Kamel Mennour is a well-known figure in the art world. He is one of the most respected art dealers in Europe. In addition, the art lover has made himself known for his perception and artistic vision. He has represented many young and veteran artists throughout his career years.
The dealer had a very humble beginning in the art industry. His journey till now had been filled with many obstacles. Still, the French art dealer continuously strived forward due to his love for the art. As a result, he has opened three galleries in Paris and participated in numerous art fairs.
So, how did Kamel Mennour reached the pinnacle of his successful art career; let's get to know in this biography.
Thaddaeus Ropac Biography - Art Dealer
Early Life And Family
The art dealer was born in Algeria and raised in the Parisian suburb of Belleville. His father worked as a housepainter. However, the latter departed from his life after divorce. As such, Kamel Mennour's mother raised him by working as a cleaner. Likewise, Mennour also has a sibling with whom he shares a strong bond.
The art enthusiast completed his formal education in his hometown. He then enrolled at Sorbonne University to continue his studies. Moreover, the dealer was a good student and majored in economics at the college.
However, in the last years of his masters, he became more interested in art rather than his primary subject. As a result, Kamel decided to quit his studies and become a gallerist.
Kamel Mennour's family was initially hesitant about his career choice but later supported him. Photo Source: Kamel Mennour's Instagram.
Initially, the university student's family was devastated by his decision to give up his education. But, later on, they accepted his career choice and supported him. Additionally, Kamel Mennour's mom and brother helped to raise financial funding for his first gallery.
Kamel Mennour Net Worth And Career
The businessman evolved from a newcomer to an experienced art dealer within few years of his debut. As a result, he has gained wide recognition and abundant wealth from his career. So, Kamel Mennour's net worth mainly comprises his earnings from his art trading.
Moreover, it includes income from his painting sales, exhibitions, art fairs, commissions, etc.
The European art dealer represents many notable artists from all around the globe. He also makes good sales from their artworks. For instance, Kamel exhibited Neil Beloufa's Beach painting in his London art gallery in 2019. He sold the artwork for approximately $94K (€80,000) in the art show. In addition, the artist's other solo works also made $23K (€20,000) at the end of the presentation.
The trader is an excellent negotiator with a great understanding of art's value. As such, he has made great art sales over the years.
Earnings From Art Career
Aforementioned, Kamel Mennour doesn't come from an art background. His initial knowledge was limited up to various art books. So, the newcomer had a difficult time at the beginning of his career. He also lacked a mentor and built up his career from scratch. Moreover, the dealer worked in shopping malls selling lithographs and prints to collect money to open his gallery.
Despite the lack of experience and a solid network, the trader eventually opened his first gallery Galerie Kamel Mennour in 1999. It initially mainly focused on photography. Furthermore, in the early '00s, Larry Clark, Nobuyoshi Araki, Stephen Shore, etc., were not famous. As such, the gallerist obtained their photographs in a less amount and sold them in his shop.
Kamel Mennour's high ambition induced him to venture into Contemporary art. It was a somewhat risky movement considering the low status of contemporary artworks in Paris at that period. Still, the art trader represented Camille Henrot, Latifa Echakhch, Mohamed Bourouissa, etc., in his art studio. His efforts quickly bore him success, and he opened his second gallery at the Rue du Pont de Lodi.
Kamel Mennour works alongside top contemporary artists such as Camille Henrot, Latifa Echakhch, Francois Morellet, etc. Photo Source: Kamel Mennour's Instagram.
Unlike other dealers, Mennour not only sells the artists' works but also provides them guidance. Further, he gives his full attention, support, and honesty to his clients. As a result, the French gallerist represents more than forty art experts worldwide. Tatiana Trouve, Daniel Buren, Bertrand Lavier, Francois Morellet, Philippe Parreno, etc., are some of his clients.
The businessperson opened his third gallery in 2015 in Avenue Matignon. He also launched his fourth art studio in Brook Street, London, in 2016. Furthermore, Kamel participates in numerous art fairs, including Friezes, Fiac, and Basel fairs. He showcases his artists' works and negotiates a great deal out of them.
Thus, Kamel Mennour's net worth must be increasing over the years with his prospering art career.
Charitable Works
Alongside earning, the French art dealer is also focused on giving back to society. He is a philanthropist at heart. As such, Kamel has supported several non-profit organizations over the years. Moreover, he has been raising donations for Institut Imagine since 2015. The latter is the European research center for curing genetic diseases.
Kamel Mennour has organized 'Heroes for Imagine, a charity auction to support the organization. He collaborated with Galerie Kreo and helped raise funds to aid the Institute. Furthermore, the program has been successful in its running course of 2015, 2016, and 2018.
The art lover is still supporting the institution in its research works. In addition, he is one of the sponsors of the company.
Kamel Mennour Wife And Children
For the media personality, both family and career go hand-in-hand. He gives a massive priority to his family members and loves them wholeheartedly. Moreover, the dealer got married earlier in his life, at the age of twenty-three.
Likewise, Kamel Mennour's wife, Annika Mennour, has supported him from the beginning of his career. She has always been there for him in the most challenging situations.
The pair has five adorable children together. Their firstborn son had a brain tumor at fifteen months which the doctors later cured. Moreover, Kamel Mennour's son, Kayen Mennour, has grown up to be a healthy person. His daughters Jade Mennour, Mia Mennour, and Kija Mennour often accompany him in his art exhibitions.
Likewise, Kamel's youngest son, Elyas Mennour, also attended his gallery's 20th anniversary alongside his mother and siblings.
Kamel Mennour's wife and children often accompany him in his exhibition shows. Photo Source: Kamel Mennour's Instagram.
Kamel Mennour is currently enjoying a comfortable life with his family. However, he is still passionately working in the art community. Moreover, the social personality has established himself to be one of the best contemporary art dealers in the world. His achievement from a small gallerist to a world-renowned dealer is incredible.
Trivia And Facts
- Kamel Mennour has 92.3K Instagram followers.
- He was listed in Artnet's Europe's Most Respected Art Dealers in 2016.
- He was included in Vanity Fair's 50 Most Influential French People in 2017.
