Luxembourg is making its mark on the European contemporary art landscape and the Zidoun-Bossuyt Gallery plays a significant role in this growth. Co-founder of the Zidoun-Bossuyt Gallery Audrey Bossuyt shares her insights.
Titus Kaphar, Rashid Johnson, Wangechi Mutu. Still relatively unknown in 2008, these major figures in African-American contemporary art were part of Nordine Zidoun’s carefully curated selection when launching his namesake gallery in Luxembourg. An art consultant unafraid of taking risks, Zidoun left France, where his focus on New York-based African-American artists was considered too avant-garde. He moved to Luxembourg and found a less conventional market that welcomed contemporary art.
Meanwhile, Belgian-born Audrey Bossuyt had spent six years working in a renowned Brussels gallery before moving to London, England, as an independent art advisor. It was a professional opportunity for her husband that brought the family to Luxembourg. Once settled, she began offering art consulting services to private banks and family offices.
“I discovered Nordine Zidoun’s gallery just around the corner from my home—it was a revelation!” exclaims Bossuyt. “Major artists we had only seen in New York!” Enthralled by this distinctive artistic vision, she partnered with Zidoun. “We were emerging from ten years dominated by the Young British Artists. This fresh dynamic wasn’t a trend yet—it was monumental,” she recalls.
The Zidoun-Bossuyt Gallery was officially founded in 2013.
A Place, A Purpose
In 2015, the gallery moved to 6 rue St-Ulric, in the heart of Luxembourg City’s historic Grund district. A major feature of the new gallery, which was renovated by Luxembourgish architect Stefano Moreno, is the vast space making it ideal for major exhibitions. Tomokazu Matsuyama, Noel W Anderson, Summer Wheat—“A New York breeze is blowing through Luxembourg,” says Audrey. Within two years, the gallery became a leading showcase for prominent African-American artists such as Terry Adkins, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, and Jeff Sonhouse.
Alongside its contemporary programming, the gallery also hosted three major historical exhibitions: Jean-Michel Basquiat in May 2016, Jean Dubuffet in September 2017 with over fifty works, and Keith Haring in 2019—all under the patronage of Luxembourg’s cultural authorities. A true mark of recognition.
An International Presence
Riding the wave of success, the gallery expanded internationally. It opened a first space in Dubai in March 2022, followed by another in Paris in October of the same year. The themes? American art, of course—but not exclusively. “We inaugurated Dubai with an exhibition by Martine Feipel and Jean Bechameil, a Luxembourgish artist duo we actively represent at international fairs and in our galleries,” Audrey explains.
While showcasing American artists remains a key pillar of their programme, Audrey and Nordine are also committed to elevating Luxembourgish artists beyond the country’s borders—Feipel & Bechameil, but also Franck Miltgen. “Beyond Michel Majerus and Edward Steichen, few Luxembourg artists are recognised internationally. There’s essential groundwork to be done,” Audrey notes.
“Operating in three different cities creates unique opportunities: Dubai, at the heart of the Arab world, alongside neighbours like Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia with strong cultural ambitions. Paris, one of the world’s most attractive and influential cultural capitals, home to renowned museums and institutions. And Luxembourg, the project’s anchor point, with a vibrant artist community and significant private collectors.”
The three capitals offer distinct perspectives on the art world and are each a source of undeniable cultural richness.
The Role of the Gallerist Today
For Audrey, being a gallerist goes far beyond selling artworks. “It’s a human adventure, built on trust between artists, collectors, and gallery owners. We accompany artists throughout their careers. We’re here to support them and help them grow. We also support collectors in their passion for art.”
“We accompany artists throughout their careers. We’re here to support them and help them grow.”
Sometimes, this close relationship goes even further: supported and understood, artists often recommend new talents to the gallery.
A recent example? “The solo show by Khalif Tahir Thompson, the new prodigy of African-American painting. Freshly graduated from Yale, his works have already been acquired by several major American museums. He’s the youngest painter represented by the gallery!”
An Evolving Artistic Landscape
The art world is rapidly changing, offering new perspectives. Artists are mobile, art fairs are multiplying, and markets are diversifying. “It’s now essential to be aware of global artistic trends, understand local contexts, and tailor proposals to cultural differences,” Audrey explains. From the Armory Show in New York to Expo Chicago, Untitled Miami, Art Brussels—and of course, Luxembourg Art Week—the Zidoun-Bossuyt Gallery builds its network and asserts its artistic legitimacy through a smart, strategic presence.
As for technology? “It’s a new element to integrate into our thinking.” Today’s gallerists must diversify their strategies by embracing digital tools and reinforcing their roles as cultural mediators. Staying competitive means actively participating in the evolving dynamics of the contemporary art market.
“In a landscape where some galleries have become multinational giants, our ambition remains clear: to support our artists, foster their success, and help them enter prestigious collections and institutions.”
A Commitment to Diversity
“In a landscape where some galleries have become multinational giants, our ambition remains clear: to support our artists, foster their success, and help them enter prestigious collections and institutions.”
Diversity, innovation, and ongoing dialogue with the world—Zidoun-Bossuyt Gallery champions a bold and demanding vision of contemporary art. And it does so with great success.
This article was published in the 6th edition of Forbes Luxembourg magazine.
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