In an interview, Parisian art collector and a gallery owner Alexandre Lazarew talks about pleasures and challenges of being a gallerist.
Alexandre has collected art for 40 years, and his interest in visual art progressed from narrative figuration to new realists, then to street art and to emerging contemporary artists. Now in his new Gallerie Lazarew in Marais he exhibits what he terms urban art. According to Alexandre, there is a distinction between street art created on the streets and for the streets and urban art which comes from street art but belongs to gallery walls.
“Putting a work that was made for the street on a canvas is not relevant; you lose the strength, the symbol, the message.” – says Lazarew.
… artists who come from the streets and/or are inspired by street culture and/or pick some element from the streets in order to make something else. It is important that the artists I show have a legitimacy on the walls of galleries.”
The Interviewer: If someone is thinking of buying art is it best to start with a print by a famous artist or an original work by someone unknown?
Lazarew: Personally I hate editions. I always bought original works. If I don’t have enough money, I prefer to buy an original drawing by a great artist. But this is very personal. The most important thing is to buy what you want to buy. Don’t buy because someone told you had to, especially if you are not convinced. I always say to people who are hesitating: If you have a “crush” on a fantastic piece of art and some extra cash: buy it. Don’t try to guess if it is the right time, or if the artist will be famous, or if your partner will like it, etc.
You can visit Gallery Lazarew at
14 rue du Perche – 75003 Paris
01.44.61.28.73 / 06.98.83.90.86
