Dépendence, the influential Brussels gallery known for its artist-first ethos, is closing after 23 years. Co-founded by former artist Michael Callies and former banker Stephan Jaax, the gallery operated from a single location and resisted expansion, building a reputation as an "artists' gallery" that prioritized creative freedom over commercial success. Its roster of about 30 artists included Thomas Bayrle, Michael Krebber, Haegue Yang, Ed Atkins, and Jana Euler, many of whom had early ties to the Städelschule in Frankfurt. The gallery facilitated their participation in major international exhibitions such as the Venice Biennale, Documenta, and Skulptur Projekte Münster, and placed works at institutions like MoMA, Tate Britain, and the Stedelijk Museum.
The closure marks the end of a distinctive chapter in Brussels' gallery scene, where Dépendence was a steadfast counterpoint to market-driven expansion. Its artist-led model—where exhibitions were conceived without commercial pressure—offered an alternative vision of what a gallery could be, one that resonated deeply with peers and collectors. The announcement has drawn mourning from leading figures like dealer Jan Mot, underscoring the gallery's outsized cultural impact. As the art world grapples with homogenization and rising costs, Dépendence's departure signals the fragility of independent, curatorially driven spaces that prioritize artistic integrity over growth.