Emerging galleries will find inspiration in an email sent out yesterday by dealer Jocelyn Wolff. With the subject line “Late wishes from a rainy Paris,” the Paris-based gallerist’s letter reads like a manifesto for young dealers, especially for the newest generation of so-called Post-Lehmann galleries—those who may be struggling to survive amid a flurry of notable closures around the world in the last year.

The affectionately “late” New Year’s wishes also mark the gallerist’s 15-year anniversary since opening (he represents artists like Katinka Bock and Guillaume Leblon), and the striking honesty and modesty of Wolff’s words are a beacon of hope, but also provide a poignant comment on the realities of running a gallery. “I still call all gallery artists myself,” writes Wolff. Indeed, running a successful gallery business in the current climate does not actually guarantee owning a Rimowa suitcase, traveling first class, or having an iPhone X. Rather, it means being dedicated and personal.

Read Jocelyn Wolff’s letter below.

Galerie Jocelyn Wolff will turn 15 in 2018 and still has no exhibition space outside of France.

A one-city-location gallery in our times? How is this still possible?

I still install my art fair stands instead of delegating it to a technical team.

I still travel second class or economy. I do not even have a Rimowa suitcase.

I live in a classic Paris apartment, not in an immaculate and impressive place filled with art for sale.

I may even move to the suburbs this year.

I commute to the gallery by bike every day.

The gallery car will turn 8 years old this year and is starting to have many scratches.

I am still using the old iPhone 8.

I still call all gallery artists myself.

And I am running late to send my New Year’s wishes again.

 

I wish you a happy and succesful New Year.

Jocelyn Wolff