Where Art Takes Center Stage: Spotlight on Red Dot Miami

John Denis – Booth 716

Chicago, IL

https://www.johnjosephdenis.com/

John Denis is a contemporary artist who has over the last two decades developed a signature medium using glass and acrylic. Denis’s art opens the boundaries of glass as sculpture.  He introduces an esthetic that bridges abstract, architectural and natural form. The work presents a modern sensibility to texture, light and composition.

Nguyen Thanh Gallery – Booth 703

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

http://www.nguyenthanhartist.com

For twenty-five years, Nguyen Thanh has explored the philosophy of peace through painting. Each work is a chapter in his journey, capturing calm within movement and finding serenity amid chaos. Through abstraction, he transforms tension into softness and noise into quiet strength. For Thanh, art is a guide to inner peace, inviting viewers to pause, breathe, and be renewed.

OSJ Art Factory – Booth 416

Gyeonggi-Do, Korea

https://www.osjartfactory.com/

OSJ Art Factory is dedicated to discovering and nurturing artists, curating engaging exhibitions, and offering educational programs to enrich the cultural and artistic community. The gallery supports artists by participating in both domestic and international art fairs, presenting a diverse range of art, and collaborating closely with creators to help them advance in the art world.

Scarcity Hub – Booth 712

Chester Springs, Pensylvania

https://scarcityhub.com/

Featuring Elena Salova, a Ukrainian-born, Spain-based artist, blends classical and monumental art with a contemporary, introspective sensibility. Her work explores the subconscious—human emotion, intuition, and spiritual experience—transforming psychological depth into visual poetry that balances light and shadow, form, and feeling.

Alejandro Robles – Booth 1215

Miramar, Florida

https://www.alejandrorobles.cl/

Alejandro Robles is a Chilean-Spanish artist who originally trained as an architect but found his creative calling in fine art. His work features clean compositions, clear linear structures, and visually precise forms, often balancing between abstraction and figuration. Robles’s art is an ongoing exploration of structure, visual order, and expressive restraint.

Alex Lanier – Booth 905

Miami, Florida

https://www.alexlanierart.com/

Alex Lanier is a contemporary digital artist, illustrator, and fine art creator whose work fuses realism, imagination, and narrative storytelling. Lanier is best known for his richly detailed digital paintings that explore culture, history, and fantasy through a cinematic lens. Lanier’s art often highlights heroic figures, spiritual themes, and Afrofuturist influences, blending historical reverence with futuristic vision.

Antoinette Schultze – Booth 1601

Eliot, Maine

https://antoinettepschultze.com/

Antoinette Schultze’s sculptures evolve from her perception of relationships—her connection to nature, to people, and to the materials she uses. Each piece combines two, three, or more materials, relying on their interplay to convey expression and beauty. The emotions conveyed through the sculpture’s form are further enriched by the symbolic colors she selects for the glass.

Bula Barua – Booth 1401

Clearwater, Florida

https://bulagallery.com/

Bula Barua is an award-winning contemporary artist and the creator of Blown Glass on Canvas, a groundbreaking art form that fuses traditional painting with luxury materials including artist-blown glass, 24-karat gold, precious gems, and raw pigments. Her luminous masterpieces shimmer and evolve with the light, creating jeweled surfaces that invite viewers into a world of awe, beauty, and emotional connection.

Charlotte Fonne – Booth 1001

Miami Beach, Florida

https://charlottefonne.com/

With two decades as a film and documentary editor, Charlotte Fonne refines the art of visual storytelling—combining images to reveal deeper meaning. She describes her work as cinematic scenes woven into a single composite, uncovering hidden details and connections that bring memory to life. Her narrative-driven approach bridges the present with echoes of the past, drawing inspiration from Impressionist, Cubist, and Surrealist masters.

Art Business News: Introduce yourself — who are you, what is your vision?

Jason Perez: I’m a Miami-based art broker, dealer, curator, artist, DJ, entrepreneur. Working with artists, I value the relationships I build with fellow artists, collectors, and the community. Being a friend to those I work with is essential to creating a supportive and collaborative environment where creativity can thrive.

ABN: What is your background and how it fits with your art?

