A Minute With Katia Rosenthal
Hi! This is a newsletter about artists I like.
I began acquiring art through some friends that worked in galleries. I started small, working on a limited budget, for stuff I could afford. As time passed, my collection grew, and it was exciting to watch many of the artists I'd collected go on to bigger shows and critical acclaim.
My goal with this newsletter is to make a digestible resource for anyone interested in artists that are making great (and still affordable!) work, whom you haven't heard about... yet.
When deciding to do this newsletter thing, Katia was one of the first people that came to mind because of her eye, talent, skill, style, but I think it’s just the it factor and you can’t teach it in my opinion. When I saw pictures of her gallery, KDR305, and the artists she was taking on, I was blown away. To me, she was creating her own universe in this cool part of Miami and creating something really special on her own terms. It’s no secret that Katia is ten steps ahead of everyone else while also being the director for another great gallery, Bill Brady. She rules!
It goes without saying, huge fan of your gallery and programming, what can we expect from ya in the fall and end of the year?
Katia: Thank you for following me and what I do, I love all my internet friends! Hahah. It’s been fun year, fall thru winter is jammed with great shows. September I have a two person exhibition with Lauren Clay and Nicolas Moenich,
October is Taos based artist Johnny Defeo and to close out the year during Miami Basel is the one and only Monsieur Zohore.
Does being a director a gallery influence your work as a gallerist or vice versa?
Katia: I think where I work and what I’m interested in can be different and that’s what makes working at another gallery full time, kinda fun. I’m constantly learning that all galleries operate differently. I have worked at 6 or 7 different galleries over my career on top of artist studios and etc. I’ve been around. Some things that work for those galleries will never apply to mine and I’m really ok with that. I want art to be accessible and the buying experience to be exciting. Some of the people I sell to, it’s their first time buying art which is cool. I have met so many wonderful artists over time. A really important thing I have learned I like to work with ones that are kind and respectful. I can’t deal with the divas! Just makes things harder than they need to be, ya know. I’m just happy to show artists work I love in a charming space that’s all my own idea and vibe. I’m having fun. Don’t tell anyone hahah.
What made you take the plunge to open your open space?
Katia: A lot of things, life changes, The Pandemic, boredom, moving by myself into a house. Trying to adult. Giving myself a shot. Trying create some kind of financial independence, other source income? (Something that I don’t think many people in the art world discuss freely) Idk I have had thoughts of what my gallery would be like, look like, those things build up over the years after working at so many. That kind of energy sometimes can’t be kept in anymore. Most of all, sharing my taste, my story and getting behind young artists I love, giving a platform for some Miami artists also that need one. I have two walls and a stairwell. It’s challenging, I love a challenge.
If we visit Miami, we are heading to your space first, but what else should we be doing with our time when we are there?
Katia: I’m a foodie and drinky kind of person, Miami is starting to become cool again hahah. I’m from here and growing up here there weren’t many young people doing cool things. Now people are moving here, making new restaurants, bars and shops. So check out my new and old favorites, Paradis books and Wine, The Corner, Low Key, Los Felix/Krus Kitchen, Boia De, and La Natural. Come visit me also at Bill Brady Gallery and in the same vicinity Dale Zine, Nina Johnson, and Mindy Solomon. Also besides the beach and the Everglades. A day trip to the Redlands near homestead is one of my favorite day off activities. Farmland, fresh produce, awesome plant/tree nurseries and some of the best tacos in “Miami” are at the redland flea market.
For those that perhaps are not living in a big city, what are some art resources you suggest that anyone/anywhere can use, learn & enjoy? Could even just be artists you find online…
Katia: First go to your local gallery.
Second go to the local museum.
Something I do wherever I am big city or small town, there is always something to see you just have look.
Hmmmmm…..
I kinda do what a lot of people do, I follow an artist I like and I see who they follow and then it spreads like wild fire. Usually if I like something there is a good chance that artist has people following them that are just as good. Frankly I go in deep art research k holes. I don’t know how to explain it. I’m sure that’s how you found me!
Who should we have on here next?
Katia: Dale Zine. Lillian and Steve are so cool. I love what they are doing and they are newer friends of mine. Just feels like the similar energy. Just happy that they are in Miami also doing a lot and I admire them.
Linkage:
Afternoon Light interviewed one of my favs, Marc Hundley with pictures by Mary Manning. Very good.
Rene Ricard’s book, God with Revolver, has been reissued by Mast Books.
Complaints, questions, thoughts and concerns, please email: Garrett.colton@gmail.com