On September 25, Romain Gerardin-Fresse, a distinguished lawyer and strategic mastermind, who is also an astute art collector, orchestrated a private gathering opposite the Burj-al-Arab, attended by a handpicked group of guests, to exhibit two French artists he represents.
Held in a villa in Umm Suqeim, the second installment of a series of temporary exhibitions spearheaded by Gerardin-Fresse featured the French visual artists Ventili Viale and Fouch’ (real name Geoffrey Foucher). Approximately fifty luminaries, real estate moguls, collectors, and government officials were captivated by the 18 paintings and 5 sculptures specially created for the event.
The setup was meticulously crafted by the acclaimed architect and designer Ali Behnam-Bakhtiar. Baccarat tables, candles, and a violinist enriched the ambiance of this exhibition titled ‘From Paris to Dubai’.
“For this second in a series of temporary exhibitions, we aimed to shatter conventions and deliver a distinctive, extraordinary experience by making the outdoors our canvas. It was crucial to manipulate light—allowing Fouch’s sculptures to reach their full potential—and darkness—so that Ventili Viale’s backlit pieces could be fully appreciated,” explains Gerardin-Fresse.
The artworks were displayed outdoors along a path chosen in collaboration with Charlotte, one of the artist’s representatives, enabling the audience to enjoy the Burj Al Arab as a backdrop. Yaqoob Al Ali, Executive Director & Private Advisor Office of Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, attended the exhibition with his delegation and extended his congratulations to artist Fouch.
