Alexandre Vieira’s journey in contemporary art
From parisian galleries to global art advisory, redefining the art market
Alexandre Vieira began his career in the art world in 2010 with the founding of Wide Painting, a contemporary art gallery nestled in the heart of Paris’ famous St. Germain area. His passion for art and drive to support emerging artists quickly made him a significant figure in the French art scene. In 2012, Edgar Magazine recognized him as the youngest gallerist in France, marking the start of a career dedicated to discovering and promoting new talent.
Over the years, Alexandre has been instrumental in launching the careers of six emerging artists, including Marion Colomer, Timothée Talard, Julien Grudzinski, Catherine Javel, Susanne Stemmer, and Le Diamantaire. He fostered an ongoing artistic dialogue with these artists, producing 13 exhibitions at Wide Painting and organizing off-the-wall exhibitions in renowned locations such as the Parc de Bagatelle, Miss Ko, and Jacopo restaurants in Paris, as well as Cipriani in New York.
When asked about some of the highlights of his career, Alexandre shared stories of key exhibitions that shaped his journey. Reflecting on his 2012 “Off the Wall” exhibition at the Parc de Bagatelle, he mentioned launching Julien Grudzinski’s series “In Symbols We Trust,” which explored the French monarchy through surrealist and classical styles.
“The historical context of the location, where Marie-Antoinette once danced, made it the perfect setting for this series,” he explained, adding that the juxtaposition of history and modern art resonated with audiences.
In 2014, Alexandre introduced the street artist Le Diamantaire to the world of gallery exhibitions. Known for his street art, Le Diamantaire’s transition to sculptures marked a new chapter in his career. “We exhibited his work at Miss Ko, a restaurant designed by Philippe Starck,” Alexandre recalled. “Combining the artist’s recycling message with Starck’s design created a unique experience for the public.”
Alexandre’s gallery also supported artists in museum exhibitions, such as Julien Grudzinski’s participation in a collective exhibition at the Palais de Tokyo in 2015. This event led to a surprising connection with Beta Lebeis, manager of Guns N’ Roses’ Axl Rose, who purchased several pieces from Grudzinski’s series “Energy Flow” for Axl’s Malibu home. “I was stunned, remembering my teenage years when I wore Guns N’ Roses tees. To think that one of my artists had inspired such a legendary musician was incredible,” Alexandre shared.
In 2017, Alexandre’s gallery reached new heights when Susanne Stemmer was selected to exhibit at the Venice Art Biennale. “It was an honor for an emerging artist and gallery to be part of the world’s most prestigious art fair,” Alexandre said. Stemmer’s work, a video installation that digitally submerged the Palazzo Mora under water, captivated the public and set a new standard for immersive art experiences.
Despite these achievements, Alexandre decided to close Wide Painting in 2022, seeing the challenges of the pandemic as an opportunity to pivot his career. In 2024, he launched AVAA, an art advisory company that blends his experience as a gallerist with his deep knowledge of the art market. “Becoming an art advisor felt like a natural progression,” he explained. “I’ve spent years analyzing the art market, spotting talented artists, and building relationships with galleries. Now, I use that expertise to guide collectors in their acquisitions.”
Alexandre’s advisory services cater to a diverse range of collectors, from individuals to corporations and foundations. His process begins with understanding their vision, budget, and tastes, offering tailored suggestions based on his extensive artist database. “I take pride in providing personalized advice,” he said. “Each collector’s needs are unique, and my goal is to match them with the perfect piece, ensuring a transparent and successful acquisition.”
Through AVAA, Alexandre continues to shape the contemporary art world, helping collectors navigate a complex and ever-evolving market. His journey from gallerist to art advisor reflects a deep commitment to art, artists, and collectors alike, with a passion that has defined his career from the very beginning.
