A trailblazer in the art world, Marine Tanguy is the founder and CEO of MTArt Agency, the first agency dedicated to representing artists rather than galleries. Her mission is to make art more accessible and ensure artists get the recognition they deserve. 

What do you do, and what do you love most about it?
At age 21 years old, I was the youngest gallery manager in Europe when i managed the gallery of Steve Lazarides who discovered Banksy. At 23 years old, I was approached by a US investor to open my first art venture in Los Angeles, De Re Gallery (named after the island I come from in France) on Melrose Avenue. The gallery launched with several celebrities and mega collectors like Demi Moore. It's in Los Angeles that I had the idea to build the very first talent agency in the art world, mimicking the top talent agencies like CAA, UTA and WME. I launched Certified B Corporation, MTArt Agency in London, in 2015, when she was 25 years old. 

Today, MTArt agency is the art sector's leading talent agency representing some of the most talented, forward-thinking artists in the world. The agency enables artists to work with the broadest canvas possible, from working with brands to public art and fine art institutions. The agency works with global organisations and cities, nurturing an international community of art-lovers and collectors as well as diverse brands ranging from Apple to Hyundai and even the World Cup. MTArt Agency was listed as one of the fastest growing companies in the UK on the Sunday Times Power list and is currently expanding to the US and Middle East markets. MTArt Agency has been supported by a number of incredible investors, including Frederic Jousset, Todd Ruppert and Saul Klein. 

I am a passionate advocate for the role of the artist in our society, I wish for art to become a part of our everyday experience. She published my academic paper with Warwick University supporting a new way to value public art projects within cities. I also published my first book with Penguin encouraging a more active participation in our visual culture, all the while teaching visual literacy. My talks include three TEDx Talks on how to transform cities with art, how social media visuals affect our minds and how harmful are the visual biases we see daily. I am also an investor in art & tech companies like IconDesk and Exactly AI. 

What inspired you to pursue this career?
I answered within the first question but I could reiterate here on my love for the arts, wanting to inspire people daily with art and supporting artists. 

How do you see the role of women evolving in the art world?  
They are more visible but remain at the bottom end of its economics. The top earners remain men and I am happy to have challenged this with building this company and fundraising at such high valuations. More than gender, the art world highlights social and economical inequalities and that's again something we are changing as a B Corp.

What advice would you give to other women navigating their careers in the art world? 
Build a life outside of it as you will have to give so much to your career and for so many years. My family, children, friends and hobbies keep me grounded and happy.

How do you approach confidence and self-expression in your work? 
I am lucky to be given a large voice within my sector and therefore I take this as a privilege and a responsibility so I make sure to support artists, projects and people who make the art world a better place.

Who is the woman that has inspired you the most, and why?
So many!! I am lucky to be surrounded by women who inspire me and that is daily. The world is being reshaped by these amazing women (and men).

What does female empowerment mean to you?
The right to lead the life on your own terms, freely and as you wanted it to be. I am very lucky to have this.

What’s your favourite or most worn AJOSEPO piece, and why?
I love my red Amara earrings, it's a little touch of colour, joy and strength on an outfit.