'Youngest Gallerist In Mayfair' Omer Tiroche Talks Niki de Saint Phalle, and More
Niki de Saint Phalle's vibrant works look particularly striking against the understated, minimalist space of Omer Tiroche Contemporary Art. Colourful maquettes line one wall, while Trilogie des Obélisque dominates the floor space in front of high windows overlooking Mayfair's Conduit Street.
Curated by Helen Pheby of Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Je Suis Une Vache Suisse brings together many works by Saint Phalle that have not previously been seen in a public exhibition. After Nyne were invited to speak with gallery owner Omer Tiroche about his experiences building a space from the ground up, and what it’s like to play host to one of the most important artists of the 20th century.
OTCA opened last February. What has the response been like so far?
Excellent. We’ve grown exponentially, both in terms of outreach and exposure, as well as our own ability to be accepted into more important fairs for which you need a space. It’s never easy making new connections that are long-lasting – but it’s something that I am succeeding in doing and something that never stops, I believe. I definitely think that having a space has helped me achieve that.
Why Niki de Saint Phalle?
Many of the works here I actually grew up with from a young age – they were in my parents’ home in Israel and so I brought them over for the purposes of the exhibition. Saint Phalle did two projects in Israel [Noah’s Ark and the Monster Slide, both in Jerusalem]. So I had encounters with that as a child, as well. Saint Phalle is an artist I’ve always been aware of and always loved. As I grew older and started learning more about art history, and her historical significance, she just became more and more interesting. She definitely needs a revival, because she’s so important.
What has the process of turning that initial interest into an exhibition been like, and how long has it taken to put together?
Not that long. I don’t leave things to the last minute, but it’s all just sort of come together pretty quickly after the inception. So I’m not going to tell you it was an arduous process of putting it together for three years!
You’ve described being the youngest gallery owner in Mayfair as a ‘fun title’, but you emphasise the importance of supporting young artists themselves. How important is age in the art world?
Age isn’t very important: it’s about the person. I wasn’t trying to burst onto the scene, into Mayfair, with emerging art – it’s just not the place for it, and it’s not my main interest. But I do want to start engaging with younger artists. Last year I did one exhibition [Thomas Mailaender’s Prussian Blue] in collaboration with an East End gallery, Roman Road. I’m planning to do an exhibition with a living artist once a year – and then, as the gallery expands and grows over the years, I see myself expanding into the primary market as well.
Last summer you founded a not-for-profit organisation, Jaffa. Tell us more about that.
It’s a platform for young Israeli and international artists. I spend about a month and a half out of the year in Israel. Over there, we have four or five exhibitions a year, for artists that are either just out of school, or still in school, or need that platform to kickstart their careers and help showcase their work up until that point. It’s something I feel passionate about and am happy to be able to help. For me, and for artists, there’s something about having exhibitions that aren’t just commercial. My ideal goal for t future is to have artists come in, established or not, and use the space for site-specific installations.
Have you had any success stories involving artists that you’ve given a platform to?
It’s too early to tell. Tiroche is a big name in the art world in Israel – the name is widely associated with success, so for Israeli artists to have that on their CV is definitely an asset for them.
Any plans for the future you’d like to tell us about?
The Saint Phalle exhibition runs until September. We’re toying with some ideas for the next one, but nothing is decided yet.
Je Suis Une Vache Suisse runs until Saturday 10th September 2016. Visit www.otca.co.uk for further details.
