
Meeting with Laurence Dreyfus, art advisor and founder of Chambre à part
Interview

Chambres à part (Separate Rooms) is an arty, exclusive exhibition concept by art advisor Laurence Dreyfus, meant to present today's most interesting artists. Artsper asked her a few questions about her project and her opinions on contemporary art.
Artsper: What is your job, as an art advisor, for Chambres à part?
Laurence Dreyfus: Chambres à part is a private exhibition that I organize and produce every year during the FIAC. This event is complementary to my advisor job. I showcase an ideal collection to my clients. For Chambres à part IX, I present my most remarkable discoveries of 2013 and 2014.
Artsper: When and how did Chambres à part come to life?
LD: Chambres à part has been around for about ten years. This project was born after the exhibition of Harald Falckenberg's collection at the Maison Rouge, that I curated. I thought that collectors were eager to see the works in a different context than that of the fairs. With the help of two art lovers, I started to organize this annual show.
At the time, the VIP track of the FIAC was different. So we created a more personal context to let art collectors discover extraordinary works that we don't have the opportunity to see everywhere.
Artsper: Who are your customers? Are they private collectors, businesses, institutions?
LD: My clients are, most of them, private collectors from all over the world. Some important foundations have also requested my services, but for the moment I do not work with businesses.
Artsper: How do you choose the artists that you exhibit?
LD: My artist selection is the result of many trips abroad and responds to the themes and artistic trends of the moment. For example, the "post-Internet" generation of artists should be followed attentively. My choice also comes from observations and conversations with artists. I often visit their studios in order to understand their approach. I am also loyal to some artists that I have been following and supporting for years.
Artsper: There are several French artists featured in the 9th edition of Chambres à part during the FIAC. What is the future of French contemporary art in your opinion?
LD: In a globalized world, French contemporary art has a lot to say. However, French galleries present it throughout the year and I don't think it's very relevant to show it during the FIAC week. Two of the artists that I have supported for years are French, Monique Frydman and Charlotte Cornaton. And I have consistently promoted their work to foreign collectors.
Artsper: Who are the artists that we should not miss this year at the FIAC?
LD: In general, the answer to this question is reserved to my clients, but, as I already mentioned, I believe in the "post-Internet" generation and artists such as Jon Rafman, Oliver Laric, Aleksandra Domenovic and Parker Ito.
Artsper: Do you intend to diversify the projects connected with Chambres à part the next years?
LD: Yes, I definitely do. After the success of the spring edition at the Tour de Londres, I have some other projects in progress, in France and abroad.
Artsper: What is this autumn's artistic event that you can't wait for?
LD: The opening of the Louis Vuitton Foundation, the Jeff Koons exhibition at the Centre Pompidou and "The Generational Triennial" at the New Museum in New York.
Their favorite artworks
