Martine Gossieaux gallery celebrates humorous drawing

The Martine Gossieaux gallery is a small, dedicated space in Paris that honors the art of humorous drawing. It showcases works by artists like Sempé, Chaval, and Savignac, who use wit and pencil strokes to create images that are both playful and profound.

A hidden gem in Saint-Germain

Located near the Saint-Germain neighborhood, the gallery is marked by a striped awning and a small glass door. Inside, the walls are covered with framed drawings, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere that reflects the charm of the art it displays.

A tribute to Sempé

Martine Gossieaux met the famous cartoonist Sempé in 1979 and became his wife. Sempé, known for creating Petit Nicolas and illustrating works by authors like Modiano and Süskind, passed away in 2022. The gallery, opened in 1992, serves as both a tribute to his work and a space for the broader art of humorous drawing.

A living memory of the genre

Martine Gossieaux, who came from advertising but had a deep passion for graphic art, established the gallery to promote humorous drawing as a living art form. The gallery features a wide range of works that highlight the immediacy and brilliance of this art, which often captures a situation in a single image without relying on text.

An exhibition of diverse talent

The current exhibition, La Passion du dessin d’humour, showcases a variety of artists from Martine Gossieaux’s personal collection. It includes works by artists such as Pierre Le-Tan, Emmanuel Pierre, and Steig, and features a mix of styles and formats that highlight the diversity of the genre.

The roots of humorous drawing

The exhibition’s title is taken from a book that explores the history of humorous drawing, which originated in the United States and was influenced by cartooning. The covers of The New Yorker, a long-running weekly magazine, played a significant role in refining the aesthetics of this art form through the work of artists like Chas Addams and William Steig.

Humor as a serious art

Despite its playful nature, humorous drawing is recognized as a serious art form that requires skill and maturity. Martine Gossieaux emphasizes the unexpected and light nature of humor, while Philippe Caubet, a French writer, highlights the depth and insight of these artists in capturing overlooked realities.

Visiting the gallery

The exhibition La Passion du dessin d’humour is open at the Martine Gossieaux gallery, located at 56, rue de l’Université, 75007 Paris. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 14:30 to 19:00, and entry is free. The exhibition’s namesake book is also available for purchase at the gallery.