Atelier Vis-à-vis Art-o-rama 2024
The 18th edition of Art-o-rama brings together 41 galleries, 16 publishers and 1 guest independent space from 15 countries, showcasing some 100 artists in addition to the guest artists and designers of the Prix Région Sud. In addition to the exhibitions at Friche la Belle de Mai, highlights include the presentation of Anaid Demir’s book, Les Suffragettes de l’art, and the anthology Some of Us, curated by Jérôme Cotinet-Alphaize and Marianne Derrien. The VIP program testifies of the vitality of the southern region and the catalyst role of the fair. The Olympic Games don’t represent an issue in Marseille, on the contrary a strong signal and asset, according to Jérôme Pantalacci, director, who answered my questions.
How do you feel about the 18th edition of Art O Rama,taking place tthis year during the Olympic Games?
The arrival of the flame in Marseille was a major event and has made Marseille an increasingly popular destination.
I don’t think it will have much an impact on Art-o-rama, but we’ll probably benefit from its image, as we’re closely linked to Marseille. We’re approaching Art-o-rama as calmly and enthusiastically as we did the previous editions. The Olympics aren’t really an issue since Art o Rama is taking place after the events. And Marseille is not hosting a Paralympic Games event.
If you had to choose 3 adjectives to describe the city of Marseille?
It’s hard to limit ourselves to 3 adjectives, but I’d say Free, Bubbling and Cool.
What is the turn over rate among the participating galleries?
The gallery renewal rate is more or less the same as in previous years, at 50%.
This is largely due to our particular focus on young international galleries, as well as the fact that Art-o-rama is a project-based fair. Galleries seize the opportunity to develop a curatorial proposal with their artists. This may be more or less relevant for them, depending on the year.
What highlights will punctuate the associated programs ?
Regarding the program of discussions, screenings and performances, we’ll be focusing on the place of women in contemporary art, with the presentation of two recently published works: Les Suffragettes de l’Art, which takes a historical look at the evolution of women’s representation at the École des Beaux-Arts de Paris, and Some of Us, a non-exhaustive anthology of women artists on the French scene since the 2000s.
As for the program of visits that take place during the fair’s opening hours, we still have the unmissable Fondation Luma, Van Gogh, Villa Noailles and Villa Carmignac, among others. And in Marseille, of course, there’s the major summer exhibition on the relationship between art and sport, organized by the Frac Sud and taking place at Mucem and [mac].
The VIP program brings together 47 partners throughout the region. How is this a strong signal of the fair’s influence?
All our cultural partners, whose programmation we relay and who are welcoming collectors and professionals during Art-o-rama week, they reveal the quality of the exhibitions held within a 2-hour drive or train ride of Marseille. The diversity and high standards of this program are a credit to the entire region, and we’re proud to be associated with it. The Plein du Sud network guide is also available throughout the summer.
What advice would you give to first art collectors ?
I think Art-o-rama is the ideal time for young collectors or those wishing to buy for the first time. Firstly, because of the curatorial aspect of the booths, many of which are solos or duos, which gives you a real insight into an artist’s work. What’s more, Art-o-rama is a human scale fair making it easy to get in touch with the gallery owners. They are always happy to take the time to talk about the work of the artists on show. You should never hesitate to ask them questions.
Our focus on young artists also means that we’re able to offer affordable prices, even more so in the Publishing & Design section, which features multiple works at lower prices.
A more personal question: when did you first encounter art?
I was born in Rennes, and my first encounter with a work of art was at the age of 5, in front of Georges De la Tour’s Nouveau-Né, one of the masterpieces in the city’s Musée des Beaux-arts.
Special Tribute to : Véronique Collard Bovy who has played an essential role as co-director of Art-O-rama; She is now opening a new chapter with the direction of the contemporary art center in Chateauvert (Green Provence).
Practical Infos :
Hours
vendredi 30 aout 2024 11h – 21h samedi 31 aout 2024 14h – 19h dimanche 1 septembre 2024 14h – 19h
Tickets
Billet Art-o-rama + toutes les expositions à la Friche
Plein tarif – 12 € Tarif réduit – 8 €
Location
La Tour 3ème étage, La Cartonnerie, le Petit Plateau
Friche la Belle de Mai
https://art-o-rama.fr/fr
