These last years, we have witnessed the transformation of the art market. Both from the point of view of artistic proposals and the dematerialization of the market itself. Parallel phenomenon, we notice the multiplication of traveling art galleries. Among which, Gallery T&L whose success is increasingly promising.
Galerie Joseph paints a portrait of this gallery, during an interview with Léopold Legros, one of the two founding members.
Léopold Legros likes to remember that he didn’t come from a family linked to the art world. He was made aware of classical culture from a very young age by his musician father who conducted a set of baroque music. An element that certainly played, he says, in his desire to undertake art studies at the Louvre School. A gateway to the art world.
The meeting with Tancrède Hertzog is at TEFAF in Maastricht, one of the most renowned art fairs in the world. From there comes a friendship first, which very quickly materializes through a common passion and a taste for business. The two young men decide to quickly set up a project which takes the form of a gallery.
Opened in 2015, Gallery T&L has two art specializations: post-war art and contemporary art.
Truly passionate, the duo intends to revalue this prolific period of the 60s and 70s which they still consider too unjustly undervalued by institutions and the current market. It’s also in the interest of young galleries to quickly specialize in a specific field. This allows it to stand out on the market by erecting a benchmark model for amateurs.
Last exhibition in date “69 erotic year” “, from November 21 to December 7, 2019.
In the vast space of 24 rue Beaubourg, one watchword: to show not political commitment, but rather the movement for the liberation of morals and sexual liberation which followed May 68. On the program, fifty of works by French and international artists: Leonardo Cremonini, James Rosenquist, Ivan Messac, Jacques Monory, Evelyne Axell … Personalities of the pop art movement unjustly forgotten and revalued during this major exhibition.
Building on its success, in January 2020 the two gallery owners decided to continue the exhibition with a selection of the best pieces in the space : Prisme, 39 rue de Grenelle.
The strength of the duo: increased sensitivity and a real love of aesthetics. The references of the two gallery owners, Thaddaeus Ropac “for his admirable career” and Stéphane Corréard “for the originality of his Loeve & Co project which he leads with Hervé Loevenbruck”.
This passion is what makes all the singularity of art dealers. Knowing how to speak about what we represent, defending our choices, and establishing a curatorial line. This makes sense in the cohesion of all the artists represented by the gallery .
They both designed the scenography of the exhibitions, without ever calling on an outside curator.
A deliberate choice on their part, since they value more than anything this fundamental aspect of their profession. This ranges from the choice of works presented, to the exhibition catalog.
Curating is the cornerstone of each project, it fundamentally determines the success of a good exhibition. The one that will make an impression, therefore. A real asset for Léopold and Tancrède, who also plan to offer their service to other players in the industry.
Setting up an exhibition is also a certain risk-taking. Why put forward one work rather than another? In the vast panel that is offered, what determines the choice for an artist? Beyond these considerations and above all, accompany the visitor and create excitement. Although each encounter is different, it’s also a relationship of trust and over the long term that we must constantly maintain with collectors.
Since its creation in 2015, the T&L Gallery intended to remain itinerant. “We don’t feel the need to open a fixed place right now.” However, does choosing to settle in a perennial place not guarantee security? As Léopold reminds us, the interest of a nomad gallery can be summed up in three words: freedom, flexibility, renewal.
Having a mobile place also means saving yourself the fixed costs of a gallery. This offers more flexibility in the management of its rental budget, with a wider possibility of being able to invest in large projects.
In 2017, the T&L Gallery takes over the majestic Donjon de Vez. This great medieval castle north of Paris has been transformed into an art center by its owner Francis Briest, founder of Artcurial. An exceptional place. What makes the project unique is also the strength of the dialogue established between this historic building spanned by centuries and contemporary art. Because art is also a story of conversation between periods.
On the program, a journey between the monumental works of nine artists: Paul Kremer, Edwart Vignot, François Malingrëy, Tommaso Spazzini, Eva Jospin, Simon Rouby, Ferdinand Makouvia, Constantin Briest and Olivier Urman.
The T&L Gallery hasn’t finished making headlines. The next exhibition to come is a retrospective on the work of English surrealist artist Stanley William Hayter. A news that Galerie Josephwill not fail to relay!
