Laura Bardier's vision for ESTE ARTE was not just to create an art fair, but to build a thriving ecosystem that would support the growth and professionalization of local artists. In a region where the art scene had long been underestimated, Bardier saw an opportunity to challenge perceptions and create a platform that would showcase Uruguayan talent on the global stage.
Born in Montevideo, Bardier had a wide-ranging international career within the institutional art system, working with prominent museums and galleries. However, she realized that Uruguay lacked a structured art scene, with many galleries operating outside of contemporary professional standards. Undeterred, Bardier set out to create an infrastructure that would support local artists and collectors.
Launched in Punta del Este, a seaside enclave popular among affluent buyers and luxury lifestyle seekers, ESTE ARTE quickly gained recognition as a unique and innovative fair. By focusing on the primary market and living artists, and by curating solo shows for 14 exhibitors, Bardier created an intimate and engaging experience that catered to local audiences.
One of the key factors in ESTE ARTE's success has been its ability to connect collectors with local artists. Through direct relationships built over time, Bardier helped form a collecting community, with many Uruguayan collectors actively buying art at the fair. The introduction of the Princess Laetitia d'Arenberg Award and the Don Baez Acquisition Award have further encouraged collecting and patronage.
Bardier's approach has also involved fostering dialogue between international curators and collectors on equal terms. By inviting prominent curators to ESTE ARTE, she has brought visibility to local artists and helped to promote a more decentralized art market.
As ESTE ARTE continues to grow in popularity, Bardier remains focused on refinement. With its 12th edition now complete, the fair has established itself as a major player in the international art scene, with an ambition to eventually establish an association of Latin American art fairs.
Today, ESTE ARTE is an internationally recognized platform that showcases Uruguayan talent and provides a vital support network for local artists. Under Bardier's leadership, the fair has become a catalyst for many projects, transforming the arts landscape in the region. As she looks to the future, Bardier remains committed to raising the standards of the art market and building a more sustainable ecosystem that benefits both artists and collectors.
Born in Montevideo, Bardier had a wide-ranging international career within the institutional art system, working with prominent museums and galleries. However, she realized that Uruguay lacked a structured art scene, with many galleries operating outside of contemporary professional standards. Undeterred, Bardier set out to create an infrastructure that would support local artists and collectors.
Launched in Punta del Este, a seaside enclave popular among affluent buyers and luxury lifestyle seekers, ESTE ARTE quickly gained recognition as a unique and innovative fair. By focusing on the primary market and living artists, and by curating solo shows for 14 exhibitors, Bardier created an intimate and engaging experience that catered to local audiences.
One of the key factors in ESTE ARTE's success has been its ability to connect collectors with local artists. Through direct relationships built over time, Bardier helped form a collecting community, with many Uruguayan collectors actively buying art at the fair. The introduction of the Princess Laetitia d'Arenberg Award and the Don Baez Acquisition Award have further encouraged collecting and patronage.
Bardier's approach has also involved fostering dialogue between international curators and collectors on equal terms. By inviting prominent curators to ESTE ARTE, she has brought visibility to local artists and helped to promote a more decentralized art market.
As ESTE ARTE continues to grow in popularity, Bardier remains focused on refinement. With its 12th edition now complete, the fair has established itself as a major player in the international art scene, with an ambition to eventually establish an association of Latin American art fairs.
Today, ESTE ARTE is an internationally recognized platform that showcases Uruguayan talent and provides a vital support network for local artists. Under Bardier's leadership, the fair has become a catalyst for many projects, transforming the arts landscape in the region. As she looks to the future, Bardier remains committed to raising the standards of the art market and building a more sustainable ecosystem that benefits both artists and collectors.
. I mean, she didn't just stop at hosting an art fair, she created this whole ecosystem for local artists to thrive. Like, she knows the art scene in Uruguay is underrated, so she decided to challenge that and create a platform that shines a light on Uruguayan talent globally.
. Now, we see these awesome collecting communities forming, which is amazing for both the artists and collectors. And I love how Bardier brings international curators and collectors together on equal terms - it's like a level playing field for everyone.
. It's awesome to see a platform that supports local artists and helps them get their work seen worldwide. And I love that Bardier is committed to refining the fair and building a sustainable ecosystem - it shows she's all about doing what's right for the community, not just making a quick buck 
! I mean, it's amazing how Laura Bardier's vision has turned into a thriving ecosystem that's totally changing the game for Uruguayan artists 
. It's not just about showcasing talent on the global stage, but also about creating a platform where collectors can connect with local artists and actually support them in a meaningful way 
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. And the fact that they're focusing on primary market and living artists is so refreshing, it's like, finally giving a voice to the people who need it most 
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. It's awesome that they're encouraging collecting and patronage, it's like, investing in the future of art 
. And the fact that ESTE ARTE is establishing an association of Latin American art fairs is just, like, totally game-changing 
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, let's keep celebrating the power of art and community 
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I think its amazing how Laura Bardier turned her vision into a thriving ecosystem for Uruguayan artists! 
The awards she introduced have definitely encouraged more collecting and patronage. And its great to see her focus on decentralizing the art market by bringing international curators to the table. 
It's a win-win for everyone involved! 
It's awesome that Laura Bardier created an infrastructure to support local artists and collectors, like, she really got it right 
. And I'm all for fostering dialogue between international curators and collectors - it's like, a win-win situation 
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. It's amazing to see how ESTE ARTE has grown from a small initiative to a major player in the international art scene 
it's so beautiful to see Uruguayan talent on the global stage 
i think it's really inspiring to see someone who has international experience bring their skills back to uruguay to make a positive impact on the local art scene 
. ESTE ARTE has become a major player in the art scene and I'm excited to see what's next for her and the Uruguayan art community 
just read that ESTE ARTE is now worth $10 million 
but all that money can't compensate for the environmental impact of the luxury buyers flocking to Punta del Este 
it's like they're not even thinking about the devastating effects of climate change on the region 
and what really gets me is that this whole ecosystem was built around supporting local artists, but I guess that's just a cover for the real issue - gentrification 
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. And those awards, oh man... the Princess Laetitia d'Arenberg Award and the Don Baez Acquisition Award are like a total seal of approval 
. But for now, I think we can all agree that Laura Bardier is the real MVP 
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. i love that she focused on building direct relationships between collectors and artists - it's all about community, right? 
#ESTEARTE #UruguayanArt #SupportLocalArtists
The fact that Bardier helped form a collecting community might be great for local artists, but what about the ones who can't afford to attend fancy fairs like ESTE ARTE? 
It's given so much visibility to local artists and helped shift the way we think about the art market. I'm super excited to see where this all goes, especially with the new awards and everything!