Lisa Boudet is a distinguished art curator with dual Master’s degrees from Sorbonne Paris and King’s College London. With over eight years at Google, she has worked with top luxury brands such as Chanel, YSL, and Louis Vuitton. Lisa curates groundbreaking exhibitions globally, from Paris to Hong Kong. In 2020, she launched a YouTube channel dedicated to unique art world interviews and has contributed to magazines like Playboy. Her work is driven by a passion for uncovering untold stories in the art world.

Can you tell us about your journey into the art world and how you became a curator?

Growing up in Paris, I was lucky to be surrounded by many museums and galleries, which sparked my love for art from a young age. After that my journey into the art world began during my time at Christie’s Paris, where I saw the auction of the Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé Collection. This event was huge not just for its auction records but also because of its cultural impact. These experiences hooked me on the art world. 

I then started my YouTube channel, where I interview artists and influential figures in the art world, such as Javier Calleja, Aaron Johnson and Jordy Kerwick, realizing the importance of sharing these people’s stories. It’s more than just interviews; it’s about uncovering the hidden narratives that make the art world fascinating and learn from everyone’s journey and the challenges they faced along the way.

Curating came organically through meeting a lot of amazing people in the artworld who gave me a chance and believed in me and my vision, to not only pick talented artists but also to put on a unique exhibition for their audience. 

What inspired your collaboration with Playboy.nl Magazine, and how has this experience influenced your work?

The inspiration for my collaboration with Playboy.nl Magazine came from my passion for uncovering the unique stories behind each artist’s journey. I was excited by the challenge of democratizing this approach and introducing these stories to a broader audience.

Playboy has a rich and complex history. It was one of the first mainstream publications to challenge societal norms and spark important conversations about sex and relationships, but it also has a more controversial side. My aim with this collaboration is to shift the narrative by highlighting the stories of powerful female artists. By featuring their voices and work, I hope to provide them with the recognition they deserve in such a renowned publication.

Could you share some highlights from your upcoming curation at Woaw Gallery in July?

This new curation at WOAW Gallery is an immersive exhibition showcasing the works of 12 international artists, around the theme of Cinema. The gallery is covered from top to bottom in grand red curtains – similarly to a performance stage, the space invites viewers to wonder if we are actors about to come onto the stage, or if we are the audience waiting for the curtains to unfold and the show to begin.

Among the featured artists are Lucie Antoinette, Claudio Coltorti, Emily Furr, Edward Givis, Evgen Čopi Gorišek, Jacob Littlejohn, Luke O’Halloran, Nathan Ritterpusch, Meghann Stephenson, Yongqi Tang, Angela Fang Zirbes, and Caroline Zurmely. Focusing on different subjects, each artist offers a distinct perspective on the concept of what it means to have “main character energy” – the belief in oneself as the central figure of one’s narrative. 

The gallery’s dramatic transformation is inspired by the renowned American filmmaker David Lynch, celebrated for his aesthetically captivating and enigmatic films. The exhibition metamorphoses the gallery into a scene reminiscent of Lynch’s iconic work Twin Peaks (1990-1991), specifically the surreal “Red Room” scene where the boundaries between reality and the subconscious dissolve. This ambiguous space invites viewers on an introspective journey – against a backdrop of red curtains, visitors are forced to wonder if we are the protagonists performing on stage, or are we simply spectators in someone else’s story.

For instance American artist Meghann Stephenson is presenting a piece that explores the role of women in society and history. Her work, named ‘The Only Living Girl’ (2024), features an elegant female arm holding a bright red pomegranate. The fruit is a symbolic motif to the Greek myth of Persephone, the goddess of flowers who was kidnapped by Hades, the god of the underworld, to be his bride. Throughout history, many have argued over Persephone’s autonomy in the story, believing her to be a helpless victim of Hades’s trickery. However, Stephenson’s work focuses on the significance of Persephone’s actions instead – to her, the goddess chose to consume the pomegranate seeds to stay in the underworld. By highlighting the pomegranate as a symbol of her choice, Stephenson gives autonomy to Perseophone’s decision to consume the fruit, allowing her to control her own destiny in the story.  

How do you select the artists you feature in your exhibitions, and what qualities do you look for in their work?

