BRAFA is one of the most prestigious art fairs in Europe; an exceptional 8-day event in which rare works, ranging from antiquity to the twenty-first century, are exhibited in a refined setting at Brussels Expo. Since 1956, the year of its creation, its taste for excellence has contributed to its constant evolution. Over time, it has grown, internationalised and changed venues several times without losing its charm, pursuing one simple objective: to offer the most qualitative of art fairs in order to satisfy the desires of collectors in search of treasures.
On the occasion of BRAFA 2025, Galerie HELENE BAILLY retraces the threads of modernity.
Abstraction and figuration engage in a dialogue, reflecting one another in a subtle and dynamic scenography. From the luminous impressionism of Pierre-Auguste Renoir to the daring abstractions of Alexander Calder and Serge Poliakoff, and the unmistakable touch of Kees Van Dongen to the vibrant power of Nicolas de Staël, the gallery highlights the profound connections that transcend time.
Alongside Renoir, the works of Henri Martin and Pierre Bonnard illustrate two major artistic movements of the late 19th century: post-impressionism and the Nabi school. Their delicate explorations of intimacy echo the tender and poetic bouquet by Renoir. Further along, an entire wall is dedicated to the works of Kees Van Dongen, a pioneer of Fauvism, whose vibrant strokes epitomize a unique pursuit of modernity. Beyond their shared commitment to figuration, these masters are united by their quest for a truly modern approach to painting.
On the other side of the mirror, abstraction unfolds through a diverse selection of paintings, sculptures, and works on paper. Zao Wou-Ki, Nicolas de Staël, and Serge Poliakoff, each in their own way, forge original and radical paths, redefining the essence of a new kind of painting. A grand mobile by Alexander Calder crowns this selection, a symbol of the perpetual motion that drives the great story of modernity.