Unveiling the Treasures of Jérôme Prochiantz’s Collection

Le goût de la photographie presents a unique exhibition: you will not discover the creations of just one artist or a collective of photographers, but rather the photographs belonging to an art collector, Jérôme Prochiantz. Prochiantz prefers to define himself as a collector instead of a hoarder (the latter implying accumulation, a materialistic connotation that he does not align with), and he has generously donated a substantial portion of his photographic collection to the BnF.

In this context, the exhibition is part of a broader trend of showcases focused on the art of collecting. Numerous exhibitions have highlighted Sir Elton John’s photographic collection, both at the Tate Modern and more recently at the Victoria Albert Museum with ‘Fragile Beauty’. More generally, private collections are now being shared with the public and are no longer confined to a private realm, unless they are donated directly to a public entity.

For instance, the Donors’ Gallery at the Bibliothèque nationale de France frequently displays works bequeathed to France’s largest public library. Thanks to Jérôme Prochiantz’s contribution, the national establishment has been enriched by over 350 pictures, including a color print by Mario Giacomelli, which had not been previously seen in the BnF collection, which until now only contained black and white prints by this Italian artist. ‘My collection represents a cohesive whole: I intended for all the pieces to become part of a national establishment.

The photographic preferences of Jérôme Prochiantz

The monochrome portrait of Jérôme Prochiantz, wearing a headband and holding a tulip, captured by Laurent Élie Badessi, welcomes guests as they arrive. From the yellow-painted walls to the centrally placed armchairs and the arrangement of the photographs, every element in this space is crafted to mimic Jérôme Prochiantz’s workspace. The collection is diverse in terms of artists, eras, and photographic formats. For instance, there exists a portrait of David Lynch by Richard Dumas beside a diptych of a dancer couple by Luis Gonzalez Palma. Black and white predominates in this selection, notably in the portrait of a cat staring, immortalized by Masahisa Fukase and selected as the exhibition poster.

 

How to become a collector

Prior to delving into photography collection, Jérôme Prochiantz purchased one contemporary art piece each year. He vividly recalls his inaugural photo bought in a gallery. It was back in 1989. A male nude featuring a disfigured body. A print by George Dureau, an artist based in New Orleans. This initial acquisition signified the start of his collection, rooted solely in his aesthetic preferences for photography. ‘Many perceive my collection as a tribute to my fondness for New York, felines, and sensuality. While it’s true that these are themes I adore, it goes deeper; there must be an additional quality that captivates people. Over time, his collection has expanded consistently, amalgamating works that no one could have anticipated would converge. Despite its diversity, he aimed to concentrate on three continents: America, Europe, and Japan from 1850 to the present. When questioned if his artistic inclinations have evolved, Jérôme Prochiantz asserts that they have largely remained stable through the years.

Although diverse, he has aimed to focus on three continents: America, Europe, and Japan from 1850 to the present.

Since his retirement, he has dedicated most of his time to his collection. Perusing photography books (he owns over 600), conducting research and participating in auctions are labor-intensive yet essential for the collector: ‘I always prefer to view a piece in person before completing a purchase. Observing an original print is crucial to this aficionado, who organizes themed photography exhibitions in his home twice a year.

The richness and variety of Jérôme Prochiantz’s collection, initially personal, has transformed into a museum collection. And what greater legacy could there be for an artist than to witness their work acknowledged by national institutions?

 

BNF : A Taste For Photography: In The Collection of Jérôme Prochiantz
Past exhibition, from 22 October 2024 to 12 January 2025
Bibliothèque nationale de France, François-Mitterrand site
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