Le défi des galeries d’art en régions
Anne-Cécile Sanchez
The article
In Le Journal des Arts, Anne-Cécile Sanchez devotes an investigation of nearly 1,800 words to modern and contemporary art galleries established in the regions: a limited local market, little competition and a growing openness to the international scene. Among others, she interviews Cédric Bacqueville (Lille), Claire Gastaud (Clermont-Ferrand), Modulab (Metz), Galerie Capazza (Nançay) and Oniris (Rennes).
The journalist notes the obstacles, namely the distance from institutions and collectors, most of whom are based in Paris, and less media coverage, but also the advantages: larger spaces, the absence of direct competition, a wide territory. She cites the arrival of new players, including Nathan Chiche in Vantoux, as a sign that working in the regions has become a desirable choice.
Nathan Chiche recounts that he found Jean Prouvé's former school there on Leboncoin and that he refused to start out in an anonymous space in Paris. He stresses the position of Metz, at the crossroads of Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland, and mentions a collector who came from Belgium by bicycle and left with a small work by Jean-Pierre Raynaud.
Finally, the article addresses digital tools, remote sales and the role of art fairs, which are considered essential for gaining a presence beyond one's own region.
« Je ne voulais pas débuter avec un white cube anonyme à Paris et y être juste une galerie de plus. »