The Algerian contemporary art market: three galleries, three strategies

We spoke to three gallerists who represent Algerian artists, none of whom makes a living the same way.

The first runs a gallery in Algiers and sells to local buyers. Her model rests on steady volume at accessible prices, between 60,000 and 400,000 dinars, and on fast turnover. "I am not in the discovery business. I am in trade, and I own the word."

The second works from Paris and sells at fairs. His prices are ten times higher, he sells fifteen pieces a year and he pays 40,000 euros for a booth. "A bad fair wipes out a year. This is a cash-flow profession before it is a taste profession."

The third sells almost nothing and produces instead: residencies, public commissions, editions. "The Algerian contemporary art market is still too small to carry a gallery. So I let production carry the gallery, and I wait for the market."