Advertising, boating, armies, consulting, export... Before discovering the art world and creating the reputation he has today, Jean-Daniel Compain had 1001 professional lives. Guided by his natural curiosity, his interest in others and his taste for the international, he looks back on his career and tells us his vision of the art world. Meet the man behind BAD+.
If you had to describe your professional career, what would you say?
It's hard to summarize a period that began in the 70s! My first professional experiences involved a lot of international travel. This allowed me to open up to the world and to others. From these years, I remember the encounters and the cultural diversity that I had the chance to discover.
I then created a company specialized in business consulting. For 15 years, I travelled all over the world, accompanying large international groups. I can say that I was really passionate about organization, management, financing issues and the conquest of new markets. Reed, the world's leading trade show organizer, came looking for me in 1996 because of my expertise in consulting and my ability to adapt to the problems of different business sectors.
When did you first approach the art event business?
After 4 years of proving myself, Reed gave me the position of General Manager for 17 fairs, including the Salon du Livre, the Salon Nautique de Paris, Apple Expo, the Salon de l'Education and the Fiac, which was losing momentum at the time.
Very quickly, I joined Reed's executive committee and took the position of General Manager of the Culture, Luxury and Leisure Division. With my teams, we worked very hard and I must say that I am still very proud of what we accomplished together. We have produced some of the most beautiful public fairs in France and in the world. We have also transformed Fiac into one of the top three international fairs, along with Art Basel and Frieze.
In the same years, I bought Paris Photo, which was then held at the Carrousel du Louvre, and moved it to the Grand Palais, where my team and I made it the first fair dedicated to photography in the world. Then I launched Paris Photo in Los Angeles in 2013 in the iconic Paramount Studios in West Hollywood.
Then you were named Chevalier des Arts & Lettres by the Minister of Culture in June 2017
Absolutely. I see this as recognition of my 20 years of organizing the most beautiful fairs and events in France. Some time before, I founded Next Opus and took over the organization, at the request of the Syndicat National des Antiquaires, of the Biennale des Antiquaires et de la Haute Joaillerie for its 28th edition. Then I created the WAL, the Word Art Lounge, unfortunately interrupted by the health crisis. For this first confinement, I return temporarily on my native land, in Bordeaux.
How was BAD+ born?
During my stay in Bordeaux, I visit the city that I rediscover. It had changed a lot since my childhood. During a walk, my eyes stopped on Hangar 14, whose raw and industrial beauty I appreciated, in total contrast with the historical monuments of Bordeaux, and at the same time so well integrated into the landscape. I contacted Bordeaux Events And More, manager of the place, for a visit of the premises. One year later, the first edition was launched.
Bordeaux is a very dynamic city in terms of culture, it attracts several million national and international visitors each year thanks to its architectural and wine heritage. BAD+ aims to create a strong link between the Art of Living, contemporary art, the city and the vineyards. I have no doubt that in a few years, the fair will become a true week of contemporary art, thanks to the tremendous support of the city, its institutions and its partners.