In January, I was in Paris to show samples of my work with acrobats and circus artists, at the Festival de Cirque de Demain. When Parisians I met told me, “you must exhibit. Who is your gallery?” I was inspired and encouraged. I became friends with one of them, a photographer, Christophe Chaumanet, who told me, “We must find a gallery before you leave.”
His enthusiasm matched my own. But, I only had a day to find that gallery. So, less than 24 hours before departure we met on the Rue de Seine and walked into galleries. I introduced myself, tried to show a sample from my book, was told there was no time and to come back another day. Repeatedly.
It was chance, wasn’t it? Walking the street after several rejections, we saw some magnificent photography, not in a gallery, but in the foyer of the restaurant Alcazar, and entering to look, were given a personal tour of their photo collection by the maitre d’ . After seeing the work from my book, he was quite emphatic, “Go” he said, “to Gallery Space 54 and meet Madame Juliette Aittouares-Caillon.” And, so we made one more stop. Chance continued to prevail, she was leaving as we arrived. What magic of the fates was it, Paris? She paused for no reason and asked to see my work.
She did not normally show photography but she promised to find a gallery that did. Yes, Paris, she received a copy of the book. A day later, I was back in California. Two months later, I received a call from friend Christophe. Someone was interested, Monsieur André Hug, had seen the book. He and his wife, Caherine, partners in Galerie Catherine and André Hug, were interested.
Christophe, had just met with them, “You must come back to France immediately. They will give you a solo show.”
I did not have money to fly to France or rent a room in Paris. However, I remembered the words of that friend, spoken many months before, and did not, as he advised, hesitate. A week later, Frequent Flyer points redeemed, I was on a plane to Paris. Good friends in California, Jacques and Larry Vidal, insisted I stay in their apartment. Tell me, Paris, what magic was it? What serendipity? The apartment was on the same street as the Gallerie Hug, half a block away.
I admit, Paris, I am yours. Catherine and Andre Hug represent me. My work is being shown in their gallery this month. A solo show, No Limits, consisting of photographs that first appeared in the book, “Private Acts : The Acrobat Sublime”, looks stunning on the walls.
Thank you Paris, you have me now. I do not want to leave, although I will soon enough. Until then, lets enjoy this together. It is like a Fairy tale, isn’t it?
Acey Harper
No Limits – Acey Harper
From October 3rd to November 3rd, 2012
Galerie Catherine et André Hug
40 rue de Seine
75006 Paris
Tél : 01 43 26 93 75
Email : [email protected]
From Tuesday to Saturday : 11am – 1pm & 2.30 to 7pm
