In the heart of Brussels Expo, where creativity knows no bounds, BRAFA 2024 is set to transport art enthusiasts into a realm of surreal wonders. From January 28th to February 4th, the prestigious art fair will celebrate the centenary of Surrealism, immersing visitors in a captivating fusion of dreamlike visions and artistic brilliance.
© Foundation Paul Delvaux, Belgium/SABAM, 2023
Surrealism Unleashed: A Century of Dreams and Rebellion
Step into Halls 3 & 4, where 132 visionary exhibitors from 14 countries will converge in Surrealist mode. A nod to the movement’s birth in 1924, André Breton’s Manifesto of Surrealism ignited a revolution that resonates to this day. The fair, pulsating with the energy of Surrealist pioneers like René Magritte, Salvador Dalí, and Giorgio De Chirico, invites exhibitors to infuse their offerings with a touch of the extraordinary.
Surrealism, as Breton envisioned it, transcends reason and challenges conventional values. The artistic movement, characterized by psychic forces unshackled from reason, unfolds through diverse expressions. From André Breton’s rare 1924 Manifeste du Surréalisme to Salvador Dalí’s whimsical Etude d’enfant, BRAFA 2024 is a tapestry of unexpected connections and new meanings.
BRAFA 2023 – Bailly Gallery © Emmanuel Crooÿ
Belgian Surrealism, led by visionaries like E. L. T. Mesens and Paul Colinet, adds an intriguing layer of complexity. The works on display, including pieces by Max Ernst and André Masson, weave a narrative that diverges from the Parisian group’s path, giving us a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of Surrealist thought.
BRAFA 2023 – Boon Gallery © Emmanuel Crooy?
Masterpieces Unveiled: A Surreal Showcase
Prepare to be captivated by a myriad of masterpieces. René Magritte’s La Légende des Siècles (1950) and L’intelligence (1946) offer a glimpse into the mind of Belgium’s greatest Surrealist. Giorgio De Chirico’s metaphysical marvels, such as Piazza d’Italia (1948-1972), enrich the tapestry of the fair. Historic works by Max Ernst, Francis Picabia’s Séville (1927), and Emily Mae Smith’s contemporary Saint and Sinner Study (2022) bridge the gap between generations.
Paul Delvaux: A Surrealist Legacy
© Foundation Paul Delvaux, Belgium/SABAM, 2023-2024
In a tribute to the late Paul Delvaux, the Paul Delvaux Foundation takes center stage as the guest of honor. The enigmatic painter, a late heir to Symbolism, carved his own niche in Surrealism. His timeless imagery, rooted in classical culture and mythologies, brings a unique dimension to the fair.
Delvaux’s works, from Nu dans l’atelier (1920s) to La Fin du Voyage (1968), grace the exhibits. Paintings, watercolors, and prints, each echoing his dreamlike universe, beckon art enthusiasts to explore the intricate layers of his oeuvre.
BRAFA 2023 – Axel Vervoordt © Axel Vervoordt
BRAFA 2024: Where Dreams Take Flight
As BRAFA 2024 unfolds, it invites you to embark on a surreal journey through time and imagination. From the avant-garde of the 1920s to the contemporary expressions of today, this art fair promises a kaleidoscope of creativity. Join us at Brussels Expo, where art transcends boundaries, and Surrealism reigns supreme. Surrender to the magic; let BRAFA 2024 be your passport to a world where dreams take flight.
