STAND NUMBER: 41

Claes Gallery

Belgium, Brussels

Didier Claes is a renowned Belgian-Congolese gallerist, specialised in classical African art. Born in Kinshasa, he was immersed from an early age in African cultures. These experiences informed his passion and expertise, leading him to become a key figure in the classical African art market. After several art fairs in the United States, Didier Claes opened his first gallery in 2002 in the Sablon district before moving to the Louise area. The gallery takes part in major international events such as TEFAF (Maastricht/New York), BRAFA (Brussels), and the Biennale des Antiquaires (Paris). In parallel, Didier Claes has also been involved in curating exhibitions, including 'Mestach l’Africain' (2007), 'Congo Mythical Masks' (2009), 'Arts d’Afrique. Voir l’invisible' (Musée d’Aquitaine, 2011), 'Uzuri wa Dunia' (2015), and 'L’Art Africain' (Van Buuren Museum, 2020). He has directed several publications, including Empreintes d’Afrique and, more recently, Shared Passion (2023). Didier Claes has held key positions: President of BRUNEAF (2010–2022) and Vice-President of BRAFA (2012–2025). He is a member of the Belgian Chamber of Art Experts, the Royal Chamber of Antiquaries of Belgium, and the French National Union of Antiquarians. Didier Claes stands out for his high standards, vision, and taste for challenge: fostering new collectors, revealing as-yet-unknown treasures, and opening new international markets.