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Iris Clert's Memoir Reissued: The Galley Slave of Avant-Garde Art

publication · 2026-04-23

The reissue of Iris Clert's memoir, 'Iris.time.L'aventure', offers a chaotic snapshot of a life devoted to the most innovative art of the 1950s–1970s. Clert, a gallerist on rue des Beaux-Arts, championed Nouveaux Réalistes like Yves Klein, Gaston Chaissac, Jean Tinguely, and Takis. Her promotional stunts—balloon releases, Republican Guards at openings, tiny salons, off-biennials—were ahead of their time. Klein transformed her gallery into a space of pure sensitivity; Arman filled its 20 square meters with tons of garbage. The memoir details her role as a catalyst, turning chance encounters into revolutionary synergy, ensnaring critics and collectors in her web.

Key facts

  • Iris Clert's memoir 'Iris.time.L'aventure' has been reissued.
  • Clert was a gallerist on rue des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
  • She supported Nouveaux Réalistes including Yves Klein, Gaston Chaissac, Jean Tinguely, and Takis.
  • Her promotional tactics included balloon releases, Republican Guards at openings, tiny salons, and off-biennials.
  • Yves Klein transformed her gallery into a space of pure sensitivity.
  • Arman filled the gallery with tons of garbage.
  • The memoir is a chaotic snapshot of art from the 1950s to 1970s.
  • Clert defined herself as a 'galérienne' (galley slave).

Entities

Artists

  • Iris Clert
  • Yves Klein
  • Gaston Chaissac
  • Jean Tinguely
  • Takis
  • Arman

Locations

  • Paris
  • France

Sources