As an arts advisor, it pays to know what calls are currently open, what galleries are on the hunt for which material, and when the timing is right for an artist to make a move. About a month ago, we were contacted by a painter who claimed she could not find a gallery to accept her work. We consulted with her, reviewed her portfolio, made a few phone calls, considered the whole situation, tested the market and called her right back.
We knew of a Chelsea gallery wanting to host an opening on a particular subject, and although this painter claimed not to want to be a pigeon-holed "type" of artist, we encouraged her to immediately submit her works. You can see where this is going, right? Yes siree, not less than a month later, this painter who couldn't get placed in a gallery will now show in New York City's esteemed Chelsea gallery row.
Even if the piece doesn't move (which we believe it will), and this artist generates NO interest (which we KNOW she will), it's a success for the gallery, for the painter, and for us. And that's why we love advising artists. It works, it's successful, and when the effort is timely and well-researched, it's like putting a round peg in a round hole. Beautiful.
