Laura Bardier's vision for ESTE ARTE has transformed Uruguay's art landscape over the past decade. Initially seen as a small, niche market, the country has emerged as an attractive destination for international collectors and galleries.
When launching ESTE ARTE in 2014, Bardier faced significant challenges. Uruguay lacked a structured art scene, with many galleries operating outside of contemporary professional standards. The fair's first edition was met with resistance from some quarters, who saw it as a commercial venture that would disrupt the traditional notion of an artist's independence.
However, Bardier persisted, convinced that ESTE ARTE could play a crucial role in developing Uruguay's art ecosystem. She drew on her extensive experience working within the institutional art system, including years spent at institutions such as PAN and the MADRE Museum in Naples.
The fair's first edition was relatively small, but it marked an important milestone in Bardier's quest to create a framework for artists to build sustainable careers. ESTE ARTE's location in Punta del Este, a popular destination for affluent buyers and luxury lifestyle seekers, proved to be an ideal setting for the fair.
Bardier's approach focused on building local collecting habits among wealthy individuals who had previously acquired art through auction houses abroad. By creating a network of collectors who actively sought out Uruguayan artists, she helped establish ESTE ARTE as a catalyst for artistic innovation and cultural exchange.
The fair's success has been marked by its growth in popularity, with the number of applicants increasing significantly over the years. ESTE ARTE now receives around 600 applications annually, although only a small fraction can be accommodated.
One key factor in the fair's success is its emphasis on local artists and curatorial engagement. Bardier prioritizes selecting international galleries with meaningful connections to the region, ensuring that exhibitions showcase Uruguayan talent while fostering dialogue between collectors, curators, and artists.
ESTE ARTE has also established awards to recognize collecting and philanthropic efforts. The Princess Laetitia d'Arenberg Award, which was launched in 2015, has become an important milestone in promoting local collecting habits.
In recent years, ESTE ARTE has expanded its reach by hosting discussions at the Venice Biennale, including a conversation with international curators Hoor Al Quasimi and Frances Morris. Bardier's ambition is to establish an association of Latin American art fairs, further solidifying the region's position in the global art market.
With ESTE ARTE now in its 12th edition, it remains clear that Laura Bardier's vision has succeeded in transforming Uruguay into a significant player in the South American art scene.
When launching ESTE ARTE in 2014, Bardier faced significant challenges. Uruguay lacked a structured art scene, with many galleries operating outside of contemporary professional standards. The fair's first edition was met with resistance from some quarters, who saw it as a commercial venture that would disrupt the traditional notion of an artist's independence.
However, Bardier persisted, convinced that ESTE ARTE could play a crucial role in developing Uruguay's art ecosystem. She drew on her extensive experience working within the institutional art system, including years spent at institutions such as PAN and the MADRE Museum in Naples.
The fair's first edition was relatively small, but it marked an important milestone in Bardier's quest to create a framework for artists to build sustainable careers. ESTE ARTE's location in Punta del Este, a popular destination for affluent buyers and luxury lifestyle seekers, proved to be an ideal setting for the fair.
Bardier's approach focused on building local collecting habits among wealthy individuals who had previously acquired art through auction houses abroad. By creating a network of collectors who actively sought out Uruguayan artists, she helped establish ESTE ARTE as a catalyst for artistic innovation and cultural exchange.
The fair's success has been marked by its growth in popularity, with the number of applicants increasing significantly over the years. ESTE ARTE now receives around 600 applications annually, although only a small fraction can be accommodated.
One key factor in the fair's success is its emphasis on local artists and curatorial engagement. Bardier prioritizes selecting international galleries with meaningful connections to the region, ensuring that exhibitions showcase Uruguayan talent while fostering dialogue between collectors, curators, and artists.
ESTE ARTE has also established awards to recognize collecting and philanthropic efforts. The Princess Laetitia d'Arenberg Award, which was launched in 2015, has become an important milestone in promoting local collecting habits.
In recent years, ESTE ARTE has expanded its reach by hosting discussions at the Venice Biennale, including a conversation with international curators Hoor Al Quasimi and Frances Morris. Bardier's ambition is to establish an association of Latin American art fairs, further solidifying the region's position in the global art market.
With ESTE ARTE now in its 12th edition, it remains clear that Laura Bardier's vision has succeeded in transforming Uruguay into a significant player in the South American art scene.
I just saw this thread about Laura Bardier and I gotta say, she's been killing it with ESTE ARTE over the past decade. I mean, who would've thought that a small fair in Punta del Este would turn into a major player in the international art market? The fact that she managed to build a network of collectors who actually care about Uruguayan artists is huge 
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. The fact that she's able to balance local talent with international connections is a huge plus.
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I'm so stoked to see how far ESTE ARTE has come since its humble beginnings back in 2014! It's crazy to think about how it was initially met with resistance, but Laura Bardier's determination and expertise really paid off 
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. And those awards? Total game-changer for promoting collecting habits and philanthropy in the community 
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. Now, I'm curious to see what the future holds for this incredible platform 
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I'm loving the fact that she focused on building local collecting habits among wealthy individuals who were looking for something new and unique - it's not just about selling art, but also about fostering cultural exchange and innovation. 
ESTE ARTE's emphasis on showcasing local talent and curatorial engagement has really made a difference in the Uruguayan art scene. I'm impressed by how the fair has expanded its reach by hosting discussions at major events like the Venice Biennale - it's great to see international recognition for Latin American art fairs! 
I'm so glad to see how far ESTE ARTE has come, fam! 
It's crazy to think about how far they've taken Uruguayan art from being super niche to being a legit player in the global art market. Laura Bardier is literally the OG 
for making this happen. I mean, who else would be able to take on the challenges of building an art scene from scratch and still manage to grow it into what it is today? 
And can we talk about the Princess Laetitia d'Arenberg Award? 
That's some serious recognition of collecting efforts, yaaas! 
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. Let's keep celebrating Laura Bardier's success and the impact of ESTE ARTE on Uruguayan art!
. All in all, ESTE ARTE is definitely a success story 
. I remember reading about her struggles when the fair first started, and it's like, yeah, that makes sense why some people might have doubted her. But she just didn't let that stop her 
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. I mean, think about it, they used to be seen as this small, niche market, but now collectors and galleries are flocking there from all over the world 
), it's because of the quality of the art being showcased.
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. It's not just about selling art, but also about building sustainable careers for the creatives involved. The Princess Laetitia d'Arenberg Award is such a great initiative too - it's awesome that they're recognizing and rewarding collecting efforts 
. Laura Bardier is a total boss for pushin' the boundaries and creatin' a space for local artists to shine 
. And now, ESTE ARTE is gettin' major recognition at the Venice Biennale? Mind blown! 
. We should totes take some inspiration from Laura's vision and bring more art fairs to the States 
!
It's about building these connections between collectors, curators, and artists, and that's what makes it so special.
i mean, who knew they had such a dope art scene? 
laura bardier is like, total boss for making este arte happen 
now collectors from all over are flockin to punta del este to check out the goods 
and i'm not even mad about it 