I’ve waited a while before writing this to ensure some perspective. This post is a tribute to someone I only ever met twice but the news of whose death I have found deeply affecting.
Anne Vignial was a well known figure in the French street art scene, most notably for running the first permanent gallery dedicated to the genre in central Paris. We first met Anne last year when visiting her gallery in the rue Charlot became a convenient way of getting hold of a book I was interested to read, and in which I have a photo published (Stencil History X by Samantha Longhi).
That first visit turned into a hugely enjoyable and memorable time. Anne, made us so welcome and captivated us with her interest in art and the art scene, the artists – and in us. She shared her knowledge, showed interest in our street art finds and laughed with us. The exhibition we saw on that visit was that running alongside the book launch, so proved the source of a fascinating discussion across the wide range of stencil art and beyond.
In the months before our next meeting the web proved useful in keeping abreast of changes chez Anne and for strengthening the desire to re-visit.
A key objective when stopping over in Paris on our way back from holiday in Italy at the end of June was to meet up with Anne again. Again, Anne’s welcome and interest was incredible. We talked about street art in Paris, London, Naples and Sheffield; we discussed the merits and otherwise of Paris and London; and we joked and laughed. We never felt under pressure to spend money – what was more important was that we enjoy the art and the meeting.
As we left that evening, I realise know, I was deciding not to leave it too long before talking again. It turned out that just five weeks was too long.
Yes, you’re more likely to buy in a gallery where you feel welcome – but Anne’s warmth so obviously sprang from a genuine interest in people, in art and in living life. Neither Andrew nor I are great conversationalists – we’ll not usually strike up a conversation with a gallery owner and, conversely, it’s usual for them to realise they’re required to do little more than a bare minimum in acknowledging our entry and exit. To find ourselves chatting easily from the outset to a stranger – and going back for more – is ample proof of the impact of this grande dame du Haut Marais.
From the tributes I’ve read, it’s clear that those who knew Anne better had similar experiences of her friendship, her enthusiasm – and her warm cola. Anne made her mark both professionally and personally – and that mark remains. It is, literally, stunning for me to realise how much her absence knocks me backwards. Of course this is not for me the loss of a great friend or family member – it seems almost silly. What this is, though, is a confirmation of this remarkable woman’s impact. Those who really knew Anne and her daughter Marie must feel the loss terribly.
I wish I could introduce you to Anne but the best I can do is provide this link where you can at least see Anne (from 0m50s) at the SHX opening night: seemingly laid back; not at all precious; and a woman to remember.
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Anne Vignial nous a quittés il y a 6 semaines. Galeriste et véritable grande dame d’art urbain parisien – elle nous a accueillis les bras ouverts. C’est bien sympa que le MUR du 9 août, œuvre de Mr Lolo, faisait un hommage à Anne. Au revoir Anne, nous te trouvons irremplaçable. Si triste…
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