13 march 2025, Yves Joris
One gallery, one vision, two spaces: Rik Rosseels on his new step
Opening a gallery is one thing, but launching a second space is an act of ambition. And not just an expansion, but a conscious step toward more dialogue, more cross-pollination and a broader horizon. Rik Rosseels, the driving force behind the gallery of the same name, proves with this new venue that art is not just a matter of walls and square meters but above all, of vision and emotion.
In the Antwerp South district, it seems as if the sun is welcoming the new gallery. Children play on the newly renovated Zuid Docks, curious passersby admire the artworks basking in the spring light. Rik is already waiting for me. Nothing suggests that the day before, he was dashing from one conversation to another. Collectors, art enthusiasts and casual visitors turned the opening into a true celebration. In this interview, he speaks candidly about his motivations, intuitive selection process and the bridges he wants to build between artists, galleries and collectors. He does not believe in competition but in collaboration. Not in strict separations, but in synergy. His approach is as simple as it is fundamental: an artwork must move him and he must want to have it in his own home before displaying it in his gallery.
What was the reason for opening a second gallery here? How does this fit in with the gallery’s overall vision?
I always need a challenge and a goal and I felt that we were reaching the limits of our existing space – not only physically in terms of space, but also creatively. The new location offers more opportunities and is better placed strategically along the walking route to various nearby museums. My goal with this additional space is also to strengthen the original gallery and combine our artists with others.
Rik Rosseels Gallery, group show at the Vlaamse Kaai. Photo: Nigel Dubois. Copyright Rik Rosseels Gallery.
You say ‘our artists’ alongside others. By that do you mean guest artists?
Yes, exactly. My father is an avid collector and I inherited that passion. As a result, we know many artists personally and we often receive requests to collaborate, but that was not always possible in our limited space. Now we can build bridges with other galleries. One example is our upcoming exhibition with Jean-Marie Bytebier, who is represented by Galerie La Forest Divonne in Paris and Brussels. I have known him for many years through my father, so I called him and asked if he’d like to do an exhibition here. Jean-Marie was very enthusiastic. The result? On 5 April, we’re opening a solo exhibition featuring his work on canvas, panels and drawings.
It is often assumed that galleries are competitors, but you clearly choose collaboration. Why?
In the past, a successful artist may have been exclusively represented by one gallery, but that is no longer the case. My vision is that art should be displayed as widely as possible. This can be done in different ways, such as art fairs, collaboration with other galleries and art initiatives like the Ooidonk Art Festival or Sint-Denijs-City.
You now have two spaces to display the artworks. Did you immediately know which work goes where?
The vision remains that it is one gallery spread over two spaces. There is no hierarchy between the locations. What we can do now, for example, is host a group exhibition in one space and a solo exhibition in the other, or vice versa. There are no restrictions; the two locations offer a wealth of possibilities. Since they are only 400 metres apart, we can also guide visitors from one space to the other. It’s about synergy, not separation.
Rik Rosseels Gallery, group show at the Vlaamse Kaai. Photo: Nigel Dubois. Copyright Rik Rosseels Gallery.
How do you select artists?
It happens very naturally. When it was confirmed that we would have this space, I immediately knew which five artists and work I wanted to show for the opening exhibition. It’s based on instinct. The exhibition 'Surprisingly Connected?', which will be shown during Antwerp Art Weekend at Leopold De Waelstraat, brings together our 17 represented artists, each with one work. Although their styles vary widely, the combination still feels cohesive. Perhaps because the selection comes from my passion and gut feeling. I could hang all these works in my own home and that’s the feeling I want to create in the gallery as well.
As a gallery owner, you also have to be selective. How do you approach that?
Since the opening of the second space, I have received lots of applications from artists, including well-established names. But I stick to my principle: there must be a connection with both the artist and the work. I must feel that I would want to buy the piece myself; only then can I present it with conviction.
What are your plans regarding art fairs?
We exhibited in Rotterdam for four years, but not this year. But we have applied for Art Brussels for the first time and are on the waiting list. If we are not selected, we will apply again next year. Art Antwerp is also on our wish list and I am exploring possibilities for some international fairs. I find it important to grow alongside our artists. It is a story you write together, not only as a gallery owner.
Your new gallery is in a prominent location in the South district, a lively neighbourhood. Have you noticed any impact yet?
Absolutely. From the very first opening day, we saw many new visitors. The location automatically attracts more people. In our previous space, we mainly had intentional visitors, whereas here, we also welcome spontaneous passersby.
Rik Rosseels Gallery, group show at the Vlaamse Kaai. Photo: Nigel Dubois. Copyright Rik Rosseels Gallery.
How was the lead-up to the opening? Stressful?
I wasn’t stressed… until the night before the opening. That’s when the nerves hit. But the process went smoothly. We signed the contract in January, received the keys at the beginning of February and opened on 1 March.
Lots of collectors attended the opening. Is that recognition of your work and effort?
I think it’s about authenticity. You have to be genuine, not put on an act. I am who I am and when you speak about a piece with passion, collectors sense that, too.
Behind every great gallery owner is a strong team.
Absolutely. First and foremost, a team of great artists — they know they can count on me, just as I can count on them. I also could not have done this without the support of my wife, Emilie, who helps me with everything behind the scenes. When I came home with the idea for the second space, she was the first to say, “Go for it!”. I also recently started working with two gallery assistants. Liz joined six months ago and Eliam started on 1 March. We also collaborate with Nigel, our regular photographer. All these people together give me the opportunity to take these steps and the freedom to spend more time with artists and visit studios. Running a gallery is not a solo effort. Over the past year, I mostly did it alone, with my father’s help, but that’s not sustainable when you have a family. Our son Aldo is eight and Roos is three and they love having their dad home on Sundays.
So the future is secured? A new generation on the way, like you following in your father’s footsteps?
(laughs) Someone said on Saturday: If Roos takes over the gallery later, she only needs to change the name Rik to Roos on the storefronts of both galleries and the logo R/R can stay. But she is only three, so we have time… and they should do what they love and follow their own passion, just as I did.
