Top Marais gallery Yvon Lambert just opened their new exhibition Solve et Coagula Saturday night, showcasing South African artist Kendell Geers. Gallery communication rep Wendy Toussaint walked 10 Days contributor Amanda Hinton through the exhibit, talking art, art galleries, and the current star of their show.

KEGE-YL-14-9(72dpi)

1. Why should general public– especially the youth– come to galleries and take interest in contemporary art?

Galleries are a place where people can meet the work of new, young artists. Our role is to present now what is going to be in the museums in 10 years.

2. While one side of the gallery’s job is to open contemporary art up to the public, what is the other side?

We work to present the art to three groups of people: the public, art collectors who may buy the pieces, and museum curators, who can take the art and display it to a much wider audience. After each opening, we go to dinner with the collectors and curators to discuss where the art could move forward to after our exhibition.

KEGE-YL-14-5(72dpi)

3. What is the aim of Geers’ work, and how does transform when brought within the context of Parisian society?

Geers is trying to make understandable his own context within South Africa, the country where he was born and from which he was politically exiled until Nelson Mandela’s release from prison. Geers’ art allows him to aesthetically explore and come to terms with his part within the pain of South Africa’s past. He then invites the spectator into his emotions by working with the idea of chapelle and the mystic aspects of life. This can be seen in his painting’s resemblances to African tribal masks and the mirrored floor of the exhibition room. The destructive nature of South Africa’s past, when brought within proper and peaceful Paris, can be quite potent.

KEGE-YL-14-2(72dpi)

4. How would the widespread recognition of Geers’ work, which is so highly effected by South Africa, effect the country in return?

It’s always hard to imagine or know how an artist’s work will influence his own country. The distance when the artist no longer lives or works within his country of birth and influence can break many ties. Geers’ work is more a message for those outside the country than in.

YVON LAMBERT
108 rue Vieille-du-Temple
Metro: Filles du Calvaire
Exhibition April 26-May 31
Hours:
Tuesday – Wednesday / 10am – 1pm and 2.30 pm – 7pm
Thursday – Saturday / 10am –  7pm
http://www.yvon-lambert.com/
Current exhibitions :
Kendell Geers – Solve et Coagula | April 26, 2014 – May 31, 2014 
Olivier Mosset – TU M’, MUTT, TUTU. | April 26, 2014 – May 31, 2014 
Upcoming exhibitions :
Mario Testino – Extreme | June 6, 2014 – July 24, 2014 
Group Show – Scars of Our Revolution | June 6, 2014 – July 24, 2014 

Article : Amanda Hinton