Published by Barnes Magazine - Lifestyle St Barth
St Barth Collection 2025
01 December 2024 (Pages 43-46)
Founded in 2011 by three art enthusiasts and experts, Space Gallery has since established itself as a key player in the cultural life of the island and has expanded its reach to the United States and internationally. We sit down with one of its co-founders and Director Natalie Clifford.
Natalie Clifford, co-founder of the Space Gallery.
Artworks: Victor Matthews The language of sand and light
Marco Glaviano Claudia Schiffer (St Barth), 1990
What is the history of the gallery and its establishment in St. Barts?
Natalie Clifford: When we first founded this space and platform, there were no contemporary art galleries or art centers on the island. We opened this space with the goal of creating a window to the global art world. It was important to us to contribute to the artistic community in St. Barts, with the idea of making the gallery a space for discovery and participate in the local artistic and cultural scene. We also wanted to promote French artists and talents, and our program has a strong European dimension. Since its inception, and having made St. Barts home for twenty years, the gallery has built an impressive selection of artists, organized international exhibitions, and participated in major art fairs, including the Venice Biennale. Today, the gallery has locations in St. Barts and New York, and we exhibit regularly on an international level. Our mission is to offer professional and personalized services for art collection and exhibition curation.
Riz Riz Rizz Romance de Amor, 2024
How do you select the artists represented by Space Gallery?
Natalie Clifford: The gallery stands out for its unwavering commitment to the world of fine arts, and the team has over 40 years of experience collaborating with leading international artists and working with clients at the highest level. We wanted to offer something for everyone: to celebrate established artists while also providing a platform and visibility for emerging talents. We believe that art should evoke emotion; the artwork must speak to us, and we must love it. We are passionate about the artists we exhibit and represent, and this passion is shared with our collectors and visitors. We also present a mix of mediums–painting, photography, and sculpture. Beyond the appreciation of the artist’s work, we consider several criteria, taking into account their body of work, its evolution, other series they have created, their exhibition history, and the collections they are part of.
Nathan Coe Salvation, 2024
What is the general focus of your programming?
Natalie Clifford: Our programming focuses on introducing exciting new artists and talents for our collectors to discover while offering opportunities to view and acquire works by major international artists. Through our selection, we aim to cater to art lovers, young or new collectors, as well as discerning collectors looking for a prestigious piece to add to their existing collection. Once we take on an artist, we are committed to supporting them, investing in their promotion, and ensuring their future success.
Rémy de Haenen Pique Nique a Flamands, 2023
What upcoming events are planned for the St. Barts space?
Natalie Clifford: We have a comprehensive annual exhibition program, which we strive to enrich each year with something new–whether it’s a new collection from one of our core artists, a collector favorite, or the introduction of an entirely new artist we are excited to present to our audience. We are fortunate to represent such a large number of talented artists. For example, in the 2024-2025 season, we will introduce a new photographer– Nathan Coe –and a new painter– Riz Riz Rizz. Both are incredibly talented, and I am eager to showcase their respective solo exhibitions. We will also host our annual secondary market exhibition during the winter months, featuring major pieces for discovery and collection.
What advice would you give to someone who is neither an expert nor a collector but wishes to bring art into their home? How do you guide your clients?
Natalie Clifford: Collectors have different goals. The first thing is to understand the purpose and intention of the client. Sometimes, they seek something decorative or to create a certain mood or atmosphere. Other times, they are interested in the artist’s intent, approach, or message or just fall in love with a piece. We also have clients who love discovering new things and want to support a young artist by becoming one of the first advocates of their work, which, with any luck, the value of which will grow along with their collection. Occasionally, a collector may have a particular theme to their collection or be interested in artists from a specific movement or period, or seeking something specific to fit a collecting goal or a wish list piece or artist. We are committed to accompanying our clients on their collecting journey whatever that looks like - from someone starting out or to sourcing a specific work. Our first mission is to clearly understand our clients' intentions, which we then guide throughout the collection process. If I had one piece of advice, it would be that, while the art world can often seem intimidating, we truly believe in lifting the veil of mystery that surrounds this market. We encourage new collectors to ask questions, step into a gallery, and discover what they like in a relaxed way. We aim to help our collectors uncover their passion for art, building long lasting relationships and together build meaningful collections.
We notice that many works in your selection feature the island of St. Barts as a subject. Is it an inspiring theme for artists?
Natalie Clifford: There is no doubt that St. Barts is a special place that has attracted artists for decades. Greats such as Cy Twombly, Donald Baechler, Eric Fischl, and many others have come to the island and found it conducive to rest, relaxation, and inspiration. The light here is unique, and the island exudes an incredible energy. It is not surprising that many of the artists we work with have found inspiration here: some are local, while others have been invited to stay as part of an artist residency, allowing them the time, free from distractions, to create and explore new creative paths. For example, our artist Victor Matthews, who has been coming to the island for over twenty years, was inspired to create his Utopia series here and also resumed creating murals during his stay. These ‘modern frescoes’ and really transform both indoor and outdoor spaces and they have been a beautiful creation that has returned to his repertoire to be enjoyed by so many clients in their homes here on island.
As an informed observer, how would you describe the current state of the art scene on the island?
Natalie Clifford: There is a real buzz, and the art scene in St. Barts is very vibrant! Since we opened, new spaces have emerged, and it is fantastic to be part of such an active artistic community. There is an exceptional program at the museum, with which we have had the chance to collaborate on various artistic projects. There are many talented artists here, and we are truly proud to be part of this creative community. We love giving back through art and continue to contribute to the island’s cultural landscape. We are thrilled that the gallery has become a meeting point for art lovers, both locals and visitors alike.
Manolo Valdés Doble Imagen, 2006