The 71st edition of BRAFA art fair in Brussels opened with strong sales, signaling a promising start to the 2026 art market. During the first three invitation-only days, major works were sold by galleries including Greta Meert, which placed a €500,000 Enrico Castellani, and Mulier Mulier Gallery, which sold a Tom Wesselmann for €80,000. Other notable sales include a Kim Tschang Yeul work at Boon Gallery, a Renoir painting at Stern Pissarro, and a James Ensor piece at Patrick Derom Gallery. The fair features 147 exhibitors and has attracted loyal collectors, with many galleries reporting multiple red dots and strong interest from younger buyers.
This early success matters because BRAFA is considered a barometer for the broader art market, and the robust sales across diverse categories—from Old Masters and modern art to tribal art and fossils—suggest sustained demand and collector confidence entering 2026. The participation of new galleries and the engagement of younger collectors with works under €5,000 indicate a healthy market evolution. The fair's ability to move high-value works quickly, including a €500,000 Castellani and a €150,000 Dan Mano mask, underscores its importance as a leading European art fair.