GI-011. Vallois

Address: 36, rue de Seine, 75006 Paris – FR
Owner/Director: Nathalie Vallois, Georges-Philippe

Describe your space to us.

Nathalie Vallois (N): In fact, our gallery also used to be our home from 1992 to 2002. Georges-Philippe and I were one of the first in 1990’s to open a contemporary art gallery in St Germain des Près. The eclecticism of the neighbourhood gave our activity a special identity, as from the beginning we have introduced young and established International or French artists with their first personal show in a Parisian gallery.

At the same time, we have always been very close to the French Avant-Garde of the 60’s and did major exhibitions with artists like Jacques Villeglé, Niki de Saint Phalle, Tinguely or Alain Jacquet, all whose estate we represent.

This year (2016), loyal to our attachment to St Germain des Près, we opened a new space in the same street to show the gallery’s historical artists. We have completely transformed our two spaces from their original destination: the first space used to be stables and the second one was a library. Both are characterized by the specific architecture of this old part of Paris, with irregular walls, and ceilings.

What inspired you to open your own gallery?

N: No specific “inspiration;” Georges-Philippe Vallois and I had a desire of engaging with what was important to us in Art.

What has made your gallery successful?

N: I believe our specific personality, the quality of our choices and of our exhibitions led our gallery where it is today.

Is there any consistent message, regardless of different shows, that you want your gallery to deliver to visitors?

N: Art is about freedom of thought and speech and, as in life, it should have a dose of humor if possible!

How would you describe Paris, as an art/gallery city, compared to other major cities in Europe?

N: A superb contrast between a very present past and a discrete but genuine contemporaneity.

Moreover, there is a splendid exhibition offer, quality exhibitions as well as a very wide range of galleries, but art isn’t the only field where we can find such quality. In effect, it is visible everywhere, in food, architecture, and most of all in the ballads one can do around the city.