Thanks to the experienced eyes of the selection committee and the generosity of the artists and gallery owners, the Vendu–Sold auction always offers a rich and varied selection of works. It’s an ideal opportunity to learn about approaches to contemporary art. Every year, I discover (or rediscover) remarkable artists at the event.
It’s often difficult to choose just one work, because each piece in the auction expresses a unique view of the world. I’m attracted to art that touches me (awakens a memory—reminds me of a place, a moment, or a desire) or surprises me by exploding conventional paradigms. Given my education (sociology and communication science), professional experience (teaching and administration in universities), and personal interests, I tend to pay particular attention to works that raise social issues, are linked to the literary world (writings, languages, and so on), or break the bounds of reality.
It is such a pleasure to be surrounded at home by works that I can look at every day; they bring me both energy and tranquillity, and they endow my house with a unique identity. They also provide a source of enriching conversations with friends and family. Finally, acquisitions made through the auction support both the incredible work of Les Éditions Esse and the vitality of the visual arts—an important and valuable aspect of collecting.
Images (photos © Yves Harnois):
Top - Ari Bayuaji
The Rock Islands
2022
Vendu–Sold 2023
Bottom - Michel de Broin
Tour de Force III
2013
Vendu–Sold 2021
In his collection:
Leila Zelli
étude (2024)
2024
Vendu–Sold 2025
Angèle Verret
…et tout à coup…depuis toujours…suite (I)
2024
Vendu–Sold 2024
Florence Viau
Screen Print
2024
Vendu–Sold 2024
Simon Bertrand
78 Ophélie
2016
Vendu–Sold 2022
Jérôme Nadeau
The Dice Man
2019
Vendu–Sold 2019
Chris Kline
Untitled
2009
Vendu–Sold 2016