Today we’d like to introduce you to Yvonamor Palix.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My father was a diplomat, my mother a fervent art lover and art collector. I inherited some of their traits- I developed my international career in Paris with a small art space in the Bastille, the gallery became a reference point for the art world in the 90’s and early 2000’s because of its unique defined art line. Curators, collectors and fair organizers flocked to see our thematic exhibits. The gallery became a prestigious place of gathering for intellectuals and art enthusiasts. Later I opened another branch in Mexico City to create a cultural bridge and to allow collectors to discover up and coming artists from accord the ocean in both directions, this allowed me also to enjoy the best of both worlds, Paris and Mexico City!
This chapter closed and then I came to Houston where I had a family and since then decided to continue my passion for contemporary art, but in a way that would allow me to enjoy seeing my daughter grow and would allow a certain flexibility. This reflection plus the casual art market of Houston lead me to develop an art gallery that takes place in diverse venues, sometimes lavish contemporary homes, other times unique shops and business offices. The exhibits always have an opening event and a closing and visits are exclusively by appointment.
Because of the flexibility I have a very active social life and participate in various associations and do consult work for private and corporate clients. The artists I select for my roster are unique creators with amazing styles from photography, sculpture, installation to painting- I am interested in great skill whatever the medium. I also work with the secondary market proposing top-tier investment art. I have done consulting work for many financial institutions including the World Bank.
The low overhead and light structure allows me the possibility to keep collecting art which is something I truly enjoy.
Today I have a variety of styles of followers of my projects from the most discerning art collectors to young newcomers who wish to discover this passionate adventure. Houston is a great place for this, people have a sense of adventure and I am also happy to have many patrons from Latin America and Europe.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. Houston is very different from Paris and Mexico City, it is a very relaxed city with a very casual attitude even towards art. In Europe art is taken very seriously and people follow artists’ career with great rigor.
At the beginning, I took on a beautiful enormous space with a mezzanine a dream coming from Paris!
After 2 years I realized that the distances in Houston make everything a destination and that galleries rarely get any walk-in traffic, I also realized the critics were few and were not as curious as ones from more cosmopolitan cities with a strong critics circle. I had to understand the dynamic of the city and build up a network of art enthusiasts. I participated in the local art fairs and continue to be invited to the ones in Europe, but my lifestyle has changed and I prefer to stay local.
I have learned a lot from the Houston and understand that my light structure is perfect for this market.
Please tell us about Yvonamor Palix Fine Arts.
I believe I am known for my knowledge and expertise in contemporary art. I have been a gallery owner for 25 years. In that time period, I have run business’ successfully based on the quality of the art I select.
In 1994 several of the artists exhibited at the official Venice Biannual came from my gallery: ORLAN, Aziz + Cucher, Lucy and Jorge Orta, Raymundo Sesma, Paloma Navares. This is an important reference. I have represented for over 25 years the work of photography icon, Sandy Skoglund.
For about 20 years my gallery participated in the most prestigious art fairs of the world, FIAC, ARCO, BASEL, MIAMI BASEL, Art Chicago to name a few. Followers and clients include Jean Michel Wilmotte, Jean Michel Jarre, Jean Nouvel, Enrique Norten, Azzedine Alaia, Jean Paul Gaulthier, Dolce & Gabbana, Madonna, business magnate Francois Pinault. Sometimes people believe an art gallery’s credibility comes from the building they occupy, in reality, it comes from personal experience and personal implication at all levels of the gallery owner.
What sets me apart from other than my very good eye for art is my experience and keen international sense, I swim like a fish in the American, French and the Latin cultures. I feel comfortable with all cultures.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I started my career quite early thanks to having a husband that was very supportive and motivating. Today I have a family that is extremely patient and supportive.
I feel very fortunate to do what I like and off the top of my head, I don’t know what I would have done differently. Every mistake and struggle had lead to a learning experience and a truer commitment to my métier. I work hard to bring superb exhibits to my patrons and I enjoy working with such talented and thought-provoking artists.
In 25 years of profesión, I have never done the same thing, needless to say, I love my job. The day I stop, I will disappear and change my name.
Pricing:
- Young artist 300 to 5000.
- Mid career 5-15 000.
- Established and blue chip starting 20 000.
Contact Info:
- Website: ypalixart.com
- Phone: 281 467 6065
- Email: yvonamor@gmail.com
- Facebook: Ypfinearts
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
