Luc Darte, TWENTY is a completely new concept, how is it innovative, interesting, attractive?
Above all -and this is the first time- in homage to the different artistic movements of the 20th century, in all their diversity and originality. You will find there, among others, the Belle Époque style, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Fauvism, the Laethem School, surrealism, young Belgian painting, abstraction, vintage and design furniture, as well as the modern period up to art conceptual and contemporary. ..
How was this original idea born?
We are already in charge of the famous Antica Namur fair, and we wanted to launch an innovative and complementary concept to our Namur fair. It was during the covid period when we imagined the TWENTY show with the aim of revitalizing the sector.
Who are you talking to?
Again and again to art lovers and enthusiasts and regulars of the art market, but also to an audience of professionals, decorators, etc. Not to mention a new clientele that does not necessarily frequent traditional salons. TWENTY stands out: focused on the 20th century, colorful, with a different and focused image.
A word about the exhibitors?
Fifty-five Belgian and foreign stands are planned, with a predominance of nationals (around 70%) along with the French, German, Dutch and Luxembourgers. Some have taken over with great enthusiasm, such as the 1950s and 1960s trends galleries. Renowned exhibitors will surprise the public with their selection.
A word about the most emblematic?
In particular, there will be the Knokke Maurice Verbaet gallery that will promote, among other things, post-war Belgian art.
You will also find the Claeys gallery with its paintings by Belgian painters, and the French artist Bernard Bouisset, always present at the main international fairs with his author jewellery.
I would also mention the Parisian gallery ZEBRES specializing in contemporary creations, drawings, paintings and modern sculptures, not forgetting the Antwerp gallery Alain Hens, with modern paintings and designer furniture. Polyèdre d’Anvers will also be present, as will Baewards with its Art Nouveau, Art Deco and designer furniture. I will end with the Uccloise Sophie Derom and her incredible paintings. Young galleries will also be awarded! …
The Horta Museum and the Design Museum in Brussels will highlight two different periods of the 20th century.
It has also commissioned experts to inspect the works…
In fact, 10 experts will be in charge of checking the merchandise before the doors of the hall open. Only furniture and objects presented to the salon’s official experts at the time of the transaction can be guaranteed by the latter.
In addition, during the exhibition period, three experts will be available to visitors to inform them, advise them and issue certificates of authenticity for the pieces presented. Finally, exhibitors will have the opportunity to bring new pieces throughout the fair for a visit rich in discoveries.
Laure Dorchy, chair of the TWENTY think tank
Graduated in business engineering, art history and gemology, Laure Dorchy teaches the history of goldsmithing and ancient jewelry. She is present at the main French and European fairs, she specializes in silverware and goldsmithing from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as jewelry (jewelry from 1800 to the present).
In practice
- Location: Hall 3, in the Brussels Expo site
Opening hours and days:
- Opening Thursday, May 12, from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Friday, May 13 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday May 14 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday May 15 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Rates:
- Early Bird €10 (until May 1)
- Free for children under 16
- Free for students (upon presentation of your student card)
- Exclusive access to the inauguration: €45 per person