Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lucas Kokogian. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Lucas, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic has been shaped by a combination of influences and experiences throughout my life. I have always been inspired by my parents, who instilled in me the values of hard work, dedication, and commitment to one’s goals. My father’s influence has been a guiding force in my professional journey.
In addition to my father, I have had the privilege of learning from numerous mentors and colleagues along the way. Each mentor brought a unique perspective and set of experiences to the table, and I made a conscious effort to absorb as much knowledge and wisdom from them as possible. This diverse range of influences has allowed me to develop a strong and adaptable work ethic that is essential in the art world.
Over the years, as the Director of Galeria Azur with locations spanning across Madrid, Berlin, Buenos Aires, New York, and Miami, I have had the opportunity to apply these principles to our business operations. The art industry is dynamic and demanding, and maintaining a strong work ethic is crucial to our continued success.
In essence, my work ethic is a culmination of the lessons and values I have gathered from my father, mentors, and the challenges and opportunities presented by our diverse gallery locations. It is a driving force behind our commitment to promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities in the art industry through Galeria Azur, and it continues to guide our mission.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As the Director of Galeria Azur, my work revolves around the art world, and it has been a truly enriching and exciting experience. Galeria Azur is not just a business; it’s a platform for artists from diverse backgrounds to showcase their talents and for art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of contemporary art. What sets us apart is our commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities in the art industry. We firmly believe that art should be accessible to everyone, and we strive to create a space where emerging and mid-career artists can gain exposure and recognition.
One of the most exciting aspects of my role is witnessing the transformative power of art. Art has the ability to provoke thought, spark emotions, and inspire change. It’s a universal language that transcends boundaries and connects people from different cultures and backgrounds. Through Galeria Azur, we aim to harness this power to foster a more diverse and vibrant art community.
In terms of what’s new, we are constantly looking for innovative ways to support our artists and engage with our audience. We have recently expanded our presence to New York, fulfilling a longtime dream of having a gallery space in the heart of the art world. This expansion allows us to connect with a broader audience and collaborate with even more talented artists.
Additionally, we are actively involved in organizing art events, exhibitions, and fairs that bring together artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts. These events serve as platforms for artists to showcase their work and for art lovers to discover new talents.
In the bustling art scene of December, Galeria Azur is set to make a notable appearance at Red Dot Miami, a prestigious art fair that takes place amidst the excitement of Art Basel. This event, renowned for its dynamic marketing and vibrant atmosphere, will feature an impressive roster of artists represented by Galeria Azur. Jon Gilchrist, Rajae Qarrou, Verena Kloss, John Bacon, Mark Weiss, Bex Wilkinson, and Resurrect Studio, each bringing their unique artistic visions, are poised to leave a significant mark in the U.S. art landscape.
Galeria Azur’s participation in this fair, coinciding with their last exhibition of the year, symbolizes a culmination of their dedication to nurturing and showcasing groundbreaking talent. These events are not just a showcase but a celebration of the burgeoning strides these artists are making in the art world.
In summary, what excites me most about my role is the opportunity to bridge cultures through art, and promote emerging artists. I’m passionate about the transformative potential of art, and I look forward to continuing this journey of creativity, discovery, and connection.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey as the Director of Galeria Azur, with its global presence across Madrid, Berlin, Buenos Aires, New York, and Miami, three key qualities have been instrumental in shaping my professional path and the success of the gallery:
Resilience and Adaptability: The art industry is ever-evolving, and the ability to adapt to new trends, markets, and cultures is vital. This resilience has helped me navigate the complexities of operating galleries in different parts of the world, each with its unique art scene and audience.
Leadership and Vision: Leading a diverse team across multiple locations requires a clear vision and strong leadership skills. It’s essential to inspire and guide your team, fostering an environment where creativity and innovation thrive. This has been key in promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities within Galeria Azur.
Continuous Learning and Mentorship: The value of learning from mentors and colleagues cannot be overstated. In the art world, where historical knowledge, market trends, and artistic sensibilities are constantly changing, being open to continuous learning is crucial. This not only enriches your understanding but also keeps you relevant and informed.
For those early in their journey, my advice would be:
Embrace Challenges: View challenges as opportunities to grow and learn. The art world is dynamic; adapting to its rhythm requires resilience.
Seek Mentorship: Learn from those who have walked the path before you. Their insights can provide invaluable guidance and perspective.
Cultivate a Vision: Develop a clear vision for what you want to achieve. This will guide your decisions and keep you focused on your goals.
Foster Relationships: Building strong relationships within the art community can open doors and create opportunities. Networking is key.
Stay Informed and Curious: The art world is rich and multifaceted. Stay curious and informed about its history, current trends, and future directions.
Balance Creativity and Business Acumen: In the art industry, a balance between artistic sensibility and business savvy is crucial. Developing both aspects is important for a sustainable career.
By focusing on these areas and continually evolving, anyone early in their journey in the art world can lay a strong foundation for a fulfilling and successful career.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
The two books that have profoundly impacted my development are Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy” and “Leo and His Circle: The Life of Leo Castelli” by Cohen-Solal. Each offers distinct but invaluable insights.
“Divine Comedy” by Dante Alighieri – This masterpiece demonstrates that true wisdom transcends time. Despite being centuries old, its insights remain pertinent today, highlighting the timeless nature of human experiences and emotions.
Dante’s work taught me the importance of looking beyond the surface. His complex and layered poetry encourages deep analysis, revealing new meanings and insights upon each reading. This approach is beneficial not only in literature but also in understanding art and life.
“Leo and His Circle: The Life of Leo Castelli” by Cohen-Solal – This biography of Leo Castelli, a pivotal figure in the art world, underscores the importance of passion for art over commercial success. It’s a lesson in prioritizing artistic integrity and vision, even in a field increasingly driven by financial considerations.
The book offers a look into how the art world transformed into its current state, driven by celebrity artists and dealers. Understanding this history is crucial for anyone involved in the art industry.
Both books have contributed significantly to my understanding and approach to the art world, emphasizing the importance of depth, interpretation, and staying true to the core values of passion and integrity in art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://galeriaazur.art/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galeriaazur/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/galeria-azur-b59638215/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ddNhNdYKQ3NxJsllolVuw
