As a frequent gallery attendee, I am often asked for my critique. It began years ago,stemming from the evolution of the mass migration led by gallerists from Soho to Chelsea. Many other art enthusiasts believe this growth was a direct result coinciding with the completion of the High Line – creating a natural path to art.
Such is the case with Emmanuel Fremin, who emigrated to New York from Normandy in1999. He opened a gallery in Soho in 2007 but segued to a 5th-floor space in Chelsea. In 2020 he made another move to his current gallery space at 520 West 23rd St. By all accounts an ideal location directly beneath the High- Line. Due to the timing along with the breakout of Covid, he nabbed an outstanding space.
Whether following a trend or being close to the art scene, it appears to have been a wise decision. What piqued my interest most is the current show featuring Julian Lennon’s photography in an exhibit aptly titled ‘Reminiscence’. By name alone, he needs no introduction. Royalty among musicians carries a heavy weight, and Julian has been the keeper of treasured memories for many years.
His show at the Fremin Gallery, open on March 6th – April 6th will reveal his most vivid recollections. But how did his interest in photography emerge over the years? Julian began as a singer / songwriter, but in 2007 he followed his heart on a project circumventing the globe from Japan to Iceland to Norway to help preserve the culture of an Aboriginal Australian tribe, with the documentary ‘Whaledreamers.’ This ultimately awakened his love for photography. His images represent some of the most poignant expressions of his deep respect for all creatures – and deep concern for the planet.
‘My dad once told me that if he should ever pass away, if there was some way of letting me know he was OK – or that we were all going to be OK – the message would come in the form of a white feather.’
This passage is the impetus for the emergence of The White Feather Foundation (TWFF), Julian’s philanthropic foundation, which embraces environmental and humanitarian issues and in conjunction with partners from around the world, helps to raise funds for the betterment of all life. Julian Lennon, musician, artist, and humanitarian, shows his passion for the environment through his photography. In ‘Reminiscence’ he allows the viewer to share some of his most intimate memories while grasping the urgency in preserving what is quickly slipping away.
I was curious about the relationship between Emmanuel Fremin and Julian Lennon and how his gallery was the choice for Lennon’s work. Quite fortuitously, Julian stopped by Emmanuel’s booth at Art Basel in Miami in 2012 inquiring about other artists’ work. Fremin was then representing Moby, and so the dialogue began, and the friendship emerged. The rest is art history, brought to a higher level. Shortly after meeting at Art Basel, Emmanuel reconnected with Julian, inviting him to NYC and ultimately curating his show Horizon. The exhibition was a huge success, and as Emmanuel said, referring to the recent collaboration –‘this is not our first rodeo’.
Reminiscence will predictably be another success, as much for the sensitivity of Lennon’s work but equally for the imperative message to save our planet.It will open a new window into the soul of this brilliant artist.
Fremin Gallery
520 West 23rd Street
New York, NY
Hours–open daily from 11 – 7
Julian Lennon – on exhibit from March 6 – April 6
What a wonderful story. Can’t wait to see the exhibit!