French gallerist Kamel Mennour has announced donation of 180 artworks to Art Moderne (MAM) in Paris.
A statement said the donation from the galleryist and his gallery of the same name included the work of 45 artists who “have the richness and diversity of the gallery’s history since its creation in 1999 and the quality of its unique vision.”
The list of high-profile artists includes Alicja Kwade, Zineb Sedira, Anish Kapoor, Daniel Buren, Ugo Rondinone, Lee Ufan, Douglas Gordon, Camille Henrot, Huang Yong Ping, Tadashi Kawamata and Philippe Parreno. The statement added that the collection “will be officially added to MAM’s permanent collection once Parisusées and the French government complete the acquisition and verification process.
After these processes are completed, the donation will be exhibited at the top of the French institution in 2027, accompanied by a “widespread” catalog.
Speech Art newspaper, Mennon said the breadth of his gift was inspired by the German dealer in New York, Michael Werner, who donated 127 paintings and sculptures to the same French institution in 2012.
He said: “I’m 59 years old and I’m thinking: ‘How would I deal with all these stocks that the artists we love get there.’
The agency reportedly provided 1,700 square meters (18,300 square feet) of space for two years to showcase exhibitions about donations. The donation list includes the gallery’s holdings and works from Mennon’s personal collection, which are not yet completed and may change before being submitted to the official committee of the French government.
