How long have you worked in your current job?
I’ve only been the Director at Nicole Klagsbrun since May 2008. Before that, I was in Seattle doing a host of things that included being Director at James Harris Gallery, running a non-profit called the Hedreen Gallery, and writing for various local publications.
What do you like most about your job?
It sounds incredibly clichéd but I have to admit that I love working with a really talented group of artists. Nicole’s got an unbelievable eye, and as a result, we have a really strong group of artists. They all create totally relevant work, the sort of work that I believe resonates with people and says something about the world were living in. Between Nancy Davenport, Beth Campbell, Matthew Day Jackson, Rashid Johnson, Adam McEwen, and Mika Rottenberg I know my perspective is constantly provoked.
What would you change about the art world?
It’s relevance. Somehow art’s become this thing that’s outside of everyday life. It’s not stuck in a ivory tower per se, but it’s definitely an “other.” That’s not good. I think if the art world could get a little more transparent and a little more integrated we’d be in a better spot.
What do you do when you’re not working?
Sing. Dance. Cook. You know, the usual.
What is the most inspiring part about living and working in your city?
Everyone knows that Manhattan is poetic; from the streets to the subways, the whole thing is animated, inspired even, which makes it hard not to be, in turn, inspired. But you could say the same about a lot of major cities. The thing you can’t say about any other place in the world is that the whole city is packed onto an island that’s about 13 and 2 miles wide. There are these millions of people all running around doing millions of different things creating business and culture and life and a beautiful, complicated little mess. It’s amazing.
How is the art world changing right now?
Seems like the whole world is shifting right now, value — both moral and economical — is being challenged. Which, in turn means, aesthetics will change. I don’t know how though.
If you could own any piece of art, what would it be?
That’s a tough one. It would probably be a video. Maybe Christian Marclay’s Video Quartet, Matt McCormick’s future so bright: western edge, or Philippe Parreno’s The Boy From Mars? Then again, I’d be totally happy with a house built by Roy McMakin. But you asked for one piece didn’t you? Sorry.
What current cultural phenomenon interests you most?
I wrote my master’s thesis on Sound Art because I have always loved music and been interested in the way sound affects us, so in terms of what cultural phenomenon compels me most I’d say my fervor lies there, in sound and song. That and I am a fan of bad TV, which I can’t believe I’d own up to here. But I am. I like it. I like Gossip Girl and The City and House. They are totally compelling.