Mariane Ibrahim
Marie Claire

In her Marie Claire interview, Mariane Ibrahim shares how her journey into the art world was born from a desire to give visibility to Afro-descendant artists who were overlooked by mainstream institutions. Starting out in Paris as a photographer, she quickly shifted toward curation, recognizing a lack of platforms for the artists around her. Her galleries in Chicago, Mexico City, and Paris are more than exhibition spaces—they are intentional cultural and political sites that reflect the histories, identities, and futures of the communities they serve. Each location was chosen for its distinct energy: Chicago for its legacy of Black excellence, Paris as a symbolic center of the art world, and Mexico City for its layered cultural history and underrecognized Afro-descendant presence.

 

Ibrahim’s relationship to these cities is deeply personal and strategic. In Mexico City, she was drawn to the vibrant intersection of colonial and indigenous influences, the celebration of family through museum culture, and the city's chaotic, textured beauty. In Chicago, she saw a thriving but under-connected art ecosystem, where her presence as an Afro-descendant gallerist could fill a critical gap. Across her spaces, Ibrahim champions artists—particularly women—whose work pushes against historical erasure and challenges the norms of the market.

 

She also critiques the short-lived market frenzy around Black artists post-2020, advocating instead for long-term institutional support and access for Black collectors. Her work today reflects a powerful shift: she’s no longer questioned for her presence, but recognized for the global vision she brings to the art world.