Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Pablo Bogdan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Pablo, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
During my childhood, at the tender age of three, I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Back then, treatment protocols were scarce, and many attempts to heal me were experimental in nature. It was a challenging journey that spanned five long years, fraught with moments where the future seemed uncertain, and I often found myself doubting if I would see the light of the next day.
I vividly remember one particular moment when I was incredibly frail and pallid. The doctor, with a heavy heart, informed my mother that it might be my final night, urging her to start making arrangements. Yet, against all odds, I defied those grim expectations, and here I am today, a testament to resilience and the power of hope.
Throughout this tumultuous period, my parents stood as unwavering pillars of strength and support. Despite the overwhelming uncertainty and fear that undoubtedly plagued their hearts, they shielded me from their own worries, radiating positivity and unwavering belief in a brighter tomorrow.
Their attitude became my guiding light. They instilled in me the profound understanding that every dawn brings with it new possibilities and opportunities. No matter the magnitude of the obstacle before us, with the right mindset and an unwavering optimism, we can conquer any challenge that comes our way.
My journey with leukemia has shaped me in profound ways, imbuing me with a deep appreciation for life’s fragility and an unyielding determination to seize every moment with fervor and gratitude. It’s a journey that has taught me to approach each day with resilience, hope, and an unwavering belief in the power of positivity.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a multifaceted professional with a passion for the arts, my journey has taken me through various realms, from law to art curation and gallery ownership. Influenced by my father, an avid collector of antiques and art, I developed a profound appreciation for artistic expression from a young age.
My career trajectory initially led me to Buenos Aires, where I delved into the world of art as an advisor and merchant, bridging the gap between Buenos Aires and Miami, Florida. However, I soon realized the need for a more holistic approach to representing artists and collectors, blending my legal expertise with my love for the arts.
In 2020, I organized an art auction for leukemia research with Fundaleu, showcasing over 100 pieces from 34 different artists, a cause close to my heart. Subsequently, I curated various art shows in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, culminating in the opening of my own art gallery in late 2022.
Throughout my journey, I’ve fostered meaningful relationships with artists, collectors, and fellow gallerists, recognizing the importance of nurturing these connections for long-term success. One such influential figure in my life has been Annina Nosei, whose legacy as a curator and gallerist of renowned artists like Marcel Duchamp, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Barbara Kruger, Jenny Holzer, Jeff Koons, Robert Rauschenberg, etc has inspired my own exhibition endeavors.
Drawing from Annina’s guidance and the wealth of talent represented on my website, www.pablobogdan.com, and my Artsy page, I aim to curate exhibitions that push boundaries and challenge perceptions. Interviews and showcases on my YouTube channel and Instagram (@artcounsellor) further amplify the voices of the artists I represent, fostering a community of creativity and collaboration.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Approaching art with a humble heart has always been my guiding principle. For me, it’s not just about admiring the final creation but delving into the essence of the artist’s vision and the passion they infuse into their work. I strive to uncover the origins of each piece and understand the artist’s unique perspective, seeking out strong identities and innovative languages that push the boundaries of creativity.
Art, in its essence, defies confinement and shouldn’t be boxed to style, form or territorial boundaries. That’s why I’m drawn to artists from diverse backgrounds, nationalities, and religions. I believe in contributing to their creative process by sharing insights gleaned from extensive research, ongoing investigation, and staying abreast of museum exhibitions and gallery showcases.
While fashion and trends may influence artistic styles and pave the way for new languages, I also emphasize the importance of delving into art history. Every significant artist in history left an indelible mark on their era, exhibiting a brilliance that stemmed from pushing boundaries or drawing inspiration from previous groundbreaking works.
Working with emerging artists is a particularly rewarding aspect of my journey. I provide guidance aimed at enhancing their unique identity and fostering the development of their authentic, heart-originated creations. Understanding the history of art not only prevents repetition but also fuels the evolution of artistic languages.
I’m fascinated by artists who employ innovative strategies to garner recognition and success in the art world. The fusion of creativity with strategic thinking in the realm of art business is truly admirable to me.
Collaborating closely with collectors, I take pride in assisting them in identifying promising art investments and recognizing the potential future luminaries in the art world. Much like unearthing hidden gems, it’s a thrilling endeavor to detect the future Picassos and Basquiats, nurturing their collections and contributing to their best investments.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
For me, every artist I encounter, whether I represent them or not, serves as a source of inspiration and a valuable teacher. Each individual’s artistic journey offers unique insights and lessons, enriching my understanding of creativity and expression. Even if a particular artwork doesn’t resonate with me personally, I deeply respect the dedication and passion that the artist pours into their craft.
I’m deeply attuned to the inspiration process, recognizing the importance of immersing myself in the creative environments of artists. That’s why I make it a priority to visit as many studios and exhibitions as possible, taking the time to listen to the stories and motivations behind each creation. It’s in these intimate moments of connection that the true essence of an artwork often reveals itself, transforming it from a mere object into a profound narrative.
I firmly believe that dedicating time to understanding the stories behind artworks is essential in appreciating their significance. Sometimes, it’s these narratives that elevate a piece from being merely aesthetically pleasing to an essential masterpiece. In my quest for knowledge and inspiration, I draw from a diverse array of sources, including artists, curators, art historians, and esteemed mentors like Annina Nosei and Lia Cristal, whose wisdom and guidance have profoundly shaped my journey.
Above all, it was my father who ignited my passion for art collecting and the pursuit of treasures. His visits to antique shops with me sparked a love for the stories embedded within each artwork, fueling my ongoing quest for discovery and appreciation. His influence continues to serve as a driving force, propelling me toward new horizons of creativity and enlightenment.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pablobogdan.com
- Instagram: @artcounsellor @pablobogdan
- Linkedin: Pablo Bogdan
- Youtube: @pablobogdan
