Belgium, after 42 years Zeno X gallery, one of Europe's most important, closes

One of Belgium’s most important art galleries, the Antwerp-based Zeno X Gallery, a name among the biggest on the European scene, which over the years has helped launch artists now famous worldwide such as Luc Tuymans, Jack Whitten, and Michaël Borremans, is closing after 42 years of operation. The gallery had been founded in 1981 by Frank Demaegd and Eliane Breynaert and was an important point of reference given its stable full of relevant painters, sculptors and photographers (among the artists represented it is possible to read A-list names such as Anton Corbijn, Marlene Dumas, Mark Manders, Pietro Roccasalva, in addition to the aforementioned Luc Tuymans and Jack Whitten). The gallery was also always present in major fairs, such as Art Basel, Frieze, Fiac, The Armory Show, and Art Brussels.

In its early years, the program of the gallery, which opened in a mansion in the southern part of Antwerp, focused mainly on architecture and installations with artists such as John Körmeling, Rem Koolhaas, Anne-Mie Van Kerckhoven, and Patrick Van Caeckenbergh. Currently, the gallery represented some 30 artists working in many different mediums such as painting, sculpture, film, photography and performance. In 2013, Zeno moved to a larger, more industrial space in Borgerhout, a venue that offered the opportunity to exhibit large-scale works and monumental installations. Then, in 2020, came the decision to reopen the former gallery space at Leopold De Waelplaats 16 to increase the visibility of the artists they represent. The main exhibitions were still held at the Borgerhout location, while the former, more intimate space hosted small-scale group shows or focused presentations. In all, from 1981 to the present, the gallery has organized more than 200 exhibitions and participated in more than 100 fairs.

At present, the reasons behind Demaegd and Breynaert’s decision to close the business, which will cease permanently in 2024 (in fact, the gallery’s program will continue until the end of the year), are not entirely clear. “With deep regret but after 42 fantastic years we announce the closure of Zeno X Gallery at the end of this year,” reads a statement posted on social media. “Various health issues have made the stress and pressure too much. The past decades have been wonderful for Zeno X. With great pride and gratitude we look back on all the amazing exhibitions and many encounters with inspiring people around the world. First and foremost, we thank all the artists with whom the gallery has collaborated. Their commitment, creativity and generosity have helped determine the success of Zeno X. We are also very grateful to our hardworking and loyal staff. After all, a gallery is defined by its team. We would also like to thank the collectors, colleagues, press, museums and art institutions for their support, enormous trust and friendship during all these years. We will continue the gallery program as planned until the end of December 2023. We hope to see you soon and stay in touch in the future.”

Belgium, after 42 years Zeno X gallery, one of Europe's most important, closes

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