Site-
Specific
Conversation
Site-Specific Conversation’s collaboration with Barcelona Gallery Weekend continues with a series of conversations that will be published weekly over the summer.
Once again, the event centres on a novel this year: Just Kids, by Patti Smith. In doing so, it highlights the process of ‘growing together’ and delves into artists’ beginnings, professionalisation, coexistence with the art market’s demands, and collaboration dynamics, among other elements.
In the last conversation of the series, we spoke with Anne-Lise Coste and Alex Nogueras, co-director alongside Rebeca Blanchard of the NoguerasBlanchard gallery. Anne-Lise and Alex met thanks to a very good mutual friend. From their first encounter, they felt they had connected. The foundation of their enduring long-distance relationship has been their mutual appreciation for each other’s work and a sense of being equally valued.
SSC
How did you first meet?
Anne-Lise
Alex, do you remember the exact date? It was in the early 2000s.
Alex
Well, we opened the gallery in 2004, so it must have been around 2005 or 2006.
Anne-Lise
Yes.
Alex
From what I remember, our connection happened through a mutual friend, Jacqueline Ullmann from Switzerland. She was close to both Anne-Lise and me. Jacqueline stayed at my place in Barcelona for a while and brought me a small catalogue of Anne-Lise’s drawings as a gift. It was a revelation. Jacqueline mentioned that Anne-Lise was wonderful and would be eager to collaborate with us, so we got in touch. Anne-Lise, does that match your recollection?
Anne-Lise
Absolutely, it is the same for me.
Alex
I am not sure if you were still based in Zurich at the time?
Anne-Lise
Yes, I was in Zurich. I visited Barcelona at some point and spoke with Rebeca, NoguerasBlanchard’s co-director. They offered me an exhibition quite swiftly, and, most importantly, they showed a commitment to a long-term partnership.
SSC
What motivated you to collaborate with this Barcelona gallery?
Anne-Lise
It was the personal connection, the way we clicked. We got along well, and as I mentioned, their commitment felt genuine. They appreciated my work, and the prospect of a long-lasting relationship was enticing—it felt like a genuine connection, almost like a relationship.
Alex
Anne-Lise is primarily a painter, which means she mainly works in a studio and occasionally conceives projects. It is different from working with installation artists or those requiring extensive production. However, this is something we are contemplating for the long term. Our current project leans more towards installation, and we have been discussing it and producing it. Everything is coming together for the upcoming setup, which will be next week. We have works in production, things are moving around, and experts are involved. So, it is more of a project space, L’Hospitalet, don’t you think?
Anne-Lise
Yes, I agree. Yesterday, I was discussing the exhibition with a curator who invited me to the Dortmunder Kunstverein and we talked about the show. She was an exceptional curator, and I told her so. She replied, “Anne-Lise, you brought everything, that was your choice, the pieces.” It is true; that is often how I work. I create in the studio, and then ideas emerge, which I propose to the gallery. Of course, it is an ongoing discussion. In your case, you and Rebeca are always open to new productions.
Alex
Anne-Lise regularly shares images of her work, whether it is a new exhibition elsewhere or a new series in her studio. We highly appreciate this because, in some artist-gallery relationships, not knowing what the artist is working on can strain the connection. We collaborate with many artists, and we might not always have the time to inquire. We are grateful for her openness, although she is quite prolific (laughter).
Anne-Lise
Thank you. I must admit that transitioning from the studio to the exhibition space has been a challenging process for me. I used to struggle with space, but with time and experience, I have learned to embrace it. Now, when I enter an exhibition space, I engage with it directly; it becomes a partner. Previously, I used to be afraid of space.
SSC
Indeed, the gallery space in L’Hospitalet has qualities that encourage site-specific creations.
Alex
We initially opened the gallery in the centre of Barcelona, but it was a challenging period for us. When we expanded to Madrid, things became more stable. We decided to transform our Barcelona space in L’Hospitalet into more of a project and experimentation hub. We aimed to offer the best possible space for such endeavours. If you want a commercial gallery in Barcelona’s centre, you will have a smaller space and need to prioritize commercial moves. In contrast, with a larger, more affordable space in L’Hospitalet, we could focus more on experimentation. It has been a balancing act, with Madrid serving as a more commercial branch and Barcelona in L’Hospitalet embracing experimentation.
Anne-Lise
I am thrilled to be invited to the experimental space.
SSC
Could you share more about the upcoming NoguerasBlanchard exhibition? Do you have the show’s title?
Anne-Lise
It is “Emoji peace dove, emoji red heart, emoji blue butterfly.” I want to bring love, if possible. I will not reveal more because it is a challenge even for me. I have noticed that there is an element of anger and violence in my work, and I have been engaging in discussions with younger generations, particularly students and recent art school graduates, who are under 30. They question the world’s violence and wonder why we need to add to it. It is a shock to me. So, the exhibition reflects on how to infuse love and poetry back into art.
SSC
Shall we discuss the relationship between artists and galleries? What do you believe sustains these relationships over time?
Alex
Like any relationship, mutual respect is paramount. That has always been present with Anne-Lise. We have held her in high regard, valuing her not just as an artist but as an individual, and she has mirrored this respect for our work. This has evolved into a friendship and a lasting relationship. Collaborating with an artist does not mean it is always easy; there can be moments of disagreement. With Anne-Lise, however, we have never had a harsh word exchanged. We appreciate that and it is why we continue to exhibit her work. It is also because we recognize her as a talented artist, and her work still resonates with us after all these years. That is crucial. Anne-Lise, what are your thoughts on this?
Anne-Lise
This interview is quite emotional. I feel the same way. With Alex and Rebeca, we have stayed connected. As you mentioned, the foundation is respect. Of course, there can be disagreements at times, but we can express ourselves and aim to be honest with each other. It is a great foundation for a lasting relationship.
Barcelona Gallery Weekend busca reforzar y hacer visible el rico y variado tejido artístico de Barcelona, fomentar el coleccionismo de arte y poner en valor la labor de las galerías como espacios generadores de cultura abiertos a toda la ciudadanía. Del 14 al 17 de Septiembre de 2023 se celebrará la 9ª edición con 27 galerías que presentan el trabajo de más de 60 artistas.