Ceramic Brussels 2026: Celebrating the Global Art of Clay

As the world of contemporary art continues to evolve, few mediums have demonstrated the resilience, versatility, and cultural resonance of ceramics quite like clay. Marking its third edition, Ceramic Brussels returns to the historic Tour & Taxis exhibition centre from January 21 to 25, 2026, promising a unique convergence of national and international voices, emerging talents, and a renewed focus on cross-cultural dialogue.

Since its inception, Ceramic Brussels has distinguished itself as the only international art fair devoted solely to ceramics. This year, 75 galleries from across the globe will bring together nearly 200 artists, reflecting the medium’s expansive possibilities—from monumental sculptural works to delicate, experimental creations. A highlight of this edition is its special focus on Spain, which coincides with the EUROPALIA España festival, underlining the fair’s commitment to celebrating national art scenes as crucial engines of global creativity.

A Spotlight on Spain

The Spanish focus at Ceramic Brussels 2026 is more than a celebration of geography; it is an exploration of an artistic ecosystem rich in history, experimentation, and contemporary relevance. Seven Spanish galleries will participate directly, while French galleries MALA Gallery and Galerie Capazza will showcase Spanish luminaries such as Pablo Picasso, Joan Serra, Mia Llauder, and Claudi Casanovas. These exhibitions offer a rare opportunity to observe the dialogue between tradition and innovation in Spanish ceramics. Alongside the exhibitions, an afternoon of talks will facilitate discussion among artists, galleries, and cultural institutions, creating a platform for cross-cultural exchange and reflection on the vitality of Spain’s contemporary ceramic scene.

Honouring a Master: Elmar Trenkwalder

Ceramic Brussels 2026 continues its tradition of spotlighting visionary figures with the appointment of Austrian artist Elmar Trenkwalder as Guest of Honour. Trenkwalder’s large-scale monographic exhibition, spanning over 300 square metres at the fair’s entrance and organised with Parisian gallery Bernard Jordan, captures the artist’s signature blend of baroque opulence and refined formalism. Trained initially as a painter, Trenkwalder turned to ceramics in the mid-1980s, harnessing the medium’s sculptural potential to produce monumental, ornamental works that traverse cultural and historical references. His exhibition promises a profound encounter with the transformative power of clay and the enduring dialogue between craft and fine art.

Emerging Voices and the Art Prize

Beyond established names, Ceramic Brussels remains committed to nurturing emerging talent through the Ceramic Brussels Art Prize. The prize is open to artists with fewer than ten years of experience and provides invaluable exposure for those not yet represented by galleries. Ten laureates will present their works in a group exhibition, while Léonore Chastagner, recipient of the 2025 Jury Prize, will return with a dedicated solo show. Chastagner’s work, blending classical forms with contemporary perspectives on femininity and expectation, exemplifies the innovative spirit the fair seeks to champion.

A Truly Global Experience

While Belgium provides the fair’s geographical anchor, Ceramic Brussels 2026 positions itself as a truly international event. Galleries from Norway, Turkey, Japan, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the UAE will present works that span continents and artistic approaches. Visitors can experience a dynamic spectrum of practices, from the intimate and experimental to the monumental and performative. Solo exhibitions by artists such as Julia Isídrez, Réjean Peytavin, Daphne Corregan, and Isolina Minjeong demonstrate the fair’s dedication to both depth and diversity, providing insight into the medium’s evolving narratives.

Engagement Beyond the Visual

Ceramic Brussels is not only an exhibition space but also a forum for ideas. Alongside displays, the fair will host talks and debates that explore ceramics’ position in contemporary culture, its dialogue with art history, and its potential for future innovation. By fostering interaction between artists, galleries, collectors, and institutions, the fair becomes a hub for collaboration and intellectual exchange, inviting audiences to see ceramics as an art form rich in meaning and scope.

In an era when digital experiences dominate the art world, Ceramic Brussels 2026 underscores the tactile, material, and human dimensions of artistic practice. It reminds us that ceramics, shaped by fire and hands, continues to offer new possibilities for expression, reflection, and cultural dialogue. For anyone interested in the intersections of craft, contemporary art, and global creativity, the fair offers a journey well worth taking.