IRK MAGAZINE - "Art during COVID 19" Interview with Audrey Trabelsi CEO Art Photo Expo Group -
Conservators and artists are struggling alongside the rest of the world as we live in isolation. Exhibitions and art fairs are canceled, and collectors are holding back on artistic investments as they focus on their businesses and families. The uncertainty about when things will return to normal and the fragile state of the economy is particularly difficult for creators who lack steady income and are sensitive to the world's struggles. In this atmosphere, some galleries are considering how they can support their artists.
We had a virtual sit-down with Audrey Trabelsi, co-founder of Art Photo Expo, to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on their gallery and how they support their artists daily.
Art Photo Expo was created in 2004 in Miami and is now located in Paris. They have organized contemporary thematic exhibitions in Miami, London, and Paris that have gained international attention, such as the Naomi Campbell retrospective with photographers Patrick Demarchelier, Jean Paul Goude, David Lachapelle, Peter Lindberg, Mario Testino, and their recent exhibition, “Lagerfeld, The Chanel Shows by Simon Procter.”
Art Photo Expo manages more than 80 artists from 15 different nationalities. It is one of the leading galleries in fashion photography, having been the first to present fashion art photography at Art Basel in 2006, representing some of the most creative and renowned fashion art photographers in the world.
IRK: COVID-19 has had a huge impact on the art world. Can you tell us how it has affected your gallery?
Yes, it has been challenging. We had to close our galleries in Paris and London, as well as the two exhibitions we had just started. I was heartbroken because we had spent six months preparing for it—organizing, handling public relations, and working with collectors—and the artists, above all, were disappointed. For Naturellement Plazza, we managed to bring together more than 20 participating artists from around the world (Australia, Colombia, the United States, the UK...). The sublime exhibition we curated in London at the Four Seasons Ten Trinity for Karl Lagerfeld: The Chanel Shows never even saw the light of day. Six months of work were erased in a matter of days. The British photographer Simon Procter himself couldn’t believe it. This health crisis has shocked the entire world.
IRK: What does this mean for Art Photo Expo in the long term?
It’s too early to think long-term, but for now, it represents a loss in terms of income for the artists and, of course, for Art Photo Expo. However, we will do everything we can to support and help our artists.
IRK: What are you doing to support the artists you represent during this period?
We have stayed in very close contact. Some artists were very worried and anxious, while others remained rather positive and continued creating.
Artists usually thrive in a calm atmosphere that allows them to refocus on their priorities and productivity. Many are accustomed to spending time alone. It’s always as if they are confined in their studios, but the difference this time is that it wasn’t a choice. They love the idea of being free and creating freely. To financially support some of the artists who are truly in need, we even purchased a few works for our future exhibitions.
IRK: Are your artists continuing to create during their isolation, and is their creative process changing?
Yes, they have all been creating and spending a lot of time in their studios. Some photographers have taken the opportunity to sort through their archives and discover hidden treasures. One of our famous photographers, who is also a friend, found an old print from the 1990s and donated it to a hospital foundation. I think that’s extraordinary. It’s during times like these that solidarity is truly appreciated. Everyone finds their own way to contribute or help others, and that’s the best thing that has come out of this crisis—solidarity and compassion.
IRK: Does the gallery have a strategy to attract buyers during COVID-19 to support your artists?
I don’t know about other galleries, but I personally feel that it’s not the right time to motivate buyers. People have their priorities, and many have lost loved ones.
We must continue to work to support our artists, but what I enjoy is sharing their new works and videos through social media. You always have to try to adapt to the times!
IRK: Will you organize an exhibition about isolation, where artworks created by your artists during this time will be showcased?
I think several galleries will organize this type of exhibition. I even received a proposal from a group of artists. However, I feel that this pandemic has been traumatic for all of us, and it’s vital to move on and leave it behind. We need fresh air and the chance to reconnect.
IRK: Are you planning to hold exhibitions this summer?
The exhibition “Lagerfeld: The Chanel Shows by Simon Procter” at the Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square in London might reopen in July. We hope to have a fresh start. We presented it in Paris last February, where it was a great success. It’s supposed to travel to Dubai for the 2020 World Expo, which has also been postponed.
IRK: What are your hopes during isolation?
