Currently on view at Templon New York: Robin Kid, It Is New Venom (Searching For America – VI), 2024, oil on canvas, stainless steel, aluminum, 118 x 195 3/4 x 15 3/4 inches.
Photo courtesy of Templon
Founded by Daniel Templon at the age of 21 in 1966, Templon has become one of Paris’ most influential contemporary art galleries, showcasing the work of groundbreaking artists such as Donald Judd, Roy Lichtenstein, Frank Stella, and Pierre et Gilles. Pierre et Gilles is currently showcasing a solo exhibition, “Nuit Electrique” (Electric Night), at 28 rue du Grenier Saint-Lazare until October 26, 2024, showcasing a recent eccentric nocturnal portrait series in their signature style that fuses painting and photography. Known for his keen eye for talent and avant-garde spirit, Daniel Templon has built the gallery into a stronghold over the decades, building long-term relationships with both artists and collectors. His vision has helped bring international contemporary art to France, cultivating established figures in the art world while providing a platform for bold, emerging voices. His gallery currently boasts four spaces: two in Paris, one in Brussels and one in New York.
In 2015, Daniel’s son, Mathieu Templon, joined the gallery and his arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter. Having grown up surrounded by art from an early age and absorbing the gallery’s ethos, Mathieu brought his unique vision to the family business and contributed to its growth, including the first phase of its expansion into Europe and the opening of its Chelsea branch in 2022. He played a key role in adapting to an evolving art market that demands a more global reach and business sophistication. Under his leadership, Templon Gallery has remained true to its core values of balancing innovation and continuity while embracing contemporary trends and preserving the family tradition in a competitive and ever-changing industry. I sat down with Daniel Templon to discuss the succession of an art gallery business and the passing on of family values from father to son.
Pierre & Gilles, Le Grand Danger de se Plaire (Léonard Lasry), 2023, inkjet photo print and paint on canvas, 54 3/4 x 45 inches.
Photo courtesy of Templon
Did you have to convince your son to join you in the family business or was it something that just came naturally, having grown up immersed in the arts?
My son, Mathieu, was naturally immersed in the art world since he was a child. We often went to museums, galleries and artists’ studios together, but it wasn’t until his mid-twenties that he chose to work in the field. I was very excited, but it wasn’t planned and he didn’t need any persuasion. We shared the same love of contemporary art. After working for the Sean Kelly Gallery in New York for a few years, he joined my gallery in Brussels in 2015 (the gallery opened in 2013). It was the right time for him to move back to Europe and take on more responsibilities.
What is it like having your son working alongside you in the family business now? What contributions does the younger generation make? Does he bring different skills to the table than you do? Do you also have connections with younger collectors, curators and artists?
In our industry you always have to have a fresh perspective, look for new artists and see what each generation brings to the table. It’s not a matter of age, it’s a matter of passion and intellectual curiosity. The gallery’s program is centered on a dialogue between established and emerging artists. We are always on the lookout for new and exciting talents. With them, a network of new collectors and curators naturally emerges.
Daniel and Mathieu Templon, father and son gallerists at Galerie Templon in Paris
Photo by Luc Castel
Why did you choose Mathieu to helm your New York gallery?
As the gallery’s roster of artists continued to grow, it was clear that many of the artists did not have a brick-and-mortar presence in the United States. Matthew’s experience made him a natural fit for this necessary relocation. He had been thinking about returning to the US for years. The first season was very positive, both commercially and critically, with a series of highly successful shows featuring Omar Ba, Chiharu Shiota, Ivan Navarro, Jim Dine, and more. This expansion to the US felt very natural, and all business decisions are discussed with colleagues. It’s an organic process and, like all small firms, it’s a collaborative effort. We have a great team.
