The original idea of YLA (Young Luxembourgish Artists) is based on the loose artist group ‘Young British Artists’, which was founded in London, UK, in 1988 with artists such as Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst, Jenny Saville, Cornelia Parker, Sarah Lucas, Gary Hume, Tacity Dean,... The majority of these artists studied Fine Art at Goldsmiths College of Art, London UK. They became known for their shock tactics and their openness to experiment with different materials and media. Their exhibition ‘Sensation’ received much attention and was widely discussed in the press.

YLA was founded in 2021 because we felt the need to give a platform to young artists from Luxembourg. The first exhibition was a big project with 12 artists, exhibited in two separate spaces. After the exhibition we decided to set up a non-profit association called YLA - Young Luxembourgish Artists. We continue organizing exhibitions under that association and act as a guide for the artists along their career. This year’s group exhibition presents the work of 9 artists.

The majority of the artists that we show in the framework of YLA have completed studies in Fine Arts or Visual Arts. All of them have been born between the 1980s and 1990s. These artists are by no means a collective of artists, and should not represent a canon in art, but rather present different perspectives and express themselves freely through different media. They deal with current issues and ask questions. Most of these artists have had few or no exhibitions in Luxembourg but a few exhibitions abroad. The exhibitions we organize are always curated and selected by us.

The artists we select for YLA have completed their studies abroad, due to the lack of art schools in their own country. This is by no means a criticism, however, as studying abroad broadens horizons and opens up new pathways. Thus, we think it’s important to give these artists visibility in the country they were born in or grew up in.

We are happy to provide a base at the beginning of their career and to show their talent to a large audience.

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YLA was founded by Lou PHILIPPS and Gerard VALERIUS.