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Repeat Masters
06.12.21With art running through her veins, Laura Bartoux, Director of Communications and Marketing at Galeries Bartoux, describes her unique and innovative approach to selecting a standout collection
How much has the international art world changed since you opened your first gallery in Honfleur in 1993?
Artists have evolved, as have artistic trends, but in reality, the overriding principle remains the same: you have to fall in love with a work of art. Since the dawn of time, artists have expressed themselves through personal stories on canvas, depicting all aspects of society and current events. Techniques evolve but the messages largely remain the same.
Collector’s appetites have changed too. In the 90s, art was considered inaccessible. You had to be a politician, a doctor, or a lawyer with a certain level of wealth. Coming from a family with limited financial means, but with a huge passion for art, Galeries Bartoux decided to make art accessible to all. That’s to say that we exhibit talented, up-and-coming artists. Our collectors today, are as varied, as our artists. We refer to it as an environment that we have succeeded in democratising.
How have you gone about liberalising the market?
Unlike traditional, by-appointment only galleries, we decided to follow our clients in the cities of Paris, London, Miami and NYC but also on their holidays to Honfleur, Cannes, Saint-Paul de Vence, Courchevel and Megeve. We also decided to make our galleries open-plan in format - with large windows, plenty of natural daylight and with artistic advisors happy to talk to clients without judgement. Whether you are a novice admirer or a young artist in the making, everybody has a voice
Galeries Bartoux is a family business, how do you make this dynamic work?
We are incredibly fortunate to all have a genuine interest in art, which allows us to be supportive of one another. During the pandemic, the younger family members knew right away how to switch to a digital platform and we launched our virtual galleries. Being a family, also means independence. We have no external shareholders. This gives us an undeniable strength of reaction. Art is in our DNA. My grandfather was in the art business, and one of my ancestors was the portrait artist for King Louis XIV of France.
How does the gallery go about choosing artists to represent?
First of all, we have to like the art in question. Then, we need to have a strong connection with the actual artist. We work as a team, with trust, respect and benevolence. If the chemistry isn’t there, then we won’t move forward. We have many talented artists on our books, many of whom are just starting out in the industry. We play the role of talent barometer – some artists become well known. Above all, its about working together harmoniously. When we work with an artist, we don’t just exhibit their work in our galleries, we undertake fairs, solo shows, partnerships with brands, manage social networks and forge charitable connections. We also go to unexpected venues, from the top of the mountains in Courchevel, to Paris metro platforms. We want work to be accessible to as many people as possible. It’s a big financial investment, which is why we have to love the artist and trust them implicitly.
Any recently signed artists that stand out for you?
I have a crush on Carole Feuerman, Zhuang Hong-Yi and Carlos Cruz Diez and I soon hope to collaborate with Lorenzo Quinn. What are your favourite trends in the art world at the moment?
We really like kinetic art through the work of Carlos Cruz Diez, Zhuang Hong-Yi, but also the hyperrealism of Carole Feuerman, and Christophe Gaignon and Fabio Viale’s amazing
What are your favourite trends in the art world at the moment?
We really like kinetic art through the work of Carlos Cruz Diez, Zhuang Hong-Yi, but also the hyperrealism of Carole Feuerman, and Christophe Gaignon and Fabio Viale’s amazing tattooed marble work which is just incredible.
What advice would you give to a client looking to expand their collection?
Don’t think too much and listen to your heart. Nobody wakes up and says “today, I’m going to buy a piece of art”. It’s like falling in love, it happens without warning. We don’t understand why. All we know, is that we feel a strong connection to a painting. Beyond assistance with choosing your portfolio, Galeries Bartoux also offer several financing solutions that allow for staged payment planning. By becoming a collector, 20% of proceeds from many of our works also go direct to charity.
What does the future hold for the GB network in the coming year?
We have a new gallery opening in Saint-Tropez and also in Paris, where we’re launching a new concept - BARTOUX ART & DESIGN, where we will showcase a curated group of design artists including Gil Bruvel, Christophe Gaignon and Noart. There’s also a travelling sculpture exhibition by Bruno Catalano that will be showcased in front of Saint Pancras station in London.
You’ll also see us at ART MIAMI, ART PARIS, and at ART LONDON.
www.galeries-bartoux.com/en/home
For a no obligation one-to-one viewing appointment with Galeries Bartoux, please call + 44 (0)207 493 8139 or send us an email to london@galeries-bartoux.com
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