Presentation of the “Friends of Serge’s Work”
« Les Amis de l’Œuvre de Serge Labégorre " brings together a handful of lovers of his painting, led by his daughter Sophie Labégorre. Ten years ago, she created the gallery and endowment fund to strengthen its influence, which continues to be fueled at a steady pace by the artist's creativity.
We wish to elevate Serge's work to the level its importance in contemporary painting demands, to the highest level. And to complete the trajectory Sophie initiated by creating a museum, the only one capable of enshrining the soul of the world, as the painter projected it onto his canvases, and inscribing it, almost, in eternity.
We envisioned this large-scale facility as part of a network of interconnected relationships between the Fund, public and private institutions, and a network of galleries, all dedicated to promoting Expressionism and its Aquitaine figurehead.
Who are we ?
Marie-Noëlle, Pierre, Christian, Pascale, Alain, Jean-Claude, Antoine and Bertrand. For now.
Art professionals and artists, entrepreneurs, gallery owners, and executives, blending their diverse backgrounds and careers to serve a worthy cause. Experiences in law, the market, institutional frameworks, management, public relations, and even international affairs, all weave the fabric of a shared dream that is now being realized, with the privilege of the selfless nature of all contributions.
The idea of coming together was born in 2023. Our affection for Sophie, admiration for her dedication to Serge Labégorre's work, and enthusiasm for his project brought us together during the preparations for the Fund's tenth anniversary celebration, and our small community naturally took shape.
Since then, we've been meeting every two weeks, in front of our respective screens, for brain storming sessions where we set no limits on our reflections on ways to achieve our goal.
Outside of this busy schedule, we also meet at events that each other organizes.
And in this studious and joyful atmosphere, a rather lively feeling of friendship has gradually developed—collateral damage, so to speak, unexpected and happy.
Our news
We are currently working on the development of the museum project. This major cultural institution will be established in the Southwest of France, in a municipality committed to culture and eager to promote its heritage — strengthening its appeal as a tourist destination. We are now focusing on the key foundations: location, architecture, funding methods, budgets, and more. etc.
In the shorter term, we are also overseeing the preparation of several exhibitions, with the aim of assisting in the logistical aspects so that Sophie can focus on what truly matters: highlighting and promoting the work. In summer 2025, the Soulac Museum of Contemporary Art will exhibit more than 150 works by the artist — a remarkable tribute, twenty years after the unforgettable exhibition at Bordeaux’s submarine base that left such a strong impression.
Do our mindset, our approach, and this project resonate with you? Don’t hesitate to reach out, ask questions, or explore the idea of joining us on this adventure.
You’re very welcome to write to us — we’ll be delighted to read you:
Alain Querrioux, Bertrand, and the Friends of Serge’s Work,
Seignosse, March 30, 2025
(Discours d’Alain Querrioux, à l’initiative de cette amicale, dans le cadre de la fête des 10 ans du Fonds Labégorre, en juillet 2024, à Seignosse)
" We are driven by admiration and passion for Serge’s work.
In line with the vision of Sophie, one of Serge’s daughters, we are committed to helping preserve and sustain this profoundly important body of work — and to tirelessly share it with the world.
At the end of 2023, I felt the need to support Sophie with a simple idea: why not reach out to all those who, I believed, might share my desire to help make Sophie’s dream a reality?
Our driving force: deep respect and admiration for Serge’s art and for Sophie’s unwavering energy.
Some of us are art professionals — artists, gallery owners — others are simply passionate, well-informed amateurs. Our profiles are complementary, and our contributions entirely selfless.
We have discovered the joy of working together, consistently and closely with Sophie, to bring an external perspective to the activities of the Fund.
In practical terms, we have tried to define what this project could be, to articulate it and distill its main objectives.
Through our discussions, four main directions emerged:
Building on the existing Fund ; Transferring it to a public institution ; Relying on a private initiative ; Developing a network of partner galleries — a kind of “Labégorre network.”
The group’s creativity and enthusiasm quickly led us to imagine possible combinations among these four options.
One idea in particular sparked genuine excitement and interest: the creation of a museum dedicated to Serge Labégorre’s work, possibly extended to the broader Expressionist movement. Such a museum would be a first of its kind in France, as far as we know. Similar institutions do exist in countries like Germany and Norway. Some among us have even proposed contacting them to explore possible collaboration.
Once the project takes shape, we are confident we will find the means to bring it to life.
Thinking in the medium to long term is thrilling. In the short term, we would simply like to contribute to the day-to-day functioning of the Fund — wherever our help might be useful."
Would you like to join this think tank and support group?
Do not hesitate to contact Alain Querrioux by email at alain.querrioux@neuf.fr
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