JP: My journey into the art world is deeply personal. I was born into the legacy of my father, Michael Perez, a renowned pop artist who established several galleries in New York. His influence was profound, and after moving to Miami, we opened Gallery 212 in Wynwood. Unfortunately, during the final year of our lease, my father suffered a stroke, which left me to navigate the challenges of continuing his work. With only $500 to my name, I took it upon myself to learn the intricacies of the art business. Over the next five years, through relentless dedication and hard work, I founded Jason Perez Art Collective. Today, we represent over 40 artists and collaborate with multiple galleries and venues across Miami, hosting numerous art events throughout the year. This background has profoundly shaped the gallery’s mission. My personal experiences have instilled a deep understanding of the challenges artists face, fueling my commitment to providing a platform that supports and elevates their work. The gallery’s history is intertwined with my own, and together, we strive to honor my father’s legacy by fostering a vibrant and inclusive art community in Miami.

ABN: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

JP: I believe my role extends beyond selecting and displaying artwork; it’s about creating meaningful connections between artists, audiences, and ideas. My philosophy centers on authentic storytelling, inclusivity, and collaboration. I strive to curate exhibitions that not only showcase art but also foster dialogue and community engagement. By prioritizing these values, I aim to create spaces where art becomes a catalyst for connection and understanding.

ABN: What artist(s) inspire you?

JP: The artists who inspire me most are Keith Haring, Salvador Dali, and my father, Michael Perez. I’m inspired by Haring’s bold, socially conscious energy and Dali’s limitless Imagination, while my father’s work as a pop artist taught me the importance of vision, discipline, and creating art that resonates with people. Together, their influence shapes how I approach creativity, storytelling, and expression in my own work.

ABN: What is the best advice you’ve received?

JP: The best advice l ever received is to work hard and then work even harder. It’s a simple reminder that real growth happens when you push past your comfort zone and give just a little more than what’s expected. That mindset has helped me stay focused, resilient, and continuously improve in everything I do.

ABN: When you are not working, where can we find you?

JP: Outside of work, I love exploring Miami on my bike, finding inspiration in nature, creating art and music, and building meaningful connections through networking and shared experiences.

ABN: Tell us about participating in Spectrum Miami 2025 — why is it important and what it means to you?

JP: I have high expectations for this year’s Spectrum Miami / Red Dot 2025. I anticipate it to be the biggest show yet, drawing a substantial turnout of art lovers and collectors. My hope is to add another award to my wall, and I’m excited about the opportunity to showcase my artists in such a dynamic and prestigious event.

Alan Goldberg has been exhibiting at Spectrum Miami for several years featuring his intriguing Mind’s Eye Photography. We wanted to know more about his approach and how he has built his business.

Art Business News: Introduce yourself — who you are and what your vision as an artist is?

Alan Goldberg: I am Alan Goldberg and I am a photographer and photo artist. I have been involved with photography since I was just a baby. My vision is to bring the things we see in everyday life — whether they are objects used every day or stunning landscapes — into the realm of art through the use of bright colors and my perspective.

ABN: What is your background?

AG: I have always had a camera around most of my adult life. My one mentor said if you want to become good just “shoot and shoot and shoot” and so I did. In 2010, I started to take photos of bands with a shirt pocket camera, then after a few years moved up to a DSLR Nikon. During that time, I took lots of photos of mushrooms and still do. My portfolio is very diverse and includes cars, landscapes, models, musicians and flowers.

ABN: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

AG: My work philosophy is one that I am carrying on from one of my mentors, Dr. Victor P. Satinsky. He had a plaque behind his desk that read “publish or perish.” I can sit at my desk for hours every day creating. My photos talk to me about where to go or how I think they should look. By the way, there are only three photos of Dr. Satinsky on the Internet. Two are from his WWII military days and the third I am proud to say I took of him when I was in my 20’s. I go out with my camera and take a few different lenses.  I am also not afraid to experiment with infrared, filters, and unique angles.

ABN: What artist(s) inspire you?

AG: I am inspired by the great Masters. Although I have no formal education or training in the art world, I rely on the deeply implanted nature of man expressed by Carl Jung.  I study the photos of Ansel Adams and the effects artists bring to the table of civilization. I strive to create new art and not copies or variations. I strive to be different.

ABN: What is the best advice you’ve received?

