URBAN ARTS magazine: “Grégory Slinn on all fronts with Urbaneez”

Bridging the gap between lesser-known artists and collectors worldwide, and offering greater visibility to a vibrant scene that is too often overlooked by traditional circuits, this is the objective of this innovative player in the art market. Read the transcribed interview with our founder, which was originally published in URBAN ARTS magazine #38 (March-April) and is available for purchase at all newsstands and on the publisher’s website.

After more than ten years working in the media industry for international brands, Grégory Slinn decided to leave it all behind to fully dedicate himself to his passion, Urban Art, which has been with him since his teenage years. Tired of seeing the same names appearing time and again in galleries, at fairs and on existing platforms, he created a showcase to highlight exceptionally talented artists - often very active on social media - who, until then, had only a limited presence on the market. Although he settled in Switzerland for personal reasons, Grégory Slinn leverages the country’s central location and its reassuring reputation among collectors to expand his business across Europe, particularly in France, the Benelux countries, the United Kingdom and, more recently, the United States. 

Online gallery, event agency and even media… how would you describe Urbaneez?

More than a gallery, Urbaneez has always been dedicated to promoting urban art. It is a platform enabling artists to showcase their world and sell their artworks or services. At the heart of this offering are original pieces coming directly from the studio, but also content – particularly artist interviews – aimed at educating the audience about the different facets of the movement. It also creates opportunities with fairs, brands and institutions to diversify collaborations. Since skateboarding is traditionally linked to urban cultures, we have already launched two collections on this theme, and you can always find hand-painted skateboards at our exhibitions: a real showstopper!

Such like a disruptive model compared to other traditional market players…

In 2018, while I was planning advertising campaigns for major brands, I realized that the luxury sector was already well established on digital channels, whereas the art world remained very traditional. I was quite unfamiliar with the world of galleries and I didn’t really dare to step into them. So I wanted to make it possible for everyone to access a specialized and unique catalog anytime and anywhere. It is no longer the art lover who goes to the art; it is the art that comes to them, much like Urban art itself, which is freely displayed for all to see. While Urbaneez is the commercial name of our activity, the company has actually been called “Art Meets You” since its inception.

Accessibility is therefore one of the key arguments put forward by Urbaneez...

Absolutely! Firstly, by offering a solution to those who don’t live in major urban centers with a wide range of galleries; and secondly, in terms of pricing. While the price of certain works by established artists can exceed €10'000, our average basket tends to be between €2'500 and €3'000 for works on canvas, with significant variations depending on the market. Many art lovers appreciate fine art prints for their very affordable cost (starting at around €100). These limited editions, especially those that are hand-enhanced, allow a wider audience to acquire the work of sought-after artists and start collecting. We place particular importance on this segment and will soon launch a dedicated Urbaneez sub-domain for this category.

You regularly attend art fairs. Is it important to have personal contact with collectors?

While our activity was initially created online to contribute to the digitalization of the market, it is now meant to be hybrid. We combine our digital platform with a physical presence at high-quality art fairs to meet enthusiasts across Europe. Rather than exhibitions in temporary venues, art fairs quickly became a preferred sales channel to increase the visibility of the artists with whom we actively collaborate. We choose to showcase a limited selection – two, three or four artists at most – tailored to each market. For example, at Lille Art Up!, we presented Graffmatt, Céz Art and Dave Baranes.

You work with a very large lineup over 150 artists. Why did you make this choice?

To present art lovers with a selection of professional artists representative of the diversity of the movement, it has always been important for us to curate an eclectic and carefully selected offering that stands out from what is found elsewhere. Each artist is selected for their uniqueness. The criteria may vary, but the aim is always to showcase high-quality studio work that combines a strong identity with mastered technique. The artist’s background, their ability to create murals or customize all types of media, as well as an established presence, are also key factors. Whether they are graffiti artists, stencil artists, collage artists, sculptors, painters or muralists… our artists all share a connection to the urban environment. Life is also about encounters, particularly at events such as art fairs, which can sometimes speed up the establishment of a new collaboration.

Since the launch of Urbaneez in 2020, how has Urban Art evolved in your opinion?

It is pleasant to see that the movement continues to evolve, reinventing itself and transcending market cycles to keep surprising us. Some artists are making a name for themselves by moving away from their pseudonyms, others are gradually losing visibility, and new entrants continue to fuel interest in Urban Art. As proof of this, some collectors are reselling works on the secondary market to acquire pieces by emerging artists. The profile of buyers has broadened. They may be more engaged enthusiasts, as they already follow the artists on social media, discover their work in the streets, and are more willing to enrich their collection rather than for financial investment.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start collecting Urban Art?

Urban Art is a visual art form that can be appreciated by everyone. From figurative to abstract, via Pop Art and Surrealism, there is truly something for everyone! The value of a collection lies in diversifying styles and finding the artwork that suits us best within each category. To start with, I think it’s best not to make a purely rational choice, but rather to let your emotions guide you and go with what catches your eye. I suggest to start with a small piece of art which, once displayed in your home, will surely make you want to acquire others!

This article was initially published in the issue #38 of URBAN ARTS magazine (March–April 2026), which you can order directly on the publisher’s website or pick up at a newsstand. And don’t forget that you can also subscribe to the magazine if you’re an Urban Art lover!

We also invite you to browse our online catalog of original artworks