Quebec dealers continue to be a significant force at Art Toronto. Our managing editor Bryne McLaughlin highlighted several as fair standouts yesterday; today, we post five dealers’ answers to our questions about what they think of the fair, what they have brought, and how they would like to see the event change.
GALERIE ANTOINE ERTASKIRAN, MONTREAL (BOOTH 1110)
ANTOINE ERTASKIRAN, OWNER/DIRECTOR
Doing any art fair generally involves a large expense. Why did you choose to use your resources for a booth at Art Toronto?
Art Toronto is a very important Canadian fair and a barometer of the art scene in Canada. Not only thousands of visitors attend the fair, but the exposure to collectors and curators is extremely important, especially for a new gallery.
Briefly, how would you describe your gallery’s interests or program?
We represent emerging and established Canadian and international contemporary artists.
What artists or artworks are you showing in your Art Toronto booth? Why?
As a contemporary gallery, we represent artists that work in many different mediums: painting, collage, sculpture and photography as well as conceptual works and digital media. We decided to show the range of our program by presenting works by Luce Meunier, Ken Nicol, Jon Rafman, Jeanie Riddle, Andrea Sala and Barbara Steinman.
What other art fairs do you show at?
Last year we showed at Volta New York and Papier 13. Next year, we’ll be present at fairs in New York and Miami, and are planning a European fair as well.
Who would you say is your favourite artist that you do not represent?
David Altmejd.
As a returning dealer, how do you think Art Toronto could improve?
Less galleries and more curated projects.
PIERRE-FRANÇOIS OUELLETTE ART CONTEMPORAIN, MONTREAL (BOOTH 1100)
PIERRE-FRANÇOIS OUELLETTE, DIRECTOR
Doing any art fair generally involves a large expense. Why did you choose to use your resources for a booth at Art Toronto?
First and foremost, Art Toronto has become the annual gathering place for collectors of contemporary Canadian art from across the country. It also raises awareness of our own year-round exhibitions in Toronto at 65 George Street; and it has developed attractive cultural programs for those who are interested in discussing art such as the Power Talks and the visits to collections. Last but not least, the fair presents good business development opportunities.
In five words (or less) how would you describe your gallery’s interests or program?
Museum-worthy contemporary art.
What artists or artworks are you showing in your Art Toronto booth? Why?
We’re showcasing exceptional works of art that are linked to our Toronto venue’s program (and a few surprises). Artists include Kent Monkman, John Latour, Ed Pien, Maskull Lasserre, John Player, Dil Hildebrand, Chih-Chien Wang and Adad Hannah.
What other art fairs do you show at?
Most recently, we have shown at Volta in New York and Papier in Montreal.
Who would you say is your favourite artist that you do not represent?
Ernesto Neto.
As a returning dealer, how do you think Art Toronto could improve?
Given the ever-growing number of galleries and range of works being presented at Art Toronto, it would be helpful if these distinctions were made more clear—especially to the first-time visitors to the fair and the general public.
GALERIE DONALD BROWNE, MONTREAL (BOOTH 1118)
DONALD BROWNE, DIRECTOR
Doing any art fair generally involves a large expense. Why did you choose to use your resources for a booth at Art Toronto?
Toronto and this fair are a really active centre of the Canadian art market. During the fair, all of the major institutions and curious art lovers are in the city to see a pan-Canadian perspective on the serious work of artists of today. You need to be here to be taken seriously.
In five words (or less) how would you describe your gallery’s interests or program?
Post-colonial, questions, consistency, serendipity and directing.
What artists or artworks are you planning on showing in your Art Toronto booth? Why?
This year we will be showing a wide selection of work by our artists, including Mark Igloliorte’s new paintings on canvas, Sorel Cohen’s After Bacon/Muybridge photographs and Lynne Marsh’s videos. The booth will evolve with the sales throughout the different days of the fair.
What other art fairs do you show at?
The gallery has particpated in Art Amsterdam, Art EXPO Chicago and Papier in Montréal.
Who would you say is your favourite artist that you do not represent?
Favourite artists not represented by the gallery: Bernini is one of my favourite artists (but there is very little available) and Sophie Calle. We are happily representing a solid, strong stable of artists. We have more than a handful of artists to support.
As a returning dealer, how do you think Art Toronto could improve?
The fair needs to focus on bring in more collectors from abroad. It also needs to make sure that the international galleries are served with stewardship and strong sales. The competition amongst art fairs is ferocious to get the top galleries. The quality of the artists’ work presented is what makes a fair stand out, not the size.
GALERIE DIVISION, MONTREAL (BOOTH 1000)
DOMINIQUE TOUTANT, DIRECTOR
Doing any art fair generally involves a large expense. Why did you choose to use your resources for a booth at Art Toronto?
We’ve always had a great relationship with our Toronto clients, and that relationship is strengthening now that we’ve opened a gallery here in the Junction area. The fair has been a way of introducing new clients to our Montreal location, and now it draws attention to our Toronto space as well.
In five words (or less) how would you describe your gallery’s interests or program?
Cutting-edge contemporary Canadian art.
What artists or artworks are you showing in your Art Toronto booth? Why?
All of the artists in our stable will be represented—ideally by one or two pieces from their new production.The hope is that by including everyone, clients will get a clear overview of our stable and a snapshot of where each artist is headed.
What other art fairs do you show at?
This year we will be at both Pulse and Untitled in Miami.
Who would you say is your favourite artist that you do not represent?
Rodney Graham.
As a returning dealer, how do you think Art Toronto could improve?
The fair has grown every year. I could see it eventually splitting into two fairs: one more decorative and secondary-market-oriented, the other more selectively curated. I’ve been excited to see what changes we’ll see this year. The organizers always do an excellent job and it’s bound to be a lot of fun.
GALERIE NICOLAS ROBERT, MONTREAL (BOOTH 440)
NICOLAS ROBERT, DIRECTOR
Doing any art fair generally involves a large expense. Why did you choose to use your resources for a booth at Art Toronto?
We work with Canadian artists, and as we are still a young gallery, Montréal and Toronto are our first steps before joining international art fairs. We are confident to provide global exposure in our artists’ works.
In five words (or less) how would you describe your gallery’s interests or program?
Rigour, cohesion, and yours to discover.
What artists or artworks are you showing in your Art Toronto booth? Why?
Joe Lima‘s unique woodcut blocks are one aspect. He has been exhibited in Europe and won first prize at the European biennial competition for graphic art last year. However, he is yet to be discovered in Canada. Christian Knudsen has been working for the last 40 years and we are proud to present his recent series of young and fresh abstract photographs. Pierre Julien brings us to his own pop-abstract world with his new work.
What other art fairs do you show at?
The gallery celebrated two years recently; we have participated each year at Papier art fair in Montréal and now it’s our second participation at Art Toronto. We’re looking forward to new ones coming up!
Who would you say is your favourite artist that you do not represent
That’s a good question. There are a few ones, but right now I would choose Ian Wallace nationally and Anselm Kiefer internationally.
As a returning dealer, how do you think Art Toronto could improve?
Canada is a well-kept secret in the contemporary art scene. Perhaps Art Toronto could manage on bringing international curators, critics and art collectors.
These responses have been edited and condensed. For more of Canadian Art’s daily posts on Art Toronto, visit canadianart.ca/arttoronto. Also join us at Booth 940 for daily 2 p.m. talks and more.