AG: Not to listen to harsh critics, to be myself, and be relentless. Also, to produce a great amount of work and never accept the word “can’t” or “don’t”.

ABN: When you are not working, where can we find you?

AG: I am still teaching middle school science after having retired a few years ago. I use my photos to show my students what the rest of the world looks like or to illustrate scientific principles.

ABN: What have you done recently that enhanced you as an artist?

AG: I pulled on my earlier background of working in the garment industry and created a line of women’s cruise and casual wear. I worked in the apparel business for about 15 years while I was raising my family and before becoming a teacher.

ABN: How is exhibiting at Spectrum Miami important to you and what do you expect to achieve by exhibiting?

AG: Exhibiting at Spectrum Miami has been the largest show I have exhibited. I have met some amazing artists, publishers, and gallery owners. It has also made me strive to be a better artist. I have also had my art at galleries in the following locations Palma, Berlin, Zug, Basel, Athens, Paris, Venice, Grenada, and Dubai — but nothing beats the thrill of Spectrum Miami and being with people.

ABN: Any plans for 2026? Where will your creativity take you?

AG: Creativity has no bounds!  It may at times be blocked at times, but I have always had periods of my greatest creativity after a break up of a relationship. Having just gotten divorced, I use the words of my ex-wife used to demean my art to drive me on to further heights. “And what are you going to do with all your photos?” has given me motivation to expand my success. I have been a part of podcast interviews, publications, and photographing musical talent, and have been commissioned to create art from my photos of them.

Two musicians I have worked with, Tito Puente Jr. and Artimus Pyle of Lynryd Skynyrd, are both now good friends — and my photos of them are for sale.

To learn more about Alan Goldberg and Mind’s Eye Photos, please visit:

https://limitededitionsbyalan.com/

Alan’s Women’s Apparel Collection

https://www.legaleriste.com/en/alan.goldberg

Follow Alan at https://www.instagram.com/mindseyephotos1953/

All photos courtesy of the artist Alan Goldberg.

With its local vibes and international appeal, Wynwood is the place to be during Miami Art Week 2025. From Dec. 1-7, South Florida’s premiere arts district will be filled to the brim with this year’s most exciting events, exhibitions, entertainment, and dining experiences—so don’t miss out!

What to do and see at Wynwood during Miami Art Week 2025

We put together a convenient list of Wynwood must-sees that are perfect for newbies and seasoned attendees alike. Let us take you on a little tour of Wynwood’s very best offerings for Miami Art Week 2025:

Wynwood Walls

When: Daily Museum Hours: Sun – Thu 10AM – 7PM, Fri & Sun 10AM – 8PM
Where: Wynwood Walls Welcome Center (266 NW 26th Street, Miami, FL 33127)

Goldman Global Arts will be featuring work on the Wynwood Walls for Miami Art Week, including the art of Carlos Mare, with special events all week. And don’t miss a pre-Week very special launch event on November 29 for Jessica Goldman Srebnick’s new book Street Art Icons, published by Assouline.

Spectrum Miami and Red Dot Miami

When: Dec. 3-7

Where: MANA Wynwood Convention Center (318 NW 23rd St., Miami, FL 33127)

Head on over to the MANA Wynwood Convention Center, where Spectrum Miami and Red Dot Miami will host highly curated exhibitions spanning 150,000 square feet of indoor space.

Spectrum Miami will feature special programs that showcase exhibitors, art industry professionals, and select nonprofits and institutions. One of their featured programs, The Discoveries Collection, will spotlight highly collectible works from around the world and showcase some of their favorite affordable pieces ($3,000 or less).

Running alongside its sister fair, Red Dot Miami will offer the unique opportunity to connect with blue-chip galleries and emerging artists under one roof. Their featured programming includes SPOTLIGHT Galleries, which will provide collectors with a focused look at several cutting-edge galleries and their artists, who are recognized for their skill and achievement in the visual arts.

Cey Adams: Zamna Presents Art with Me

Start: Fri, Dec 5 – End: Sun, Dec 7

Where: Mana Wynwood Convention Center – 318 NW 23RD STREET
Website: https://artwithmemiami.com

For seven years, Art With Me has ignited creativity through immersive festivals that unite art, music, wellness, and community under six powerful pillars. Partnering with Zamna and Disco Presents, we’re ready to make Art With Me the unmissable highlight of Art Basel Week—now in a central location that puts you right in the heart of all the action.

