From the Streets of Paris to the Skylines of Dubai: CHAMPOP GALERIE Opens in the Heart of the Opera District
Founded by Thibaut and Déborah Valès, the Parisian gallery known for showcasing legends like Banksy and Andy Warhol now opens its doors in Dubai, offering a bold new chapter in contemporary and street art.
In a city known for its architectural grandeur and creative evolution, a new cultural gem is about to open its doors. CHAMPOP GALERIE, the celebrated Paris-based contemporary art gallery, is set to launch its newest location in Downtown Dubai’s Opera District on June 12, 2025. Known for its daring approach to Pop Art and Street Art, the gallery will bring the pulse of Parisian artistry to the heart of the UAE.
Originally founded in 2017 in the iconic Le Marais district of Paris, CHAMPOP GALERIE has become a hub for some of the most influential names in the contemporary art world. With this latest expansion, the gallery continues its mission to bridge continents through culture, showcasing both legendary and emerging talent on a global stage.
Born in Paris. Reimagined for Dubai.
The brainchild of Thibaut and Déborah Valès, CHAMPOP GALERIE was built on a vision to spotlight artists who challenge the status quo and redefine the visual narrative of our times. From its Parisian roots, the gallery has gained an international following for curating works that blur boundaries — between genres, between eras, and between the streets and the gallery space itself.
With its Dubai debut, CHAMPOP is once again pushing the envelope. This isn’t just a new location — it’s a new dialogue. A space where the rebellious spirit of street art meets the elegance of contemporary design, all under the curatorial eye of Déborah Valès, who now leads the Dubai operation.
Meet the Founders: The Vision Behind the Art
At the helm of CHAMPOP GALERIE are husband-and-wife duo Thibaut and Déborah Valès, whose combined creative instincts have shaped the gallery into an international brand. While Thibaut continues to operate the Paris branch, Déborah has brought her discerning taste and curatorial leadership to the UAE.
Her move to Dubai is a strategic one — and deeply personal. “Dubai is fast becoming one of the world’s cultural powerhouses,” says Déborah. “It’s vibrant, forward-thinking, and unapologetically ambitious — just like the kind of art we love to show.”
Her focus lies in discovering new voices and creating opportunities for contemporary artists to gain global recognition. At CHAMPOP, it’s not just about selling art — it’s about telling stories, elevating voices, and building cultural bridges.
A Museum-Worthy Lineup of Icons and Visionaries
CHAMPOP GALERIE’s artist roster reads like a who’s who of both the urban underground and the high-art elite. The gallery features rare and sought-after works from established legends, while also cultivating rising stars whose impact on the art world is undeniable.
Banksy – The elusive British street artist whose provocative and socially charged pieces are rarely found in galleries. CHAMPOP is among the few with the honor of showcasing his work.
Takashi Murakami – The celebrated Japanese artist known for his vibrant “Superflat” style that blends anime, fine art, and Japanese tradition.
Mr. Brainwash – A French-American urban art superstar and friend of Banksy, known for bold, explosive pieces and a museum of his own in Los Angeles.
Halim Flowers – A deeply inspiring artist who was wrongfully imprisoned for over two decades. Since his release, he’s taken the art world by storm, recently showing at the Venice Biennale, with an upcoming exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 2025.
Mister Luca T – A French artist whose “Crumpled Art” technique reimagines texture and form. His fame soared after DJ Khaled shared his work purchased from CHAMPOP on social media.
Seaty – A Dubai-based French artist whose black-and-white character portraits with vivid, colorful hairstyles are transforming modern interiors and redefining regional art aesthetics.
Léo & Steph – A Franco-Brazilian duo known for their beloved character Kid Cup, a playful yet profound symbol of youth. Their large-scale sculptures, including 10-meter installations in Shanghai, have earned them global acclaim.
Art Without Borders: A Global Legacy Expands
The Dubai launch is not CHAMPOP’s first encounter with the international scene. The gallery has featured in prestigious art fairs across the globe — Art Basel Miami, Luxembourg Art Fair, Art Fair Paris, and World Art Dubai, where its avant-garde selections consistently drew critical attention and collector admiration.
With the establishment of a permanent location in Dubai, CHAMPOP GALERIE positions itself at the epicenter of a global cultural renaissance — one that fuses east and west, heritage and innovation, rebellion and refinement.
June 12: An Opening Night Like No Other
To celebrate this monumental opening, CHAMPOP will host a private inaugural evening on June 12, inviting an elite guest list of collectors, tastemakers, artists, and media from across the region. The night will mark the unveiling of a powerful, multi-artist exhibition that sets the tone for what’s to come — a gallery where art not only speaks but sparks conversations that matter.
Visit CHAMPOP GALERIE – Dubai Opera District Step into a new era of Pop & Street Art
Editor-in-Chief of Dubai Magazine, and a columnist for Entrepreneur, Middle East Magazine, CEO Magazine, and The Hollywood Magazine. Known for building one of the fastest-growing media networks spotlighting influential voices across business, fashion, and culture. Passionate about telling stories that matter and creating platforms that elevate global talent.
