Art Brussels

​This exhibition, the ninth in the partnership between Art Brussels and Stibbe (an international law firm specializing in corporate law), honours Belgian galleries, or galleries based in Belgium, whose activities date back at least twenty-five years. Although at first glance they appear to be relatively numerous, there is one condition attached for being included in the exhibition at Art Brussels: participation in the 2026 edition of the fair. 

The exhibition would not be possible without the close collaboration of these fifteen eligible galleries, as their founders were asked to choose a work they would never want to part with. They were also asked to explain as clearly as possible why they had chosen that work. 

What we see, therefore, is a glimpse into a personal history that connects the gallery owner to a work of art, to an artist, but also to several decades of art history and the evolution of the contemporary art market. The requirement of at least 25 years of professional experience—nine gallery owners have been active for at least 35 years, including Daniel Templon, who has 60 years of experience—naturally involves looking back, but not only that. For some, it may be a relatively recent work that connects with specific moments in their lives, while for others it is a work that has been part of their lives for many years. All the works are part of their professional and personal journey. In addition to the quality of the selected pieces, this aspect is certainly one of the strengths of this exhibition, which is full of sometimes surprising and rarely expected discoveries. It also opens up new perspectives on this profession which, in this case, does not neglect the human dimension in favour of the commercial. 

— Bernard Marcelis