Ancestral Art of the Amazon – Olinda Silvano

Date: Fri, Dec 5 Time: 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm

The Wynwood Shop – 181 NW 25th Street
Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ancestral-art-of-the-amazon-olinda-silvano-tickets-1968219297903?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join us on December 5th (3–9 PM) as Wynwood Shop proudly presents Olinda Silvano, celebrated Shipibo artist from the Peruvian Amazon.

Her intricate Kene Art preserves Amazonian culture through designs inspired by nature, healing, and sustainability — a living expression of identity and resistance.

Discover her award-winning work and experience the spirit of the Amazon in the heart of Miami Art Week.

Museum of Graffiti 2025 Art Week

Where: The Gary Nader Art Centre (62 NE 27th St., Miami, FL 33137)
Website: https://museumofgraffiti.com/pages/art-basel-miami

Beginning December 3, 2025, Museum of Graffiti will begin its 6th anniversary celebration with an unprecedented schedule of talks, releases, and 3 new exhibitions:

ORIGINS traces the evolution of the graffiti movement from its earliest days on the streets & subways of NYC to the galleries where we unveil UGA paintings that have not been seen since their initial debut in 1973.
JON ONE’s highly anticipated solo exhibition El Tiguere will include a live painting performance in our new working studio.
Pixação: Acts of Rebellion will include the works of CriptaDjan, Eneri, and LIXOMANIA!.zé, highlighting their distinct styles from different generations within the same sub-genre.

Planning your Miami Art Week? Don’t forget to add these unmissable fairs to your itinerary.

Art Basel Miami Beach

We were intrigued with the story behind JDR Atelier when we first met them at Spectrum Miami 2023. Basically, three artists coming together to find synergy and strength in building a business together. We thought it was a story our readers would love to read and use it to inspire their own opportunities.

Art Business News: Give us an overview. Tell us about JDR Atelier, how it started, and your vision.

JDR Atelier: Having first met at an Art Fair in March 2022, Jessica de Vreeze, Daniel Marin, and Romi Myers quickly bonded over shared experiences as Miami-based artists. With diverse backgrounds and a mutual passion for growth and success in the art world, they forged a strong connection. By Spring 2023, a casual reunion evolved into an inspiring brainstorming session, sparking the idea of creating a collaborative artist collective. Drawing from each of their unique strengths and perspectives, they envisioned a shared platform to support and elevate not only each others’ creative journeys, but also the potential creative journey of other local talent. In December 2023, their vision became a reality as JDR Atelier made its highly anticipated debut at Spectrum Miami.

JDR Atelier is guided by three core principles: fueling creativity with passion, sharing life experience and representation through art, and pushing visual boundaries through innovation.

ABN: Your Collective focuses on three artists. Tell us a little about each of them and how the Collective benefits each of them. 

JDR: As a Miami-based collective, JDR Atelier is deeply committed to nurturing the city’s creative ecosystem. Having received positive feedback and community support since their debut in 2023, the co-founders invited Andre Salas to join the Collective roster for the first time this year. The co-founders’ strengths lie behind each of their skillsets acquired over the years. Jessica is a former attorney, Daniel is a public relations guru, and Romi’s expertise focuses on strategic brand positioning and tech innovation. “We utilize on our former strengths in order to help our Collective grow at a healthy and sustainable pace that works for all of us, while giving local Miami talent a voice for representation. Our goal is to create opportunities to share what it means to be from Miami – while engaging with the artwork itself, but also with amplifying the incredible talent that makes our city so incredibly unique”, says Romi Myers.

Andre Salas is a self-taught Miami-based artist whose practice is fueled by intuition and an irrepressible urge to create. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and of Mexican heritage, he draws inspiration from the rhythms of his daily life. Andre experiments with acrylics, pastels, and unconventional materials to produce works that balance the raw energy of neo-expressionism with the fluidity of abstraction. His bold use of color, texture, and composition reflects a deeply personal way of interpreting the world around him. As a fresh voice in the Miami art scene, Andre aims to spark meaningful dialogue and forge genuine connections with those who engage and collect his body of work.

