Claude Savinel established the principle of l’épicier d’art (the art grocer) in 2002. Established over 6 years ago in Nantes, the former head of the company and artist closed his shop for the first time in 2008 to tour the world by bicycle. Still impassioned by his experiment and accompanied by his longtime associate Rudolph Chupin, Claude Savinel relocated earlier this year only a few dozen meters from his old location. With a single idea in mind: to democratize art “for everyone to buy and exhibit,” reads the website of the association.

Upon entering the l’épicier d’art store, one might think the items are mis-marked. Ranging from 10 to 200 euros maximum, mostly paintings, but also some photographs and a few sculptures are sold at unbeatable prices. However, the art grocer, who takes 40% of each sale, is not slashing prices. With non-profit status, the organization, which has no fewer than 1500 works by over 300 artists of all styles is designed to enable the work of painters and sculptors outside the circuit of elitist art galleries to be seen, in some cases by new talent scouts who stroll through the space, and even sold. Artists, who have had difficulty finding exhibition space, have the opportunity to sell to the public. However, if after a month the loaned works are not sold, the artist must come and retrieve them.

A grocery store that’s always full

At the l’épicier d’art, one thing that competes with the number of works exhibited in the store is the number of people who visit. From simple curiosity to genuine interest in art, the profiles of people visiting the site are as diverse as the artists who exhibit their paintings. Claude Savinel’s boutique, in addition to being a point of sale, is emerging as a place for exchange and meetings. Everyone is invited to come in: no invitation or prior knowledge required. What matters most is the emotion. Thus, professionals and amateurs alike, simply attracted to the storefront like any other, can pop into their local “grocer” and discover, enjoy and even purchase a work of art.

Through this space, Claude Savinel is approaching his ideal more closely: democratize art, especially painting, and combat the elitist views that often surround it. Far from commercial ends, the association fights the logic of “profit at any cost”, abiding by the principle that “a work’s lasting quality is dictated by ideas not speculation.” Having already given young artists a venue, the l’épicier d’art is sure to gain importance in the community.

Related content : art, Nantes