interview
Coloring Outside the lines of the traditional art industry with Lisette and Vanessa.
Why did the two of you start Galerie En Vie?
Lisette:
When I moved to Berlin I started looking for art for my new apartment. Despite finding many authentic pieces I felt drawn to, my walls remained empty for over three years. There were so many factors holding me back – complex pricing, the pressure of making one perfect choice, uncertainty about where to buy, limited knowledge about upcoming artists. That’s how the idea to create a platform that removes those barriers started. We want to make it easier for people to experiment with and invest in art they connect with.
Vanessa:
Lisette called me one day and said “Hey I’ve got this idea…” and it immediately sparked my interest. As we started talking more about it, the concept of Galerie En Vie just kept growing. The more we thought about it, the more everything clicked. So we decided to go for it. It felt like the right time and the right idea to bring to life.
What makes en Vie unique?
Vanessa:
Honestly, it’s faster to point out what’s not unique compared to the traditional art world. During our research, we were shocked by how outdated and uninspiring many offerings were – both in terms of business structure and the art itself. We want to connect people to original and unique art, rather than mainstream posters and decoration.
Lisette:
Our business model is circular, which means it integrates every aspect of the art industry. This makes En Vie appealing not only to seasoned art collectors but also to art newcomers. We reinterpreted the infrastructural backbone of engaging with, sharing, trading and financing art from the ground up to make it more inclusive and dynamic.
what are your aspirations with en vie for the future?
Vanessa:
I hope we can demonstrate how to blend traditional entrepreneurship, where one takes responsibility for capital and risks, with the idea of testing any concept we believe in without relying on external capital and expectations of traditional investors. Our goal is to help artists monetize their work, to accelerate the exchange of art, and make art appealing to new audiences. Another key question is how sustainability can be applied to art. To change the existing system, we need to create a new one—upending the traditional art world. These are the changes we aim to bring about, and it’s incredibly exciting to see how we can make that happen.
Lisette:
In two years I hope for us to have expanded the way people think about and interact with art, making it more accessible, personal, and integrated into living spaces. I aspire for us to be known for pushing the boundaries of what art can be in our daily lives – integrating technology, sustainability, and engagement way beyond traditional galleries. Above all, I want our company to foster a new era of collaboration, where artists aren’t just creators, and buyers aren’t just consumers, but both are catalysts for the global conversation about art, culture, and society.