors’ selection of pieces for BRAFA 2021. In the countries and towns where galleries can open, clients and collectors are invited to visit in person, following the rules in place of course. As galleries are not generally designed to welcome large crowds, they are better adapted to the restrictions currently imposed. These exhibitions will feature on the BRAFA website, where each exhibitor has their own page. For now, you can find 3 objects per gallery on these pages, but this number will increase to 9 during the event, from 27 – 31 January. In total, over 950 artworks will be presented! Searches by country, town, speciality or gallery can be carried out, facilitating the discovery of a desired piece. Numerous participating galleries have created their own introductory videos which serve as invitations to peruse their selection of pieces. Reunited in a ‘Video Library’ on BRAFA’s homepage (www.brafa.art) and widely shared on social media, they also present a wonderful range of personalities, styles, stories and are often very creatively shot.
A large selection of beautiful pieces to discover
As for every edition of BRAFA, all sorts of exciting pieces are presented covering a wide range of specialities, for each gallery is showcasing its most beautiful recent acquisitions. The most remarkable artworks proposed include:
David Aaron
Sesklo-culture idol
Possibly Nea-Nikomedeia, Northern Greece/Macedonia, 6th-5th Millennium B.C.
Clay – H 19.2 x W 8.5 cm
©BRAFA
In Archaeology:
Aspectacular Sesklo Goddess, sometimes referred to as the ‘Idol of Thessaly’ ( Sesklo culture originated in Northern Greece), dating from the 5th – 6th century BC, presented by David Aaron (London); the mask of a Romano-Egyptian mummy dating from the 2nd century AD at the Günter Puzhe Gallery (Frieburg).
In old master paintings:
A Kermesse de la Saint Georges by Pieter Brueghel the Younger (1564-1636) at the De Jonckheere Gallery (Geneva); a Still Life by Jan Davidsz de Heem (1606-1684) at Douwes Fine Art (Amsterdam); a Still Life by Jan Fyt (1611-1661) at Jan Muller (Ghent); the Portrait of King Charles I of England and the Queen Marie-Henriette by Gonzales Coques (1614-1684) at Klaas Muller (Brussels).
In antique furniture and works of art:
Costermans & Pelgrims de Bigard (Brussels) are presenting a rare Louis XV desk in ebony and Japanese lacquer with a red leather surface, which echoes a dresser in oak with Japanese lacquer, ebony veneer and Portor marble from the same period (1745-1749) proposed by Steintiz (Paris).
La Pendulerie (Paris) is presenting a pair of six branch candelabras attributed to François Rémond (1747-1812) in gilt bronze and white Carrara marble, from the Louis XVI period, circa 1785.
Sao Roque (Lisbon), is showcasing a Portuguese jewellery box in ivory and silver dating from the mid 17th century.
In silverware,
Phillipe d’Arschot (Brussels) is presenting the oldest Belgian teapot known to date, created in 1703 by the Liège-based silversmith Lambert Englebert (1667-1733) and a rare snuffbox in the shape of a lamb dated 1740 and originally from Messina.
In ceramic and porcelain:
A ‘famille rose’ tureen in Chinese porcelain with ‘tobacco leaf’ decoration from the Qianlong period (1736-1795) dated circa 1775 is being presented at the Bertrand de Lavergne Gallery (Paris), and a beautiful set of 18th century Meissen porcelain at the Röbbig Gallery (Munich).
African art:
African Art lovers mustn’t miss an extremely rare female Mende figure from Sierra Leone in wood (late 19th – early 20th century) from a private German collection presented by Serge Schoffel (Brussels); a selection of Ibeji twin statues in wood by the Yoruba people, Nigeria, proposed by Didier Claes (Brussels); or a Gouro mask that once belonged to Tristan Tzara presented by Charles-Wesley Hourdé (Paris).