Working under the conceptual moniker Department M, Daniel Marin creates paintings that merge pop culture, abstraction, street art, carpentry, and décollage into colorful, surreal snapshots in time. Drawing imagery from magazines, comic books, newspapers, and other media, Marin blends visual fragments to construct layered, multidimensional works. His process—combining silk-screening, freehand painting, hand-cut stenciling, and collage—reflects both patience and play, resulting in striking compositions that feel at once familiar and unexpected. A self-taught Cuban-American artist from Miami, Daniel has works in private collections across the U.S., Latin America, and Europe. His pieces often reveal humor and tension beneath the surface, inviting viewers to unravel the stories hidden within.

Born in São Paulo, Brazil, with Japanese and Italian heritage, Romi Myers draws inspiration from the Superflat Movement, infusing her work with bold colors and striking, cartoon-like imagery. Her fascination with augmented reality, coupled with her advocacy for sustainability and environmental awareness, expands her practice into the delicate balance between physical and digital spaces. Guided by her synesthesia, she embeds hidden messages that invite viewers to look beyond the surface. Through this interplay of sensory experiences, Romi explores how art can manipulate perception, foster empathy, and spark connection—while her playful titles and tongue-in-cheek humor reveal the beauty and complexity of the human condition. As Romi’s collectors circle continues to rapidly grow both nationally and internationally, some of her work can be found at Wynwood Kollective, located in the world renowned Wynwood Art District in Miami, FL.

ABN: You’re coming back to Spectrum Miami — what’s new? What can collectors expect to see? 

JDR: First and foremost, as saddened as we were that Jessica was unable to participate this year, JDR Atelier is very excited to welcome Andre Salas into their roster! What collectors can expect is to experience art pieces that are engaging in unexpected ways, some of which bridge between physical and digital realms, including a secret virtual art gallery that can be visited from anywhere in the globe, giving those who may not be able to physically attend the event, an opportunity to see more available works for purchase. Access to the Secret Virtual Art Gallery will be made available not only during Spectrum Miami, but also accessible on JDR Atelier’s website from December 3 – 31, 2025.

ABN: What does exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2025 with JDR Atelier mean to each of you?

JDR: More than just another Miami Art Week stop, Spectrum Miami is an opportunity for celebration of up and coming local talent, ensuring that emerging voices from Miami share the same stage as international headliners.

“It means a lot to me. It is the few days out of the year where emerging artists like me  get the chance to connect with people who are passionate and interested in art.” – Andre Salas

“Being given the opportunity to represent Miami at a global scale during one of the largest art weeks in the US, is a humbling experience. A decade ago, I used to be paid to fly out from Seattle to attend Spectrum Miami and Miami Art Week for design inspiration, but now I have a chance to inspire others instead. It is something I am beyond grateful for at every event.” – Romi Myers

“Unlike the rest of the year when we’re launching pop-up shows and trying to get people to come out to see our newest works, Miami Art Week is the one time a year where the masses seek out art and artists alike to get inspired. Spectrum Miami is one of those stand-out fairs where attendees know they can connect with both local and international talent and discover the undiscovered for themselves.” – Daniel Marin

About JDR Atelier

Having first met at Superfine Miami in March 2022, Jessica de Vreeze, Daniel Marin, and Romi Myers quickly bonded over their shared experiences as Miami-based artists. With diverse backgrounds and a mutual passion for growth and success in the art world, they forged a strong connection. By spring 2023, a casual reunion evolved into an inspiring brainstorming session, sparking the idea of a collaborative artist collective. Drawing on their unique talents and perspectives, they envisioned a shared platform to support and elevate one another’s creative journeys.

In December 2023, their vision became reality as JDR Atelier made its highly anticipated debut at Spectrum Miami. This marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the art world—one destined to leave a lasting impression. As the saying goes, the rest is art history.

Connect with them:

Email: hello@jdratelier.com

Follow: @JDR_Atelier

Japan is a wonderland of sites, sounds, smells and tastes. But save some time in your day after wandering the temples and shrines to see some truly exceptional art. Recently I had the privilege of exploring Tokyo and Hakone, and discovering some of the art destinations they have to offer.

The National Art Center, Tokyo

The exhibition traces how Japanese art evolved during a pivotal 20-year period—from 1989 (the end of the Shōwa era) through to 2010—when Japan and the world were undergoing rapid globalization, social shifts and the breakdown of old certainties.

