Jean Madar: ‘What I want to do is make my dreams come true’

The discreet Parisian collector opens up his home and shares his collecting journey


In this episode of ‘Meet the collectors’, Jean Madar explains how he started collecting art around a decade ago with his wife Catherine, when they moved into a new house with interiors designed by the architect Pierre Yovanovitch. The collection now includes incredible works by artists such as Mircea CantorUgo RondinoneDuane HansonDaniel Buren, among others. In remarkable surroundings that harmoniously combine art and daily life, each artwork is installed in a site-specific way and has a particular meaning. Madar reveals the links he has with the work of Adel AbdessemedMelik OhanianTakashi Murakami, and Tadashi Kawamata. His collecting is focused above all on the personal relationship that he has with each artist. ‘The advantage of having a contemporary collection,’ explains Madar, ‘is being able to meet the artists who draw inspiration from this place to create site-specific pieces.’

Film: Virgile Texier
Co-Director: Paul Bourdet
Director of Photography: Clément Arenou
Camera Assistant: Jacques le Gouis
Sound: Loïc Marissiaux
Edit: Oscar Dewatz

Art Basel
Executive Editor: Coline Milliard
Editor: Patrick Steffen
Video Commissioner: Jeanne-Salomé Rochat
Creative Producer: Akiel Gallina


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