Esther, co-founder of the Esther & Paul gallery in the Odéon district of Paris, shares her uninhibited vision of art and her open and socially engaged approach. This summer at Samaritaine, there’s a space dedicated to her creative world and some of her artists. A delightful introduction to art!
How did Esther & Paul come about?
“Well, I used to be a lawyer but I felt unsure about my chosen career path. So, trusting my instincts, I decided to make a bold change! This decision really reflects my upbringing. Growing up, my parents were self-employed which sparked my entrepreneurial passion, while frequent museum visits nurtured my love for art. They taught us how to see the beauty of the world and opened our eyes to culture in the broadest sense. Then I met Paul when I was a student. He was an art collector and we soon had the idea of setting up an art gallery. After several pop-ups, Paul returned to his full-time professional life, and I opened the first permanent boutique gallery on my own at 17 rue de l’Odéon in Paris. However, I still wanted to keep the name.
You define yourself as an “alternative” gallery. Can you explain your vision to us?
“The art market is extremely regimented. We had to find our own way of presenting ourselves in this environment, which is all too often unwelcoming and elitist, even though art is supposed to bring the world closer. And this finds expression through specific aspects such as offering a warm welcome, prices on display, an eclectic approach to hanging the works to show that they can enter into a dialogue with each other, and also through social media. On Instagram, we show the pieces, behind the scenes, and our customers at home with their artwork. It’s extremely authentic.”
How do you choose the works or artists you present?
“We offer a relaxed approach to art. We want to surprise, to showcase art that is alive and makes people feel good. We offer figurative, abstract, contemporary and vintage pieces. Esther & Paul’s taste is colorful, feminine, and slightly melancholic. It’s very instinctive, I tell myself that if an artist moves me, my audience will like it.”
What does Samaritaine represent for you?
“It’s a place that represents French luxury and elegance! I see Samaritaine like a lookout at the bow of a boat. It’s in the center of Paris, on the Seine, and reminds me of an elegant woman dressed in Art Deco, watching over the capital. The beauty of this renovation is captivating. It’s such an honor to be able to exhibit there.”
What will we find in the pop-up at Samaritaine?
“It’s a beautiful space, with a wall dedicated to the gallery, display stands, treasure chests as well as easels to exhibit the works. It’s inspired by a bohemian artist’s studio, inviting people to look and explore. There’s a selection of contemporary and retro pieces. Some artists have even produced artwork specifically for this event, including Damilola Ilori. At 29, this artist paints portraits of women with arresting expressions.”
What do you want to convey to visitors?
“I want them to share my enthusiasm and my love for color! I hope to surprise them by finding us here, and to entice them to take the plunge to buy a work of art and cross the threshold of galleries.
What do you think about the theme “Paris Gonflé”?
“It’s bold! I think it illustrates French humor, the idea of not taking yourself too seriously even though you’re surrounded by luxury. I’m looking for something light-hearted in art too. It should be intuitive, not cerebral.”
Your next artistic endeavor?
“To keep taking art out of the gallery and setting it in motion! I don’t know what form it will take; it’s limitless. Promoting art gives me infinite freedom, and that is the power of art and all my joy.”