It features the work of over 50 artists from Japan and abroad, examining how artists in Japan engaged with new international currents while also reflecting on Japan’s own history, identity and cultural transformation. As someone who wasn’t that familiar with modern Japanese art this exhibit felt like a crash course. And left me doing my own research on different artists I had just discovered.

The exhibition fosters a dialogue between Italy and Japan, between tradition and innovation, between craft and contemporary art. The show highlights the interplay of Italian (Roman) jewellery heritage and Japanese aesthetics—how craftsmanship, design culture and color sensibilities intersect across cultures. For example, the scenography is a collaborative effort between Italian and Japanese studios.

It also emphasises craft: the high-jewellery techniques, the bold gemstone combinations in Bvlgari’s history. All in all a very fun way to discover an iconic brand in an unusual setting, that revealed the truly museum worthiness of this jewelry.

MORI Art Museum

https://www.mori.art.museum/en/
A breathtaking view of Tokyo and a very interesting modern art museum. The exhibit I got to see was:

The Architecture of Sou Fujimoto: Primordial Future Forest

July 2 – Nov. 9, 2025

This is the first major survey exhibition of Sou Fujimoto’s architectural career, covering roughly 30 years of his work—from early projects to future-oriented concepts. Fujimoto’s architecture often explores the boundary between nature and the built environment: he uses metaphors like the forest, openness, many layers and ambiguous boundaries.
As a former art school student it was fun to watch his foam core concepts become immense buildings and see his process from start to finish.

Yoyoi Kusama Museum

The exhibition “Fighting Woman / Painting Girl” at the Yayoi Kusama Museum in Tokyo (October 16, 2025 – March 8, 2026) explores two contrasting yet complementary identities in Kusama’s long career: the “fighting woman” and the “painting girl.”

The exhibition assembles early drawings, sculptures from her “Accumulation” phase confronting her fears around sexuality and form, archival documentation of performances and bold fashion projects, along with more recent painting series and 3-D works of girls and flowers. It also includes a world-premiere small mirror room. Check this out if you can tickets are limited and not sold at the door!

teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM

The museum offers a truly immersive digital-art experience. Visitors wander through large, darkened spaces filled with floor-to-ceiling projections, motion-sensors, mirrors, and light installations that respond to movement and presence.
If you’re in Tokyo and you have time, this is well worth visiting — especially if you enjoy light, technology, interactive art and want something different from the standard museum.

The Hakone Open Air Museum

The museum’s location is so lovely — tucked in the mountains of Hakone, one hardly knows where to look first, the art or the scenery.

The sculpture park is large and maze-like with a winding path that trails lead off of. Stay focused and meander through large‑scale works by very famous sculptors (e.g., Henry Moore, Pablo Picasso).

There are indoor offerings as well including the Picasso Pavilion featuring an impressive collection of his works across media in a single museum. There is something here for everyone from children to art aficionados. I keep thinking of this lovely place all the time. It’s well worth the trek!

In a recent conversation with Rami and Karyn Rotkopf, founders and owners of Blue Gallery in Delray Beach, Florida, we were reminded of the captivating minimalist landscapes created by Sveta Esser. Her innovative style, known as Pixelism, has become highly collectible and will be featured in Blue Gallery’s 20th Anniversary Celebration coming March 2026.

Read on to discover more about Esser and her remarkable work.

ABN: Introduce yourself — who you are and what your vision as an artist is?

Sveta Esser: I was born in Ukraine in 1975 and studied art at the Yekaterinburg College of Art, located in a picturesque mountain region known for its natural beauty. After my initial degree in Russia, I did a student exchange program in Europe, where I pursued my second art degree.
In 1996, at the age of 20, I moved to Israel with my husband, Alex Pauker, who is also an artist.
Alongside my formal training, I gained professional experience working as an illustrator and as a creative consultant for a publishing house in an artists’ village near Haifa. During this time, I explored a variety of painting techniques and quickly discovered a passion for the rich, textural quality of palette knife painting. I drew inspiration from the stunning landscapes and rural scenes of Israel and Tuscany, which continue to influence my work today.

ABN: What is your background?