Many artists contacted us to propose artworks to raise funds for foundations, and we helped them do so. I’m a positive person, and during isolation, I reconnected with my family, and we still managed to have good times, even in isolation.
Our exhibition at the Plaza focused on nature and the environment. This theme was already very important, but I feel that something happened during COVID-19—we all saw the Earth breathe again. I’m sure artists will reflect this in some of their creations.
I also feel that art has never been more important. During isolation, everyone spent a lot of time developing their artistic skills and enjoying music, books, cinema, and so on. I hope people continue to take the time to appreciate art in all its forms.
IRK: You’ve been a curator for 15 years. How has the art world changed during this time, and have you always been passionate about photography?
Art photography has finally become legitimate, and we have contributed greatly to this as patrons. We produced and funded two major photography exhibitions during Art Basel Miami. We funded the entirety of these two exhibitions—more than $2 million. Nobody believed in it at the time. Yet, both exhibitions were hugely successful. Photography has been my true passion for over 20 years.
IRK: What inspired you to open a photography gallery 15 years ago?
In 2004, we moved to Florida, to Miami. Art Basel was an art fair that didn’t yet have the notoriety it enjoys today. We visited this art fair, which was a twin of the one in Basel, Switzerland. We immediately noticed that there was no photography being exhibited. My husband, who ran an advertising agency, worked with photographers like David Lachapelle and Mario Testino. So, we decided to introduce fashion art photography to Art Basel. My husband’s only condition was that I would manage the artists, as he knew I was curious and much more patient than him. I gladly took on the role, and we share the other gallery responsibilities. I’m sincerely grateful to him for introducing me to this passion.
Our first exhibition was a huge success, and the photographers were so thankful that we gave them the opportunity to be considered artists. Then, in 2008, we produced the Naomi Campbell retrospective. Naomi was incredible and personally contacted many photographers, telling them exactly which photos she wanted for her retrospective. The exhibition featured the world’s top photographers: Gilles Bensimon, Patrick Demarchelier, Arthur Elgort, Jean Paul Goude, Steven Klein, David Lachapelle, Peter Lindberg, Mario Testino, Albert Watson, and more. This event was covered by media worldwide and attracted over 35,000 visitors in four days, with media coverage worth over $2.5 million.
IRK: Do collectors still have much to learn about understanding the value of photography?
Auctions at Christie’s and Sotheby’s have shown great indicators and set trends. As far as we are concerned, we only work with serious artists and personally manage their editions, which is a guarantee for collectors.
I’ve had to let go of some artists who work with YellowKorner and Luma at lower prices. I’ve had to explain to some of my artists that if I sell their works for tens of thousands of euros to a collector, it isn’t fair for them to sell their works elsewhere for a few hundred euros. The editions of those posters have nothing to do with the almost unique pieces we offer.
IRK: Not long ago, photography was debated as an art form, but that has definitely changed with museums like Tate Modern and MoMA opening photography wings, and entire museums like Luma in Arles being dedicated to photography. However, part of the established art world still considers fashion photography too commercial and thus unworthy of inclusion in the art world, even though it is one of the most creative fields in photography. What is your take on this? Is fashion art photography a high art form? When will the establishment come around?
I truly think this has changed. Fashion was once a dirty word in the art world, even though some artists like Man Ray or Irving Penn already had full legitimacy. That has evolved significantly, and we have fought for all these photographers to be recognized as great artists. Our first exhibition at Art Basel in 2007 already featured masters like Mario Testino, David Lachapelle, Peter Lindberg, and Patrick Demarchelier. It was a great success, and sales of limited-edition prints began to soar. I think there are still some hesitations from certain institutions and collectors, but the photography market is steadily growing.
IRK: Since many IRK readers are photographers, can you tell us about your portfolio evaluation process?
We receive many portfolios every day and always take the time to respond and encourage them. It’s difficult to say yes or no. What guides me is my heart—I choose what I love, not what others might love. We really try to organize exhibitions that include renowned artists as well as emerging talents. My advice is to keep trying and never give up. Never give up!
IRK: If you could give our creative readers advice to help them through this challenging time, what would it be?
I advise everyone to live their passion, listen to their creativity, and, of course, their heart. 💔
Source - 9/04/2020 https://www.irkmagazine.com/post/art-during-covid-19-an-inside-perspective-from-art-photo-expo-curator-audrey-trabelsi