Serge Schoffel – Art Premier
Kambei / Minsereh figure
Wood
Mende, Sierra Leone
19th-early 20th century
Provenance: collection Hansens, collected in situ circa 1950’s
©BRAFA
Asian art:
Asian Art lovers should note the Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara with a thousand arms, in tempera on cotton from Tibet, circa 1250, presented by Tenzing Asian Art (San Francisco); the standing Buddha in shale from Ghandhāra, 3rd century AD proposed by the Christophe Hioco Gallery (Paris); and an 18thcentury representation of Sadakshari in ink, watercolour and gold on canvas from central Tibet at Dalton Somaré (Milan).
In modern art:
Pentcheff Gallery (Marseille) is presenting Femme à sa toilette (Woman dressing) (circa 1907) by Pierre Bonnard (1867-1947), which has been shown at numerous international retrospectives on the artist but which has never been seen before on the art market. Repetto Gallery (London) is proposing a Christ by Lucio Fontana (1899-1969) in glazed polychrome ceramic from 1956-57. The Gallery Oscar de Vos (Sint-Martens-Latem) is presenting a selection of paintings by Constant Permeke (1886-1952) Gust. De Smedt (1877-1943) and other Laethem School masters. At the Charly Bailly Gallery (Geneva) you will find a Giraffe and Black heart by Alexander Calder (1898-1976), who also features at Brame & Lorenceau (Paris). Maurice Verbaet (Knokke-Heist), is presenting an artwork entitled Plan mobiles (Mobile planes) (1953) in painted metal by Pol Bury (1922-2005). Bérès Gallery is showing a pastel on paper entitled Cyclamens by Odilon Redon (1840-1916). The Gallery de la Béraudière (Brussels) is proposing a collage by Jean Dubuffet (1901-1985) entitled Barbe des Bourroux de Paris (Paris executioners’ beard) (1959) from his famous beard series.
Galerie de la Béraudière
Jean Dubuffet (Le Havre 1901-1985 Paris)
Barbe des bourreaux de Paris, 1959
Ink and paper collage on paper – 51 x 33.3 cm
Signed and dated lower center ‘J. Dubuffet 59’
Titled, inscribed and dated on the reverse ‘D40 Barbe des bourreaux de Paris mai 59’
©BRAFA
In drawings:
Simon Studer Art Associates (Geneva) is presenting a pencil drawing on paper –Nude lying on their stomach with their left leg lifted – by Gustav Klimt (1862-1918), dating from 1913-14. Rosenberg & Co (New York) is showing a Nu debout de face (Standing nude from the front) by André Derain (1880-1954), dated 1937-40, in pastel on thin grey card. The Jordi Pascual Gallery (Barcelona) is proposing a Composition à l’oiseau (Composition with bird) (1950) by Fernand Léger (1881-1955), in gouache, ink and pencil on paper. Harold t’Kint de Roodenbeke (Brussels) is presenting a sketch for ‘the drunkard’ in The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupéry (1900-1955) in watercolour and ink on paper.
Rosenberg & Co.
Joaquín Torres-García (Montevideo, 1874-1949)
Untitled, circa 1901
Oil on canvas – 33 x 44.5 cm
©BRAFA
In manuscripts and rare books:
The gallery Arts & Autographs (Paris) is presenting an exceptional manuscript on the battle of Austerlitz, dictated and annotated by Napoleon I.
In sculpture:
Sismann Gallery (Paris) is presenting a Virgin with Child dating from 1300-1400 associated with the famous Norman abbey of Saint-Georges de Boscherville. Callisto Fine Arts (London) is presenting a bronze Bacchus and Ceres by Nicolò Roccatagliata (1593-1629). Desmet Gallery (Brussels) is proposing a neoclassical bust in white marble of the great Italian Romantic composer Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868) by the famous Spanish sculptor José Àlvarez Cubero (1768-1827). Recently rediscovered in a private collection in Germany, it is almost identical to the one in the Prado. Schifferli Gallery (Geneva) are presenting a Head in sandstone by Raoul Ubac (1910-1985), dated circa 1969. Osbourne Samuel (London) are showing a series of artworks by Lynn Chadwick (1914-2003).
