The Baer Faxt

From Idyllic Switzerland and Beyond with Rachel Lehmann

The Bearfax podcast marks the 30th anniversary of Layman Mopin Gallery, featuring co‑founder Rashelle Layman as she reflects on three decades of growth from a modest Swiss space to a presence on three continents. The conversation traces the gallery’s evolution, from early shows like Jeff Koons’s controversial "Made in Heaven" exhibition to its current navigation of a fragmented, technology‑driven market. Layman emphasizes that youthful risk‑taking—buying back an entire unsold Koons show and investing in high‑cost pieces such as a $65,000 Kamasutra glass work and a $350,000 marble bust—was essential to establishing the gallery’s reputation. She distinguishes personal collecting from dealer acquisitions, noting that her husband Jean‑Pierre and partner David Mopin influence decisions differently, and that collectors often act as adventurous patrons rather than profit‑driven buyers. Memorable anecdotes include the decision to purchase the whole Koons show despite no sales, the price dynamics of the Kamasutra piece, and the later sale of a marble bust to a Brussels foundation. Layman also observes that the art world’s geography has shifted: China now rivals the West, digital platforms coexist with physical fairs, and geopolitical instability has dampened sales in traditional hubs. The interview underscores that contemporary gallerists must balance bold, early‑stage bets with a renewed focus on regional buyers who demand in‑person viewing. Technology remains vital, but the market’s slower pace and heightened emphasis on tangible experiences suggest a hybrid model where physical presence and strategic risk continue to drive success.