05.02.2024 Brussels BRAFA 2024 confirmed once again its power of charm, attracting 67,000 art lovers of all ages perambulating among more than a hundred of galleries proudly exposing the masterpieces. As the first fair opening the year, BRAFA was unanimously acclaimed by the art pilgrims for both the quality of the objects on display and the magic of the Surrealist décor which characterized the Fair.
However it was the tribal art which attracted as a magnet, and there are numerous purchases proving the success: Claes Gallery, Brussels, found a buyer for a Yaure mask, Côte d’Ivoire, late XIX twentieth century. The mask, which sold for approximately 150,000 euros, was exhibited on a 1946 “suspended” bookcase made of wood, folded sheet steel and aluminium by Jean Prouvé (Paris 1901-1984 Nancy), which was also bought by a collector for approximately 500,000 euros.
Galerie Flak (Paris) found buyers for a large part of the works in its thematic exhibition of “kachina” dolls (Hopi culture, Arizona) dating from 1880 to 1930, with prices ranging from 5,000 to over 50,000 euros for each of these sculptures
Montagut Gallery, Barcelona, presented an unusually large (60 cm) and highly refined Baule statue, Côte d’Ivoire, XIX century, a masterpiece of exceptional quality from this culture. Claes Gallery, Brussels, exhibited an elegant Yaure mask, Côte d’Ivoire, late nineteenth – early XX century. This mask sits atop a unique Balanced hanging furniture by Jean Prouvé from 1946, made of wood, folded sheet steel and aluminium (330 x 800 x 69 cm).
The BRAFA were offered to discover a décor made up of elements replicating the masterpieces of Paul Delvaux, whose Foundation was in the spotlight this year. Following nowadays eco trends, the pieces of ephemeral décor will be recycled or reused. The BRAFA group has been approached by a real estate professional proposing to resell some of these elements. The funds will be directed to benefit the international classical and contemporary dance school that is the pride of Belgium, the Mosa Ballet School in Liège. This generous contribution will become a grant, an investment in someone’s talent, polishing it it as a gem to shine. From arts to arts, from Apollo to Terpsichore!
Concluding the Fair the Montagut Gallery (Barcelona) sold an eighteenth-century wooden sculpture by the Jörai people of the Highlands of Tay Nguyen, Vietnam.
However the end of this year event is also a new beginning: the Fair gallerists are looking forward to seeing you next year for the 70th edition, which promises to be a special one in view of this anniversary, from Sunday, January 26th to Sunday, February 2nd, 2025 at Brussels Expo.
AFRICA DIPLOMATIC 