Galerie Schifferli
Raoul Ubac (Malmedy 1910-1985 Dieudonné)
Untitled (Head), circa 1969
Stoneware covered with an amalgam of resin and slate powder – H 23 cm x W 21 cm x D 15 cm
Signed with the ‘U’ monogram on the back of the sculpture
©BRAFA
In 20th century design.
Goklaere & Robinson (Knokke-Heist) are showing Jorge Zalszupin’s ‘Ambassador’ desk which dates from 1962, made from solid rosewood with details in brass and chrome. Robertaebasta (Milan) are presenting a wonderful overmantel by Piero Fornasetti (Milan, 1913-1988) and Gio Ponti (Milan, 1891-1979). Axel Vervoordt (Wijnegem) is proposing an ‘Utrecht’ armchair by Gerrit Rietveld (1888-1964) dating from 1934-37.
Axel Vervoordt
Gerrit Rietveld (Utrecht, 1888-1964)
‘Utrecht’ armchair, circa 1934-1937
Sailcloth – H 71 x W 71 x D 80 cm
©BRAFA
In comics:
You can discover a drawing entitled Quick et Flupke in Indian ink from the Hergé Studio.
Waddington Custot
Barry Flanagan (Prestatyn, North Wales 1941-2009 Ibiza)
Pirate Wheel, 2005
Bronze
Cast number 7 from an edition of 8 plus 4 ACs – H 213 x W 198 x D 77 cm
©BRAFA
In contemporary art:
Maruani Mercier (Brussels) is presenting a new exhibition entitled ‘From Man Ray to Marien – An Idea of Surrealism’, which highlights various artists’ collaboration with the gallerist Marcel Zerbib (until 20/03). Waddington Custot (London) is proposing a Pirate wheel in bronze (2005) by Barry Flanagan (1941-2009). Meessen De Clercq (Brussels) is presenting an oil on wax by José María Sicilia (°1954), entitled La luz que se apaga, dated 1998.
GALLERIES
To see in Belgium (selection):
Brussels is home to 37 participating galleries, which makes up a quarter of all exhibitors, and several combined shows by art and antiques dealers are scheduled to take place here.
-Costermans & Pelgrims de Bigard (Sablon) is welcoming Jean Lemaire’s selection of antique pottery and porcelain (including a turkey in Brussels pottery dating from the 18th century) and Francis Janssens van der Maelen’s selection of silverware which incorporates Art Deco pieces by Jean-Emile Puiforcat (1897-1945), including a piece that previously belonged to Andy Warhol (1928-1987).
-Huberty & Breyne (Place du Châtelain) are hosting the Amsterdam gallery Booji Fine Arts & Rare Items, and together they are creating a dialogue between pieces by René Lalique, Picasso, François Schuiten and Benoît Peeters (inter alia) and Art Nouveau creations.
-The Parisian Gallery Brame & Lorenceau will be exhibiting at the Patinoire Royale – Valérie Bach Gallery, and the Univers du Bronze (Paris) will temporarily have its home on rue Ernest Allard.
-Other original initiatives have been taken by the De Jonckheere Gallery which will receive visitors in a private space, and Whitford Fine Arts which will also welcome clients to a private apartment in the centre of Brussels (on appointment only).
Whitford Fine Art
Clive Barker (Luton, 1940)
Origami Boat, 2010
Polished bronze – H 13 x W 36.3 x D 15.2 cm
Unique piece
Signed, dated and titled underneath
©BRAFA
Knokke-Heist will be a real showcase for contemporary art with the galleries Baronian Xippas, Berko Fine Paintings, Boon, Patrick De Brock, Gokelaere & Robinson, Rodolphe Janssen, Maruani Mercier, Guy Pieters, Samuel Vanhoegaerden and Maurice Verbaet. One difference in this seaside town is that the galleries have opted for different opening days: the weekends of the 30th and 31st January and 6thand 7th February, 11 AM – 6PM.
