Daniel Templon, a prominent figure in the Parisian art scene, established his eponymous gallery in 1966 at the young age of 21. Over the decades, Templon has become a powerhouse in contemporary art, representing trailblazing artists like Donald Judd, Roy Lichtenstein, and Frank Stella. The gallery now operates four locations: two in Paris, one in Brussels, and a recent addition in New York City.
In 2015, a new chapter began for the Templon gallery when Daniel’s son, Mathieu, joined the family business. Having grown up immersed in the art world, Mathieu brought fresh perspectives to the gallery’s operations. He played a crucial role in the gallery’s European expansion and the opening of its Chelsea outpost in 2022.
When asked about his son’s involvement, Daniel Templon explained that Mathieu’s entry into the art world was organic rather than planned. Despite frequent childhood visits to museums, galleries, and artists’ studios, it wasn’t until his mid-20s that Mathieu chose to pursue a career in art. After gaining experience at Sean Kelly gallery in New York, Mathieu returned to Europe to take on more responsibilities within the family business.
The elder Templon emphasizes that in the art industry, maintaining a fresh perspective and seeking new talent is crucial, regardless of age. He notes that the gallery’s program revolves around a dialogue between established and emerging artists, with all team members constantly on the lookout for exciting new talents.
The decision to place Mathieu at the helm of the New York gallery was a natural progression. As the gallery’s roster of artists expanded, many lacked physical representation in the United States. Mathieu’s experience made him well-suited for this necessary move. The first season in New York proved successful, both commercially and
critically, featuring well-received exhibitions by artists such as Omar Ba, Chiharu Shiota, Ivan Navarro, and Jim Dine.
Daniel Templon stresses that the US expansion has been a natural evolution for the gallery, with business decisions made
collaboratively. He describes it as an organic process and a collective effort, praising the gallery’s team.
Currently, Templon’s New York space is showcasing work by Robin Kid, while the Paris gallery is hosting a solo exhibition by Pierre & Gilles titled “Nuit Electrique” (Electric Night). This show, running until October 26, 2024, presents a recent series of eccentric, nighttime portraits that blend painting and photography, a signature style of the artist duo.
The Templon gallery’s success story illustrates the delicate balance of preserving a family legacy while adapting to the evolving art market. Under the leadership of both Daniel and Mathieu Templon, the gallery continues to embrace contemporary trends while staying true to its core values. This father-son collaboration demonstrates how different generations can work together to maintain a gallery’s influence and relevance in a highly competitive and ever-changing industry.
As the art world becomes increasingly global and business-oriented, the Templon gallery’s approach to succession and adaptation serves as a model for other family-run art businesses. By combining Daniel’s decades of experience and sharp eye for talent with Mathieu’s fresh perspective and understanding of contemporary trends, Templon gallery is well-positioned to continue its influential role in the
international art scene for years to come.