Curator Anne-Laure Lemaitre Advocates for Expanded Art Spaces

Curator Anne-Laure Lemaitre, a specialist in large-scale, in-situ art projects, advocates for contemporary art to "take up more space" by moving beyond conventional gallery models. Lemaitre, based in New York, divides her time between consulting for Fortune 500 companies and managing curatorial programs focused on emerging artists. Her curatorial approach emphasizes how artworks can respond to, occupy, and transform their surrounding environments, rather than merely existing as backdrops. This philosophy is evident in her appreciation for exhibitions that utilize unconventional spaces. Two such exhibitions that have significantly impacted her in the past year took place outside traditional gallery settings: one within an empty Brooklyn office and another spanning six floors of a Jersey City building. Lemaitre highlighted that the appeal of these shows stemmed not only from their scale but also from their ambitious nature, with independent curatorial projects leveraging underutilized spaces to create "rigorous, unexpected and alive" experiences. This drive to push beyond familiar formats informs her perspective on the current state of the art world in 2026. She perceives the industry as being in a period of transition, characterized by artists and organizers actively exploring novel methods of creation, engagement, and audience outreach. In a recent edition of HypeArt's 'State of Art' series, Lemaitre shared her thoughts on exhibitions that continue to resonate with her, including Lesley-Anne Cao’s "Amphibian Palm," artists she would choose to host at a dinner, and her assessment of the art world, which she grades a B-minus. The 'State of Art' series aims to provide insights into the ideas, debates, and cultural shifts influencing contemporary art by featuring contributions from artists, curators, collectors, and other prominent figures. Through personal questions and recommendations, the series offers a deeper understanding of what captivates the art world, what requires change, and future trajectories. Lemaitre's interest in art's spatial impact is a recurring theme, reflecting a broader trend of artists and institutions seeking to integrate art more dynamically into public and private spheres, thereby challenging traditional notions of art consumption and appreciation. Her work with diverse clients, including major corporations, suggests a growing recognition of art's potential to enhance environments and foster creative dialogue within various professional contexts.