Galerie Sept

FLORIAN ARAÏB - A FORWARD-THINKING APPROACH TO CONTEMPORARY ART

Founder and director of Galerie Sept ; His approach to the art world is marked by strategic vision, adaptability, and a commitment to fostering long-term artistic dialogues. His entry into the gallery world was unconventional. At 23 years old, he was met with resistance when applying for a position at an established gallery due to his age. Instead of waiting for an opportunity, he created his own. With no initial artist roster or financial backing, he secured a gallery space in Brussels’ Sablon district, a prime location known for its art, antiques, and design scene. Through persistence and a sharp understanding of market positioning, Galerie Sept quickly built its reputation, evolving from an ambitious startup into a key player in the European art landscape. Florian’s expertise lies in curation, market development, and bridging the gap between emerging and established artists. His ability to identify and nurture talent has resulted in the gallery’s growing influence in institutional collections, international fairs, and private acquisitions. With a strong emphasis on accessibility, collector engagement, and global reach, he has positioned Galerie Sept as a space where meaningful artistic conversations take place, both physically and digitally.

A DISTINCTIVE PLATFORM FOR CONTEMPORARY ART

Founded in 2018, Galerie Sept has established itself as a dynamic and globally engaged contemporary art gallery, representing a diverse selection of established and emerging artists from across the world. With spaces in Brussels and Knokke, the gallery operates at the intersection of abstraction, material experimentation, and conceptual depth. The Brussels gallery, located in the historic Sablon district, has built a strong reputation for its focus on abstraction, featuring artists who challenge form, texture, and perception. It serves as a primary platform for contemporary abstract art by living artists, showcasing innovative approaches to materiality, color, and spatial dynamics. The Knokke gallery, located in a renowned coastal art hub, is structured into two exhibition rooms, allowing for a broader curatorial vision. While the first room continues the gallery’s strong abstract focus, the second room highlights contemporary figurative art, providing a dynamic contrast and expanding the gallery’s engagement with different artistic disciplines. A defining moment in Galerie Sept’s history was the discovery of Lee Hyun Joung, an artist whose meticulous Hanji and ink-based works bridge the gap between abstraction and Korean tradition. Her collaboration with the gallery, which began in its early years, paralleled the rise of both. As Galerie Sept established itself within the international art scene, Lee’s work gained recognition, culminating in sold-out art fair presentations, institutional acquisitions, and a growing global collector base. This partnership exemplifies the gallery’s commitment to nurturing talent and developing artists' careers over time. In addition to Lee Hyun Joung, the gallery proudly represents Katrin Fridriks, Johann Alexis, Zheng Lu, Sebastiaan Knot, Timm Blandin, and Hans Schüle, among others. Each artist contributes to the gallery’s reputation as a leading space for contemporary abstraction and cutting-edge figurative works. Galerie Sept’s program is artist-driven and strategically curated, with a focus on long-term collaboration and market development. By fostering relationships with collectors, institutions, and curators, the gallery provides its artists with sustainable opportunities for visibility and engagement. The gallery also integrates digital strategies through platforms such as Artnet, ensuring a global reach while maintaining the integrity of in-person experiences. With a commitment to curatorial excellence, collector education, and international expansion, Galerie Sept continues to evolve as a leading force in contemporary art, bridging artistic innovation with market expertise.