I approach an art exhibition much like casting a movie. I seek out talented and exciting artists who fit the theme of the show, ensuring each has a distinctive style. This way, every artist brings a unique perspective, narrative, or style to the exhibition. It’s important to me that each artist gets their moment to shine.

With your background in digital marketing at Google, how do you see the relationship between technology and contemporary art evolving?

There is much to say on this topic. Technology often brings initial discomfort, but it also shakes things up and opens new opportunities and new ways of approaching a practice. Embracing these changes early on is crucial, and feeling uncomfortably excited is actually a positive sign.

Can you describe a particularly memorable project or collaboration you’ve worked on?

My last group exhibition in Paris was truly memorable. We transformed the space into a moon landing-themed setting and titled it “High-Stakes,” focusing on key moments in life that can make or break you. We collaborated with a Louis Vuitton stylist and organized a photoshoot with the artists dressed by renowned fashion brands such as Fendi, Ambush, and Courrèges. Additionally, we hosted a live concert by the French band Renard Tortue and a performance by famous YouTuber and DJ ICYKOF. 

What challenges have you faced as a female curator in the art industry, and how have you overcome them?

Imposter syndrome has been a significant challenge for me, and it’s something I continue to grapple with. I’ve often felt unprepared or not legitimate enough. However, I’m incredibly grateful for the people who took a chance on me, whether by granting interviews, meeting for coffee, or collaborating on projects. Their support has been instrumental in my journey.

How do you balance your roles between curation, digital media, and your contributions to Playboy.nl?

Juggling multiple priorities can be tough at times. I’ve dedicated my weekends and holidays to work on these exciting projects, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities. I recommend everyone pursue something on the side of their main job or practice. It all feeds into each other. This multifaceted approach makes me feel like I’m living several lives at once, providing numerous opportunities to connect with a diverse range of people I might not otherwise encounter. A quote that constantly guides and motivates me is from Virgil Abloh: “Life is so short you can’t waste even a day subscribing to what someone thinks you can do versus knowing what you can do.” This is the mindset that drives me forward. 

What advice would you give to emerging artists trying to gain visibility in the art world today?

Professionalism is essential for advancing your career as an artist. Actively use Instagram to promote yourself and your projects, while also supporting your peers. Build strong alliances within the art community, and prioritize strategic choices over decisions driven solely by financial gain whenever possible. Don’t hesitate to seek advice from diverse sources and people.

How do you come up with the concept for an exhibition you are curating?

The theme of an exhibition often arises from personal experiences and feelings, if you look back at some of my past curation titles you can find “High-Stakes” which encapsulate these moments that make or break you and “More Than Now” that is a reflection on psychological safety and taking risk in life. I also draw inspiration from impactful movies or fashion shows that have left a lasting impression on me. These sources of inspiration can evoke emotions, ideas, or visual aesthetics that I feel compelled to explore further.

When developing a concept, I also consider current cultural and societal trends, aiming to create an exhibition that is both timely and relevant. I spend a lot of time researching and engaging with artists to understand their perspectives and how they might contribute to the theme. This collaborative process helps to ensure that the exhibition is cohesive and that each piece adds a unique layer to the overall narrative.

For me, strong curation blends profound, shared emotions with a compelling concept that captivates people, sparks dialogue, and forges connections. I strive to create an immersive experience that not only showcases the art but also invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences and emotions. By doing so, I hope to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art, as well as meaningful interactions among the audience.

Ultimately, the goal is to create an exhibition that resonates on multiple levels, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved – from the artists to the viewers. This approach ensures that the exhibition is not just a collection of artworks but a thoughtfully curated journey that engages, inspires, and connects people.

Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for the next few years in your career?

Looking ahead, my goals and aspirations include collaborating with inspiring individuals across various creative fields, such as Fashion, Cinema and music.  

I’d love to curate an art exhibition within a Fashion show or work on a curation that is a part of a movie doing things like this that haven’t been done before. Take things to the next level like visionaries Sarah Andelman and Marc Jacobs, or iconic directors such as Quentin Tarantino; pushing the boundaries and leading the way in the contemporary art world.

In the publishing world, I would love to bring my interviews to even bigger audiences and collaborate with historical magazines that can give a wider visibility to these untold stories like Interview Magazine or Purple Magazine. 
I am a strong believer of putting things out into the universe because you never know what can happen next!