February 15-19, 2017, the Salon des Artistes Français inaugurates, as part of Art Capital, the calendar of major Paris art events in 2017. The Salon des Artistes Français gathers more that 600 contemporary artists under the Grand Palais’ glass roof and explores French cultural heritage all while welcoming emerging artists. Below, an interview with Martine Delaleuf, licensed architect, painter, and President of the Salon des Artistes Français.
How does the Salon des Artistes Français compare in relation to other fairs and shows?
Apart from the trade routes and speculations of the art market, the Salon is the MOST inclusive event there is. Eclectic, accessible to all types of aesthetics, embodying a proper reflection of our time, with quality as its sole concern, it is a center of innovation, of emulation, and allows for the most rewarding confrontations. Since its creation, the Salon des Artistes Français has been establishing an essential support upon which rest the future of the French and International artistic scene, extremely diverse and for an ever-growing public. It is the only show to be managed by artists, for artists. The Salon des Artistes, described as a historic show, is the oldest Salon, created by Colbert under Louis XIV. In 2017, we are celebrating its 227th edition. Despite multiple artistic trends, destabilizing criticism, and the appearance of being very “contemporary”, the artists are tireless workers and full of hope. Regardless of the variety of disciplines or the diversity of trends, the Société des Artistes Français owes its longevity to the energy, talents, and independence of its artists.
In an artistic environment turning more and more towards market speculation, what are the priorities of the Société des Artistes and its Salon?
To remain attentive to the evolutions and issues of contemporary art, to think about transforming artistic practices, to take prospective actions, to be creative and reactive all while insuring a spirit of continuity in the event’s conception: these are the ambitions that keep this new edition of Salon des Artistes going. Throughout the aisles of the Grand Palais, numerous works of French and foreign origin demonstrate the high level of the selected artists. The quality of work presented helps the commercial promotion of the artist. We are representing artists attached more to their practice than to the trends and enhancing value of their work on the art market. That’s why, it’s not a gallery show, the artists are directly represented here. We favor personal encounters, shared by visitors, professionals, collectors, and art lovers. For this 2017 Salon, an honorable successor of the first Salons based on formal authority, a “duty” of inheritance exists as well as a few priorities: the sharing of knowledge between old and modern, the promotion of traditional techniques in contemporary movements, the sharing of expertise on different forms of expression between the “old” masters and the new generation. The jury does not take age, sex, or nationality into account, only the quality of the work. In 2017, we’re presenting international artists coming from Japan, Russia, Korea, Germany, Austria, China, Poland, the United States…
What are the specifics that define this new 2017 edition?
The 2017 edition shows a new phase of maturity in which the reputation of the event and its history, its mark on Paris, and its international influence continue to grow. More than 600 French and international artists are gathered together at the Grand Palais. “Historic” artists, like the new generation, make the 2017 Salon des Artistes Français an exceptional edition. All while keeping a very wide representation of the 20th century’s artistic movements that define its foundation, the Salon des Artistes Français has to be firmly anchored in the contemporary, to bring particular attention to the young generation, and to foster conditions necessary for its growth by developing an exhibition able to handle it. Signature emblem of the Salon des Artistes Français, the artists are distinguished by a jury awarding medals and prizes. In February 2017, the awarded Medals of Honor from the last edition are invited to present several original works in their own exhibition. Our ceaselessly renewing interest for performance is expressed this year in the presentation of a show conceived by Jean Doucet, artist and stylist assisted by Jérôme Guézou, hair stylist and l’Oréal ambassador. In particular, for our 2017 edition, Jean Doucet is presenting a unique creation featuring our Salon’s colors.
Each edition is an opportunity for the Salon to invite young artists from a renowned art school. In 2017, we had the honor to show the winners of the Ferrari Project from the Institut Supérieur de Design de Valenciennes (ISD-RUBIKA). We’re also delighted by the presence of the German artists invited as part of a cross-exhibition. Our wish to become bigger and to connect with artists in Europe and internationally gives us possibilities to exchange and share. This year, a dozen artists coming from Bavaria are getting together around the subject of the famous surrealist painter Angerer der Ältere. In this same context, we are honored to welcome fine arts academicians from Moscow. For the first time, the Architecture section of the Salon des Artistes Français is presenting a never-before-seen project by Alexandar Jankovic on the esplanade of the Grand Palais for the duration of Art Capital. The architect conceived an ephemeral pavilion as a poetic gesture to the salon’s visitors. The Salon des Artistes Français is a reflection of the multiple facets of the French art scene.
Salon des Artistes Français
February 15-19, 2017
Grand Palais – Porte C
Avenue Franklin Roosevelt
75008 Paris
France
