In Conversation: Mariane Ibrahim & Nicola Vassell

The first Atlanta University Center Art History + Curatorial Studies Distinguished Lecture Series event of the academic year, pioneering gallerists and advocates for artists of the African diaspora, Mariane Ibrahim and Nicola Vassell, in conversation about how their innovative leadership is shaping the visual arts ecosystem. The conversation will be moderated by Dr. Cheryl Finley, Walton Endowed Professor + Director, AUC Art History + Curatorial Studies Collective

About Mariane Ibrahim

French-Somali gallerist, Mariane Ibrahim has established herself as a leading Chicago and international art dealer through her spotlight of artists of the African diaspora. Mariane first opened her flagship space in Seattle in 2012 before relocating to Chicago in 2019 to open a new 5,000 square-foot space in West Town. In 2021, she opened her inaugural European location, a three-floor space on Avenue Matignon in Paris, and in 2023 in Mexico City. In 2021, Ibrahim was awarded The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres on behalf of the Ministry of Culture in France. She has been featured in Architectural Digest, CNN, Artnet News, and Surface Magazine, among others.

About Nicola Vassell

Nicola Vassell is Founder of Nicola Vassell Gallery, a contemporary art gallery committed to discourse that widens the lens of the history and future of art. Its focus is on developing an inter-generational, cross-disciplinary program of artists and thinkers. From 2013 to 2021, Vassell led Concept NV, an advisory and curatorial platform specialized in collection building and exhibitions rooted in cultural phenomenology. She is an editor of books, whose publications include, Uman: I Want Everything Now; Jean-Michel Basquiat 1981: The Studio of the Street; Francesco Clemente: Works 1971-1979 and Kehinde Wiley: Black Light. Vassell was a Director at Deitch Projects and Pace Gallery, New York. She is a member of New Museum’s Artemis Council.

Images:

Ibrahim headshot credit Fabrice Gousset & Nicola Vassel credit Timothy O’Connell

Gallery images - Exterior of Nicola Vassell's NYC gallery & Mariane Ibrahims Paris location

Host or Publisher AUC Art Collective