Finally, in Antwerp, six galleries will be accessible:
-Cabinet of Curiosities – Honourable Silver Objects, Marc Heiremans Gallery (with a selection of pieces by Aldo Nason (° 1920) from his Yokohama series dated 1950-60 which combine gold leaf, star murrines and metallic inclusions), Jamar Gallery, N. Vrouyr, Victor Werner and Axel Vervoordt in Wijnegem.
To see in other countries (selection)
Germany
–DIE GALERIE (Francfort am Main), is notably presenting a selection of works by the most significant CoBrA artists, including Corneille, Asger Jorn, Karel Appel, Pierre Alechinsky, Lucebert and Carl-Henning Pedersen.
France
– Cannes
–Hurtebize Gallery (Cannes) is staging an exhibition that brings together a selection of works by emblematic painters associated with Post-War abstraction such as Hans Hartung.
– Paris
The twin galleries AB-BA are notably showing Deux têtes dans un paysage gris (Two heads in a grey landscape) by Karel Appel (1921-2006) which previously belonged to the important American collector Henry Levine, and a canvas by Hans Hartung (1904-1989) dated 1982, painted with branches of broom. Hans Hartung is also featuring at the Alexis Lartigue Gallery which is showing his canvas T1967-H15 alongside Georges Mathieu (1921-2012) and Le Pape Clément V couronné à Lyon (Pope Clement V crowned in Lyon), dated 1958.
–Kees van Dongen (1877-1968) will be centre stage at the Helene Bailly Gallery with a Portrait de femme à la plume blanche (Portrait of a woman with a white feather), circa 1908, and also at the Taménaga Gallery (with Les grilles du Château de Versailles (The gates of the Château de Versailles, 1930).
Helene Bailly Gallery
Kees van Dongen (Delfshaven 1877-1968 Monte-Carlo)
Portrait de femme à la plume blanche, circa 1908
Oil on canvas – 55.5 x 46 cm
Signed lower right ‘van Dongen’
Signed and dated on the frame ‘van Dongen circa 1908’
©BRAFA
–The Jean-François Cazeau Gallery is presenting an exhibition which reunites about 40 works from editions by Pablo Picasso, including ceramics, lithographs, screen prints and linocuts dating from between 1939 and 1970.
–The A&R Fleury Gallery is presenting a selection of works by Simon Hantaï, Serge Poliakoff, Geer van Velde, Alicia Penalbae, and – last but not least – Bernar Venet.
–Mathivet Gallery is staging an exhibition devoted to Aboriginal painting comprising about 10 canvases (until 13/02).
–The Gallery des Modernes is notably presenting Rose (1935) by Marie Laurencin (1883-1956), which came from the prestigious Paul Rosenberg Gallery where Marie Laurencin was the first artist to be retained under contract in 1913.
–The Gallery de la Présidence is presenting a selection of Masters from the first half of the 20th century, including Derain, Fautrier, Dufy, Giacometti, Gromaire, Marquet, Matisse, Poliakoff, Signac, Vieira da Silva, Vlaminck and Vuillard.
–Maison Rapin is showing a unique piece by the feather-work artist Serkan Cura made in collaboration with the gallery. This piece required over ten thousand hours of work.
–The Clara Scremini Gallery is staging an exhibition devoted to Xavier Le Normand (until 13/02).
–The Florence de Voldère Gallery is presenting a painting by Hieronimus Francken III (1611 – 1671) which documents the very heart of the art world: a cabinet of curiosities or room of wonders.
Great Britain
-Stern Pissarro Gallery (London) is highlighting the work of the abstract-expressionist American painter Paul Jenkins (1923-2012).
Italy
-As well as proposing African sculpture, Dalton Somaré (Milan) is presenting Indo-Buddhist ancient art enthusiasts with a 14th century Nepalese sculpture of Vasundhara, and a 13th century representation of Sadakshari in ink, watercolour and gold on canvas from central Tibet.
