Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Fondation d'art contemporain Daniel et Florence Guerlain was founded in 1996 at Mesnuls (Yvelines), in western Paris, by the couple of collectors Florence and Daniel Guerlain. Its initial objective was to promote exchanges between artists and the public, organizing exhibitions and supporting contemporary creation. It closed its doors to the public in December 2004, ending this active phase of its history.

In 2012, Florence and Daniel Guerlain made a major donation of 1,200 works on paper to the Graphic Art Office of the National Museum of Modern Art (Centre Pompidou). Among these works, 400 were exhibited between 2013 and 2014, marking an important milestone in the recognition of their collection. This donation consolidated their commitment to contemporary art.

Since its closing to the public, the foundation has devoted itself exclusively to awarding a contemporary drawing prize, open to French or foreign artists with a cultural link with France. The prize is awarded by an international jury composed of private collectors and art professionals. Each year, one recipient is selected from among candidates from all over the world, with particular attention to the diversity of artistic practices.

Among the notable exhibitions are "Animal figuré" (April-September 2000), which brought together artists such as Gilles Aillaud, Barry Flanagan or Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne. This event illustrated the eclectic orientation of the foundation, combining established and emerging figures. The exhibition Donation Florence and Daniel Guerlain at the Centre Pompidou (2013-2014) also highlighted the extent of their commitment.

The award for contemporary drawing reflects this international openness. Recent winners include Pascal Leyder (2023), Olga Chernysheva (2022), Françoise Petrovitch (2021), and Jockum Nordström (2015). The selections, often from a variety of artistic scenes, demonstrate the foundation's desire to support innovative approaches without geographical restrictions.

Although the foundation is no longer physically accessible, its influence persists through this prize and the donation to the Pompidou Centre. These initiatives have anchored its role in the ecosystem of contemporary art, in France and internationally, while perpetuating the memory of its initial commitment to the dialogue between art and society.

External links