SE: As an artist in today’s world, I work in a unique technique that I call Pixelism. My artwork immediately captivates the viewer with vibrant colors and a truly original approach to composition. The core of my method is that each painting consists of numerous squares and pixels, and each one of them possesses its own unique shade, collectively creating a stunning visual effect.
My technique is not just a style. For me, Pixelism is a metaphor for life and integration: every single pixel is important and unique, but only together do they form a complete, harmonious picture. This is a principle I carry over into my social work as well.

I believe my creations exemplify innovative thinking that is highly relevant in the modern artistic context. For me, art is not an escape from reality, but a way to transform it. I use my brush and palette knife to build bridges—between cultures, between ideas, and between people. This commitment allows me to be one of the prominent figures in today’s art world.

ABN: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

SE: My goal is not simply to create a beautiful object, but to provoke a dialogue. I want my work to generate an emotional resonance and make the viewer reflect on how we perceive the world—both from a distance and up close.

Upon closer inspection, viewers can uncover hidden details that only become fully visible from a certain distance away from the canvas. This interactive approach to art fosters a unique connection between the viewer and the artwork.

ABN: What artist(s) inspire you?

SE: In my creative process, I skillfully blend several major influences. I draw inspiration from Surrealism, paying homage to masters like Salvador Dalí, as well as from abstraction in the spirit of Gerhard Richter. Furthermore, my pieces clearly reflect the influence of Pop Art, famously represented by Andy Warhol, mirroring contemporary society and its perception of art.

ABN: What is the best advice you’ve received?

SE: Stay true to what draws you to create — your instincts, your obsessions, your style. Trends change fast, but your voice is what lasts. Show up. Even if it’s a bad day in the studio. Creativity builds with momentum, not waiting for inspiration to strike. Art is personal, but the journey doesn’t need to be lonely. Surround yourself with other artists — for feedback, support. Be generous in return.

ABN: When you are not working, where can we find you?

SE: My husband and I currently live in Oranienburg, a suburb of Berlin, Germany. In our art studio, we launched an initiative in collaboration with the City of Oranienburg called “Welcome to Oranienburg.” Through this program, we host joint art classes for children from Ukraine and Germany. Together, we create artwork in a shared, supportive space. It’s a delicate and meaningful endeavor — our goal is to help restore a piece of the childhood that some of these children have lost, easing their arrival and offering support as they navigate a range of challenges. Since April 2025, I serve as the chairwoman of the board.

ABN: Any plans for 2026? Where will your creativity take you?

SE: My husband, Alex Pauker and I will participate in a Group Exhibition in the USA. It will be the 20 year Anniversary Exhibition of Blue Gallery in in Delray Beach, Florida (March 21-22, 2026).

About Blue Gallery

Mixing sophisticated flare with contemporary art, Blue Gallery features original collections of internationally-acclaimed artists painting landscapes, abstracts, semi-realistic, realistic and figurative styles. Founder/owner, Rami Rotkopf, grew up in the family art business in Tel Aviv, Israel. Extremely familiar and immersed with the kind of adrenaline buzz that is so typical of the atmosphere present in the art industry, Rotkopf adeptly infuses this energy into his Blue Gallery. He reflects a lifetime of gallery experience and exposure to art and is committed to discovering and exposing the work of extremely talented artists. He combines his knowledge and vision, with his passion for the arts, and represents some of the most well-defined and celebrated contemporary artists of today.

Learn More about Sveta Esser https://www.bluefineart.com/artist/sveta-esser

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluefineart/

https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17976933421256356/

With its sun-soaked beaches, lush parks, and sparkling waterfront, San Diego has long been a city that inspires creativity. Beyond the postcard-perfect scenery lies a thriving art scene — one filled with world-class museums, contemporary galleries, and an ever-growing community of artists and collectors.

Amid this vibrant coastal culture stands Lorna York, founder and owner of Madison Gallery, whose vision and dedication have helped shape San Diego’s reputation as a destination for fine art. We had the pleasure of checking in with Lorna to explore what it takes to create — and sustain — a successful gallery in this dynamic city.

ABN: Lorna, for readers who may not yet know you – can you share a bit about your background and how Madison Gallery came to be?

