Fondation d'entreprise Francès — À propos — Slash Paris

Founded in 2009 by Estelle and Hervé Francès, and conceived as a testing ground for discussion around nearly 600 works of art and 250 artists, the Francès foundation focuses on an artist per year.

As curator, Estelle Francès creates a dialogue with a selection of works on a chosen theme, an innovative approach in showing contemporary art. These links foster a novel and original visual experience and sometimes unexpectedly bring together artists with hitherto unsuspected shared tastes and vision.

This concept of dialogue/exhibitions aims to heighten awareness and refresh emotions.

Raising public awareness of contemporary art has been at the heart of the foundation’s objectives since its inception.

A uniquely participative approach and personal exchanges happen with the arrival of each new visitor. This is a means of having the exhibition live well beyond its walls, building on existing knowledge and stimulating new cultural discoveries.

Located in Senlis (Oise, France), the Francès foundation, in a desire to democratize contemporary art on its territory, built partnerships with regional public and private institutions. She challenges its cultural program to respond and adapt to different territorial issues.

Responsible cultural actor, the foundation falls more than ever an active approach to promote contemporary art through his collection, in France and abroad, through an ambitious program of exhibitions in situ and hors les murs, but also by a lending policy with national and international institutions.

Collector’s Philosophy

Estelle and Hervé are passionately devoted to supporting living art. Their collection has been built up over time with their artistic discoveries. A previously considered option becomes an evident choice, a red line outlines “Man and his excesses”, revealing itself gradually through their choices. Excessive ways of human beings set up a source of inspiration and assertive convictions. A guiding principle highlighted during the first retrospective of the collection in 2013, XXH, at Gent at the Museum Dr Guislain, and reaffirming more forcefully its status of radical collection. At this occasion the museum reached its record of frequentation (24000 visitors).

The collection brings together 250 artists from 50 countries, expressing themselves through painting, sculpture, photography, installations, videos, and repurposed objects. If major names at the forefront of contemporary art, such as, Adel Abdessemed, Kader Attia, Eric Fischl, Nan Goldin, Andres Serrano, Diane Arbus or Larry Clark, are found in this collection, Estelle and Hervé Francès remain attentive to the discovery of new talents such as Guillaume Bresson, Adrian Ghenie or Lynette Yiadom Boakye.

Curiosity remains the leitmotiv in the enrichment of their collection. They regularly visit art fairs and keep informed on sales and auctions and learn through their constant interaction with art critics, curators, directors or the artists themselves.