Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mahara Martinez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Mahara, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
My passion for the arts has not only been an endless source of joy, but it has also provided me with a clear direction towards my purpose. From an early age, I have always envisioned my life immersed in the world of art, and this vision has been a powerful driving force in my journey towards personal and professional fulfillment.
Exploring my interests from a young age has been a solid indicator of my purpose. As I progress in my career as an art curator, I experience a deep connection and meaning in what I do.
Art has the power to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, allowing me to communicate and connect with people from all over the world in a deep and meaningful way. This ability to make a global impact through my work as an art curator adds an additional level of significance and purpose to my life and work.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I was born in Cuba. In 1996, at the age of 26, shortly after obtaining a degree in Art History, I moved to Santiago, Chile, where I lived for 21 years. During my time in Chile, I was heavily involved in the visual arts scene. In 2016, I relocated to Miami in search of new opportunities within the art world.
In 2019, along with 2 Chilean friends, we founded the VITRINALAB Foundation, the first foundation dedicated to promoting and supporting contemporary Chilean art in the United States. With VITRINALAB, we have carried out several significant projects in Miami, which have allowed us to support and give visibility to over 200 Chilean artists.
In 2023, I had the opportunity to open my own art gallery in the city of Miami, Mahara+Co, located in the Little River area. My space has a curatorial focus on promoting the work of contemporary Latin American artists, with a special emphasis on supporting and giving visibility to local and international emerging artists.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Passion: My deep passion for art has been the driving force behind my career.
Perseverance: My ability to persevere through the challenges and obstacles that I have inevitably faced throughout my professional journey has been crucial to keep moving forward.
Curatorial Vision: My curatorial vision has been essential for the development of projects that have had a significant impact on the artistic community.
The path to success is a continuous process of learning and growth. Stay open to new experiences, collaborations, and opportunities for personal and professional development. With time and dedication, you can cultivate and strengthen these qualities, skills, and areas of expertise to achieve your goals and aspirations in the art world.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
Both strategies have their pros and cons, and the decision between focusing on strengths or weaknesses depends on our goals and context. However, I believe it’s crucial to strive for a balance between both approaches. It’s essential to leverage our strengths while working on improving areas of opportunity. This approach allows us to excel in what we’re good at and develop additional skills to tackle various challenges. Finding this balance helps us maximize our potential and open up new opportunities for growth and success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gallery.mahara-co.com
- Instagram: mahara_and_co
- Linkedin: Mahara Martinez
Image Credits
Photos @Hardy.studio
