What do gallery owners have to say ?
At a time when digital technology dominates our lives , social networks and websites dedicated to art offer a privileged window onto the inner world of artists and their creations . “ Lock downs have encouraged this shift towards the digital . We ’ ve had to rethink the way we work , even going as far as to hold an online exhibition . It ’ s a first !” says Charlie d ’ Hotman , director of the Imaaya gallery in Phoenix .
While the traditional approach to art has been rethought in recent years , in 2023 , the role of gallery owner has never been so relevant . For Gaëlle Gonzalez , director of The Octopus print studio in Beau Plan , those who work in this profession serve as a bridge between the artist and the public . “ We create links , but we also open up horizons for the artists we represent , by submitting their work to international competitions , for example ,” she explains .
For Pascal Soufflet , director of the Ilha do Cirne gallery in Pointe aux Canonniers , going through a gallery helps to ensure the authenticity of the works presented ... You only have to look at the number of fake Chazals flooding the art market to understand his point ! “ The experience of the gallery owner guarantees a selection of established artists ,” he says .
Aparté
Buying a work is seen as a long-term investment . The size of the Mauritian market – a veritable microcosm – means it lacks the power of valuation larger markets can offer ... However , this fact should come with a qualification : “ The value of paintings by some of the artists I represent has doubled or even tripled in the last fifteen years ,” Charlie d ’ Hotman tells us . Small , perhaps , but promising . It ’ s enough to offer encouragement to those who want to get started !
Kalopsia , Raoul Rampare @ Caudan Arts Centre Gaelle Gonzalez @ The Octopus
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