Showcasing cutting-edge contemporary ceramics, Ceramic Brussels returns for its second edition with an expanded lineup of bold works, innovative glazes, and a striking industrial setting that captivates art and clay enthusiasts alike.
By: Jonat Deelstra
January 27, 2025
Shed 1, Havenlaan 86C 1000 Brussel, Belgium
In Brussels, the heart of Western Europe, 60 galleries showcase the cutting edge of contemporary ceramics. From January 22–26, Ceramic Brussels presents a remarkable selection of artworks. For years, clay has been on the rise in the art world as a favorite medium for influential artists. This trend culminated in the inaugural Ceramic Brussels in 2025, which showcased around 200 artists and hosted 12,900 visitors and clay enthusiasts.
This second edition aims to strengthen the international voice of ceramics and promises to be even bigger and better — and I completely agree. The range of works spans technical mastery to bold experimentation, practical design to monumental art pieces, and neat, cute, and shiny glazes to monstrous, dripping, and rugged finishes. The fair is truly a feast for the eyes. It’s easy to see why visitors are tempted to touch or caress the artworks. The glazes invite interaction, as they should—a promising sign of engagement.
I also want to highlight the beautiful scenography of the fair. The event is set in two vast, mirrored industrial halls that feel both spacious and raw. The booths themselves are diverse and lovingly curated. The fair is led by a capable organization, supported by a board of curators, art historians, and ceramic institutions (including the European Ceramic Workcentre – EKWC). As such, it holds great significance for lovers of ceramics and art in general.
Natasja Alers | Johannes Nagel | Nick Ervinck | Samuel Sarmiento
Natasja Alers | Closed Nipplevase | 2024 | Ceramics, glazes | 50 x 17 x 17 cm | Photo Courtesy: LNDW Studio
Natasja Alers | Jimat | 2024 | Ceramics, glazes | 70 x 30 x 22 cm | Photo Courtesy: LNDW Studio
Johannes Nagel | Movement Tree | 2024 | Photo Courtesy: Tom Dachs
Johannes Nagel | Movement Cut | 2024 | Photo Courtesy: Tom Dachs
Nick Ervinck | Petoemba| 2016 - 2018 | Ceramic | 40 x 40 x 40 cm | Photo Courtesy: Nick Ervinck
Nick Ervinck | Entunap| 2017 | Ceramic | 28 x 20 x 21 cm | Photo Courtesy: Nick Ervinck
Samuel Sarmiento | Preparation of the Mud Walls and Bricks | 2023 | Photo Courtesy: Rafael Barragan
Samuel Sarmiento | Vitrina (Collection of Minerals and Precious Metals) | 2023 | Hand-painted glazed ceramics and gold | 27 x 29 x 2 cm | Photo Courtesy: Rafael Barragan
Marit Tingleff | Blue Wall Sculpture | 2024 | Glazed earthenware, hand-built | 33 x 43.5 x 3.25 in &Marianne Nielsen | Elder Twig No. 2 | 2024 | Glazed stoneware | 8 x 16.5 x 7 in | Photo Courtesy: Hostler Burrows
Marit Tingleff | Wall Sculpture | 2024 | Glazed earthenware, hand-built | 20 x 26.5 x 1.5 in & Helen Hausland | Beacon | 2024 | Hand-built stoneware and earthenware, terra sigillata, slip | 40.5 x 13 in & Sakari Kannosto | Aquarius | 2024 | Glazed stoneware | 31.5 x 15.75 x 13.75 in | Photo Courtesy: Hostler Burrows
Eva Zethraeus | Pale Calliandra | 2024 | Glazed porcelain, platinum | 17.75 x 15.75 in | Photo Courtesy: Hostler Burrows
László Borsódy | Egyetértés (Agreement) | 2019 | Molded chamotte, matte blue glazed two-piece spherical plastic on a chamotte base polished to shape | 22 × 38 × 23 cm | Photo Courtesy: acb Gallery
Sien Godderis | In Motion | 2023 | Photo Courtesy: Zwart Huis
CONTRIBUTOR
JONAT DEELSTRA
Jonat Deelstra (1991) lives and works in Amsterdam. He works with multiple materials to convey his stories - like ceramics, oil painting, drawing, and film. His dreamlike paintings and seductive ceramics seem to seduce the viewer. On further examination, the viewer finds some dark underlying subjects. WEBSITE
Interested in future fair coverage? Up next is The Winter Show 2025 in New York City! Want to get involved? Visit our CONNECT pageto learn more about becoming a contributor!
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates, including our upcoming round-up of ceramic highlights.
