Your Heart Will Always Be Your Wage

If you could have anyone throughout the world of politics, history, art or film at your dinner party, who would you ask? Without hesitation, Marine Tanguy. My answer is obscure in comparison to the norm of Winston Churchill, Mother Teresa and Mick Jagger. Let me tell you why.

If you could have anyone throughout the world of politics, history, art or film at your dinner party, who would you ask? Without hesitation, Marine Tanguy. My answer is obscure in comparison to the norm of Winston Churchill, Mother Teresa and Mick Jagger. Let me tell you why.

On a hurricane warm July morning in London, I was able to rendezvous with Marine; the ever gracious French belle at the Royal Academy of Arts. Marine and I first met in February when she first introduced me to the pursuits of Marine Tanguy Art LTD. Like her bursting art resume Marine is a piece de resistance that you feel educated and inspired by. Everyone is always harping on about their ultimate muse - I have found one in Marine. After receiving a recent creative job promotion myself, Marine seemed like the most fitting female to look upon for direction and boy, did she come up with the goods.

We talked all things art, society and culture but most specifically her biggest global art endeavour yet - Yellow Sun: The New Contemporaries. It's fitting to whisk over Marine's accomplishments to date before delving into what makes her my modern-day Mona Lisa.

What started as a naive ten year old vision to become a leading female at the dinner party set (where she would seek to influence the new age of the 21st Century) has now become Marine's reality. This said, there is not a shallow bone to Marine's past or present vision - her young intensity has catapulted her to become one of the youngest art dealers and gallerists of her generation. She has successfully created two art galleries in London and Los Angeles with a pending third in Dhaka.

On a personal note I wanted to learn more about Marine's process of gaining new contemporary artists. Marine is an exception to other London based art dealers; she is not secular in selecting London works but expands her mind to far off lands. To write about our mutual craving for the arts felt right because this artistic lady and her work should not be hidden - you will thank me later when she is dominating. So many creatives struggle to channel their talent (at times I have fallen victim to said struggles) but a moment in Marine's company gave assurance to my blossoming writing career as I learnt that the art and writing worlds often collide in their venture to creatively evolve and break barriers.

For Marine, art is not a passing fancy nor is it a champagne lifestyle that others label it to be. 'This is more than a job, I see myself doing this for the next 40 years.' Her biggest challenge when deciding how to curate and house an exhibit boils down to the argument of fine art versus finance. Marine's wish is never to become commercial but due to tied finances, it doesn't always work in her favour. Marine is a girl who seeks venues with as little character as possible so that the 'art can breathe.' She feels strongly about preserving yet not over producing art.

'What is so beautiful about working with new contemporary artists is we are at the same level of battle.' Marine is nurturing seven budding young contemporaries, among them are: Scarlett Bowman, Jennifer Abessira and Alison Bignon. She began this mission to link them with other institutions, respected collections and home them in studios where their work can be published and credibility boosted.

Marine's professional allure is mesmerizing. Although our time together was limited due to her exotic work schedule, she had me thirsty for more creative chatter. I felt in the midst of something very special by being in Marine's presence on the eve of her travels to Nigeria - to move forward with plans for her upcoming Yellow Sun exhibit.

Yellow Sun is an exhibition of photography, painting and installation art taking place in the prestigious location of Port-Harcourt, Nigeria from October the 1st to 3rd. This will be the first of many promising partnerships between Marine and Vanessa Powers. The opportunity to build partnerships and take her vision to Nigeria stems from knowing that in London everyone is producing the same; whereas Port-Harcourt offers a blend of established and not-established works. Nigeria wants more art in their country!

Marine's cultural sentiments are extraordinarily unique. 'I don't want to be a snob so when I go to another country I ask for literature and art about their country.' I see Marine and her work as treasures - ones that should be watched intently as every move enthrals. What may have seemed a youthful 'eccentric' vision from this international art connoisseur, now electrifies across many major art cities.

Marine and I have a collective passion for finding people and the brain fascinating, which solidifies my reasoning for reveling in Marine Tanguy's prolific efforts throughout the creative realm. She has been one of the biggest influences in setting my mind to the business end of getting a creative career off the ground and for that a huge nod must go her way.

Close

What's Hot