From Horses to Skeletons: Highlights of Brussels Art Square 2024

Pauline Loeb at Brussels Art Square 2024, Brussels © artfairmag

Brussels Art Square, a non-profit organization that has brought together around sixty galleries in the chic Sablon district since 2005, needs no introduction. But this 19th edition had something special about it. First, the weather was stunning—warm and sunny, which is rare enough in Brussels to be worth mentioning. More importantly, Jonathan Kugel, a talented dealer I’ve known for many years, took over as president. Let’s take a closer look.

So, naturally, I started with Jonathan F. Kugel’s gallery, nestled in the heart of a neo-Flemish house built in 1888, with grand fireplaces that give the space a truly elegant and imposing character. For the occasion, in collaboration with Loo & Lou Gallery, he presented a solo show by painter and draughtsman Joël Person, showcasing his focus on horses. The highlight was a magnificent charcoal drawing on paper nearly 10 meters long, ‘La Déferlante’. Due to space limitations, the entire work wasn’t displayed—it actually measures 16.8 meters! Joël depicts an epic race with bold strokes. The tension is palpable, and the rendering of the muscles and movement is simply stunning. It’s funny to place the horse at the center of his work, knowing the artist has a deep fear of the animal.

Another figurative artist completely won me over. The Absolute Art Gallery was presenting, among other works, wooden sculptures by Italian-German artist Hannes Mussner, who lives in Karlsruhe. I found Mussner’s figures incredibly striking. Despite their faces having a single, neutral expression, they exude a real sense of beauty and even humour. It’s likely due to their posture—sometimes slightly tilted, sometimes very stiff, or even crouched—and the accessories that accompany them, like astronaut helmets contrasting with their entirely nude bodies. The prices were still within a reasonable range: €13,500 for a 116 cm statuette, €17,800 for a large bust, and €30,000 for my favorite piece: a little girl with her dog (pictured at the end of the article).

It’s hard to delve into all the wonderful discoveries I made during my visit. To name a few, there were the pop paintings by Christoph Ruckhäberle in a solo show at Sorry We’re Closed gallery, the antique— or antique-style—bronzes and marbles at Desmet Fine Art, the incredible Japanese armors at Ritter Studio, the elegant artist-designed jewelry at Collectors Gallery, the treasure trove à la Ali Baba’s cave at Cauchies Art Consultants, and the contemporary still lifes at Isara Fine Art.

I was also intrigued by the paintings of British artist Jess Allen. Nino Mier Gallery presented her exhibition Out of Time, featuring oil paintings of raking shadows cast across cropped domestic interiors. I spent long moments immersed in these canvases, from which a deep sense of poetry, mystery, and nostalgia emerged.

Jess Allen, The Time We Had, 2024. Oil on linen, 122.7 x 152.7 x 4.7 cm. Showcased at Nino Meir Gallery © artfairmag

Art Dealers Interviews

How Much Does It Cost?

I would have gladly brought these works home! I would need to pay €30,000 to Absolute Art Gallery for the wooden ensemble by Hannes Mussner. The large canvas by Christoph Ruckhäberle showcased at Sorry We’re Closed would have cost me a bit more—€35,000. It’s amusing and fascinating that this cast of a Prognathodon, priced at €18,000 at Harmakhis, is made from one found in Morocco in 2021, dating back a whopping 67 million years! And finally, I would love to wear that impressive necklace by Irakli Nassidzé, sold for €5,500 at Collectors Gallery.

In my opinion, Brussels Art Square delivered on its promises regarding quality and diversity. The price range is broad enough to appeal to all types of collectors, including younger ones, and to satisfy every taste. The atmosphere at the opening was relaxed and festive, perhaps reflecting the Belgians themselves. I have no doubt I’ll return next year!