How international art fairs have transformed my career as an artist
International art fairs play a major role in the contemporary art market. They bring together gallery owners, collectors, curators and art lovers from around the world, creating a space where works circulate, confront each other and find new audiences. For a Quebec artist like me, these events were decisive, even if I did not participate physically.
For over ten years, a professional gallery represented my work at fairs in Europe, Asia, the United States, South America, and Australia. This international presence has shaped my career, broadened my visibility and opened doors that I could never have gone through alone
.
In this article, I share how these fairs have influenced my career: global visibility, professional meetings, artistic evolution and increased recognition. You will also discover how these experiences have nourished my transition from contemporary floral to a freer and more textured abstract
.Why international art fairs are essential for an artist
International art fairs have become essential platforms for contemporary artists. According to the Art Basel & UBS report (2024), they represent a growing share of the global market, with over 65 billion USD in sales in 2023. Source: https://www.artbasel.com/about/initiatives/the-art-market (artbasel.com in Bing)
They allow artists to be seen by thousands of qualified visitors in a few days: collectors , institutions, galleries, specialized media. For an artist based in Quebec, this global visibility is difficult to obtain otherwise.
Global visibility thanks to professional representation
Even without traveling, the gallery that represented me presented my works in more than 15 countries. This presence allowed:
to exhibit my paintings in front of an international audience,
to be invited to two solo exhibitions in Seoul,
- to see six of my works acquired by a patron from Singapore,
to enter into relationships with galleries foreigners.
This visibility reinforced my credibility and allowed me to be identified as an international professional artist, while working from my studio in Saguenay.
Understanding trends in the art market
Feedback from the gallery, exchanges with collectors and the observation of global trends fed my thinking. Fairs are places where new styles, new palettes and innovative approaches emerge
.
A natural transition to abstraction
These influences contributed to my transition from contemporary floral to a bright and textured abstract, an evolution that emerged as a logical continuation of my approach
.
Related works and exhibitions
The works created during this period bear the traces of these international influences: bolder colors, more assertive textures, freer compositions. Some pieces resulting from this evolution are still available in my online store.
Discover the works of Dominique Desmeules
Explore the original works available, including pieces influenced by my years of
international representation.
👉 https://www.dominiquedesmeules.com/boutique/
FAQ
How can an artist be represented at international fairs?
Most of the time, galleries select the artists they want to present. They manage logistics, the selection of works and relationships with the organizers. The artist does not need to be physically present to benefit from this visibility.
Why are art fairs important for an artist's career?
They offer global visibility in a few days, attract qualified collectors and make it possible to create links with galleries and institutions. They also contribute to strengthening the professional credibility of the artist.
Does Dominique Desmeules still participate in international exhibitions?
Yes. Although the fairs are managed by the galleries, my works continue to circulate internationally, and I regularly participate in exhibitions in Quebec and abroad.
Where can I buy an original work by Dominique Desmeules?
The available works can be viewed and purchased directly in my online store: https://www.dominiquedesmeules.com/boutique/
Conclusion
International art fairs have had a profound impact on my course, even at a distance. Thanks to a solid professional representation, my works have traveled, met their audience and contributed to the evolution of my artistic approach. They remain an essential driver of my influence.
Dominique Desmeules — Painter Dominique Desmeules is a Quebec painter whose works have been exhibited in more than 15 countries. Recognized for her floral and abstract universe, she is an established figure in the contemporary artistic scene in Quebec. 👉 Learn more: https://www.dominiquedesmeules.com/a-propos/