–Robertaebasta (Milan) is showing a rich selection of pieces by Art Deco and 20th century Italian designers.
Paolo Antonacci
Filippo Mola (Civitavecchia 1849-1918 Brescia)
Indian procession
Oil on canvas – 73 x 190.5 cm
Signed below right ‘FMola/dal vero’
©BRAFA
The Netherlands
–Douwes Fine Arts (Amsterdam) is staging an exhibition of over 25 works on paper by Rembrandt (1606-1669).
–Studio 2000 Gallery is joining the ranks of Brafa exhibitors with a selection of important early 20th century Dutch and Belgian paintings such as Femme Rousse (Red-haired woman) by the Belgian neo-Impressionist Georges Lemmen (1865-1916).
–Van der Meij Fine Art (Amsterdam) is presenting 19th century north-European paintings including ‘Birds in the snow’, a seasonal picture painted in 1836 by Johan Christian Dahl, a painter of Norwegian origin who lived in Germany for most of his life.
Van der Meij Fine Arts
Carl Holsøe (Aarhus 1863-1935 Asserbo)
In the evening
Oil on canvas – 43 x 50 cm
Signed lower right: C Holsöe
©BRAFA
Russia
–Heritage Gallery (Moscow) is unveiling its new exhibition ‘Anthologie of the poor in art and design. A dialogue between Russia and Italy’ during BRAFA in the Galleries. The exhibition is intended as a sort of comparative analysis of the aesthetic of the ‘poor’ in the Italian Arte Povera movement and the concept of ‘the poor Russian’ in the work of the Russian artists selected for the show. The exhibition will also include design pieces from the 1970s that were influenced by Arte Povera. It will continue after BRAFA from 19 February until 14 April 2021.
Switzerland
–Grand Rue Gallery (Geneva) will present Sir William Beckend’s Grand Tour, from London to Calais, then across the Venetian Alps to Naples with Vesuvius as the final destination, through a selection of gouaches showing 18th century European landscapes.
–Schifferli Gallery (Geneva), is showing a vanitas by the Swiss artist Christian Gonzenbach (°1975), which invites the viewer to reflect on the transitory nature of human existence while evoking the dawn of life, for it is delicately constructed from fragments of ostrich egg.
–Von Vertes Gallery (Zurich) is presenting the online exhibition ‘Rebellious? – How Inquisitiveness can Elevate Us’, showcasing ‘rebel’ artists such as Georg Baselitz, George Condo, Tony Cragg, Jean Dubuffet, Yayoi Kusama, Pierre Soulages and Tom Wesselmann who questioned and defied the dominant aesthetics of their time.
GALLERIES – EXHIBITORS HERE:
BRAFA Art Talks
A programme of online talks is also on offer. These can be watched online on the BRAFA website. The line-up is:
-Wednesday 27/01: The art market today: current situation and future perspectives (a discussion with Harold t’Kint de Roodenbeke, President of BRAFA, and Francis Maere, Vice-President of BRAFA and President of ROCAD, with questions posed by Els Bracke and Christophe Dosogne, chief editors of the review COLLECT AAA (2 versions, FR and NL).
-Thursday 28/01 : The Austerlitz manuscript of Napoleon I, byAlizée Raux (Arts & Autographes Gallery, Paris) (in FR). -Friday 29/01 : The art of Ghandāra, by Christophe Hioco (Hioco Gallery, Paris) (in FR).
-Saturday 30/01: Meetings and friendships made with the masters of the CoBrA group, a discussion with Peter Femfert, the founder of DIE GALERIE (Frankfurt) (in ENG).
With this initiative BRAFA aims to support participating galleries directly (no participation fee is required), while keeping its relationship with visitors going in the warmest way possible. The philosophy behind the event could be resumed as follows: ‘Since you can’t come to BRAFA, BRAFA will come to you!’. In these difficult times, we wish for nothing more than to offer a glimmer of hope.
