Paris has always held a special place in the heart of Galleri GKM. Without knowing a word of French, our father Siwert Bergström took the train to Paris in early spring 1976. Driven by his persistency and curiosity he wanted to get to know the Parisian art world. The artist Bengt Lindström had arranged for Siwert to meet with Corneille in a sidewalk café by the Rue de Clignancourt. This was the beginning of a long collaboration and friendship which led to several other acquaintances with artists who, like Corneille, came to form the core of Galleri GKM and the starting point for its development from a local to an international gallery.

From 1981 to 1995 we exhibited at FIAC in Grand Palais which contributed to many wonderful memories in the history of the gallery such as the fabulous vernissage dinner parties at la Closerie des Lilas. Many of the artists from this period have passed away and are missed, but a younger generation has followed and since 1991 Karl-Johan lives in Paris representing the gallery.

We are now happy to, once again, organize an exhibition in Paris, showing a selection of artworks from the artists we represent, from older to younger generations, embracing the GKM-history. This show will also be a homage to our father Siwert Bergström who sadly passed away in November last year. We have chosen to “highlight” a selection of artworks from his private collection, honoring the work of an extraordinary man who devoted his life to art.

Welcome to enjoy works by: Valerio Adami, Karel Appel, Arman, César, P. Chappert-Gaujal, Corneille, David Drebin, Yrjö Edelmann, Erró, Sam Francis, Philippe Huart, Peter Klasen,Bengt Lindström, Roberto Matta, Gérard Schlosser, William Sweetlove.

Thomas & Karl-Johan Bergström