Lorna York: I opened Madison Gallery over 20 years ago with a simple conviction that world-class contemporary art should be accessible beyond the usual cultural capitals. What began as a small coastal gallery in San Diego has grown into a $50 million business and one of Southern California’s leading contemporary art destinations — built entirely from the ground up. I started Madison Gallery with no outside investors, just a deep belief in the artists I represent and a desire to create meaningful cultural dialogue in San Diego.

When I first opened Madison Gallery, people questioned whether a high-end contemporary program could thrive outside of main cultural capitals. Two decades later, we’re seeing collectors fly in from across the country and media comparing our exhibits to those in New York and LA. That evolution affirms what I’ve always believed – that great art transcends geography.

ABN: What was the driving vision behind the gallery, and how has that evolved over time?

LY: From the beginning, Madison Gallery has been guided by the idea that art is an experience – not just an object. Our collectors are drawn to the stories, the emotional resonance, and the cultural relevance behind the work. Today’s generation of collectors is less interested in gatekeeping or elitism; they want to be invited into a narrative. So we create that context – helping them connect intellectually and personally with the artists.

Over the years, our mission has expanded from representing a roster of exceptional contemporary artists to truly shaping the region’s cultural landscape. We’re proud to be among the few galleries in San Diego County introducing international artists of the caliber typically seen in New York or Los Angeles — artists like RETNA and Radenko Milak — to this market.

ABN: What sets Madison Gallery apart from other contemporary art galleries?

LY: We’re a thriving, independent gallery at a time when headlines about major galleries shuttering are increasingly common. I think our longevity stems from two things: our relationships and our perspective. We take an extremely personal, long-view approach to every artist and collector we work with. That means guiding clients through the narrative and emotional layers of the art they live with, while giving our artists the platform and resources to develop museum-level exhibitions. And we’ve remained women-owned and women-lead, which brings a different energy to how we do business: relational, intuitive, but also strategic and resilient. We’ve come a long way in what is considered a male-dominated field — and in a shrinking market, no less.

ABN: How would you describe your curatorial philosophy?

LY: I’m drawn to art that invites people to connect – with themselves, with others, or something bigger. Whether it’s the powerful scriptural abstraction of RETNA’s recent exhibit, Love Letter | Carta De Amor, or the profound watercolors in Radenko Milak’s current exhibit, Four Seasons Interrupted, we’re always looking for work that evokes connection and cultural dialogue. Both artists, along with the range of mid-career artists we represent, embody what I consider Madison Gallery’s essence: they tell stories that transcend language and geography, reminding us that art remains one of our most universal forms of connection.

ABN: How do you see the role of the gallerist evolving, especially in a changing art economy?

LY: Gallerists today must be translators – not just sellers. We’re bridging artists and audiences across continents, platforms, and generations. At Madison Gallery, we think in terms of legacy: how are we future-proofing our artists’ careers, and how are we contributing to a richer, more inclusive art ecosystem here in San Diego? That means strategic partnerships, international art-fair participation, and collector education — but also, creating space for meaningful conversation.

ABN: What’s next for you and Madison Gallery?

LY: We just wrapped up a major exhibit with RETNA and now we’re unveiling Radenko Milak’s Four Seasons Interrupted, on view now through December 15th at our gallery. This will be Milak’s second solo exhibit with us and we’re excited to welcome him back to our gallery to showcase his latest body of work, which grapples with the fragility of nature and time.

Looking ahead, we’re expanding our presence internationally, including our third presentation at Zona Maco in Mexico City next year. I also look forward to showcasing my artists again at Art Dusseldorf and Istanbul Art Fair. For me, it’s about continuing to build bridges between artists, collectors, and cultures.

ABN: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring gallerists or collectors?

LY: Lead with curiosity and integrity. Build relationships first, the sales will follow. If you lean into your vision and stay open, engaged, and honest, you’ll build something that lasts.

LORNA YORK BIO
Lorna York is the founder and owner of Madison Gallery in Solana Beach, California. Since opening the gallery in 2001, she has built it into a leading destination for contemporary art, introducing globally renowned artists to Southern California audiences through innovative, immersive exhibitions. With a global perspective and a passion for connecting art, culture, and travel, Lorna has positioned Madison Gallery as a destination for personalized one-on-one curatorial and educational experiences in the arts. When she’s not curating exhibitions, Lorna is often exploring the world’s art capitals — always in search of new inspirations to share with her collectors and community.