We recently had the chance to connect with Beatriz Esguerra and have shared our conversation below.
Beatriz, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
Many people think that running an art gallery is simply about hanging beautiful artworks and selling them. What’s often misunderstood is the depth of commitment, knowledge, and long-term vision required to truly support artists and build meaningful cultural value. At Beatriz Esguerra Art, we don’t just sell art — we foster careers. We accompany artists throughout their creative evolution, promote their work internationally, and ensure that each piece placed with a collector is done with integrity and care. This is not just a business; it’s a vocation grounded in trust, education, and a deep respect for artistic excellence.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Beatriz Esguerra, the founder and director of Beatriz Esguerra Art, a contemporary art gallery based in Bogotá, Colombia. I’ve dedicated over 30 years to the world of art—with an academic background in art history and a passion for discovering and supporting exceptional Colombian artists. Since opening the gallery in 2000, my mission has been simple but profound: to enrich lives through art.
What makes the gallery unique is our deep commitment to promoting art that embodies intelligence, transcendence, and aesthetic harmony—art that speaks to both the soul and the mind. We exclusively represent Colombian artists and help foster their careers locally and internationally through exhibitions, publications, art fairs, and collaborations.
At the moment, we’re preparing for the ARTBO 2025 art fair in Bogotá, where we’ll be showcasing new works by a select group of our represented artists. It’s a moment to celebrate the strength and sophistication of contemporary Colombian art—and to continue building meaningful connections between artists, collectors, and a wider public.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My father, Dr. Alfonso Esguerra, taught me much of what I know about work and life. He was a visionary and a creator—someone who never gave up on his dreams. From him, I learned the importance of integrity, perseverance, and believing in myself. He always said, “You can achieve anything you set your mind to—even if it’s something as unlikely as underwater basket weaving.”
He lived by a “why not?” philosophy that shaped me profoundly: be curious, think creatively, seek out people wiser and more experienced than you, and never stop learning. His example continues to guide me every day.
Everything else, I owe to the extraordinary opportunities that family and education gave me.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell her: “You’re stronger than you know, and everything you’re dreaming is possible—even if it doesn’t look that way yet. Trust your instincts. Keep your curiosity alive. And don’t worry so much—what feels like uncertainty now will one day become clarity, purpose, and joy.”
And maybe I’d add, “Be kind to yourself. You don’t have to carry everything alone.”
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to the long, steady work of elevating Colombian art and artists on the world stage. It’s not just about visibility—it’s about changing perceptions, creating space for authentic voices, and building lasting bridges between Colombia and the international art world.
I believe deeply that art has the power to transform, to connect, and to enrich lives. That’s what drives every decision I make—whether it’s curating an exhibition, mentoring an emerging artist, or selecting works for a fair.
It’s a long path, and sometimes a quiet one—but I’m in it for the long haul. Because I believe the most meaningful work is never rushed, and the deepest impact often takes time to be fully seen.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe I’m doing one of the things I was born to do. Art has always been part of my essence—its beauty, harmony, and capacity to move people speak to something very deep in me.
But I also know I could have been a journalist or an explorer. I was never exposed to those paths early on, but they live in me too. I’ve always had a passion for uncovering new ideas, discovering hidden worlds, learning constantly—and sharing those discoveries with others.
In a way, what I do now brings all of that together: I explore through art, I learn through artists, and I communicate through exhibitions and conversations. I curate not just images, but meaning. So yes, I’m doing what I was born to do—even if it took its own form.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beatrizesguerra-art.com
- Instagram: @beagallery
- Linkedin: Beatriz Esguerra
- Facebook: Beatriz Esguerra Art
- Youtube: @beatrizesguerra-art
Image Credits
Each photo has the info relevant to the image. Photo credits for my photo is Photo by Bonny Forero. All the rest are Courtesy of Beatriz Esguerra Art
