Independent Fair Debuts in Brussels with Top Galleries but Weak Sales
The first European edition of Independent fair opened in Brussels in 2016, featuring a lineup of mega-galleries including David Zwirner, Gavin Brown, and Barbara Gladstone. Unlike typical satellite fairs, Independent attracted more powerful dealers than the main Art Brussels fair, creating an inverted dynamic. However, sales were disappointing: North American collectors stayed away due to terrorism fears, and local collectors favored the homegrown Art Brussels. The fair's strategy of relying on international attendance backfired, leaving many top exhibitors with weak sales. The future of Independent in Brussels remains uncertain, with its next steps to be observed in the following months and at the April 2017 edition.
Key facts
- Independent fair held its first European edition in Brussels in 2016.
- The fair featured mega-galleries such as David Zwirner, Gavin Brown, and Barbara Gladstone.
- Independent's exhibitors were more powerful than those at the main Art Brussels fair.
- North American collectors did not attend due to terrorism fears.
- Local Belgian collectors prioritized Art Brussels over Independent.
- Sales at Independent were weak despite the strong gallery lineup.
- The fair was directed by Laura Mitterrand.
- Independent's next moves were to be observed, with a planned return in April 2017.
Entities
Institutions
- Independent
- Art Brussels
- David Zwirner
- Gavin Brown
- Barbara Gladstone
- Traversia Cuatro
- Société
- Isabella Bortolozzi
- Peres Projects
- Mehdi Chouakri
- kaufmann repetto
- Jan Mot
- Office Baroque
- Clearing
- Maureen Paley
- The Approach
- Chantal Crousel
- Jocelyn Wolff
- Air de Paris
- Artribune
Locations
- Brussels
- Belgium
- New York
- Madrid
- Berlin
- Milan
- London
- Paris