Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Prapopoulos and Valeray Francisco.
The Directed Art Modern, founded by Melanie Prapopoulos and Valeray Francisco, in 2016 is a melding of two integral elements of the art world – the coming together of an artist and a curator; we believe this coupling makes us unique as the focus always stays on the artist, and how to present the best for the collector. To date DAM has presented innovative exhibitions at Scope Miami Beach: 2017 & 2018, Art Wynwood 2019, Scope New York, 2019 as well as pop-ups throughout Miami 2016-to the present. We have also since 2016, during Art Basel Miami Beach presented: DAMART, which is our project pop up exhibition. DAMART is key to our vision as it is our biggest project bringing art to a public location for everyone to see and experience. Recently, DAM opened its own gallery space in Little River, Miami where they continue to present creative exhibitions. The D.A.M. is also committed to creating collecting opportunities for not only the established collector but those just starting out.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The biggest challenge for any gallery is creating and building an awareness of the artists we work with, and honestly finding the time to do all the things we want! Normally, besides planning our rotating gallery exhibitions, whether they be physical or virtual, we are planning pop-ups, negotiating proposals, commissions, and many other things – so probably our biggest challenge is time!
The Directed Art Modern – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are a new company, just under three years, and yet we have been able to bring our artists to several top art fairs, we have collaborated with fortune five hundred companies to create and host pop up exhibitions as well. One thing that we are particularly proud of is all of our exhibitions, in that the focus is always on the art and innovative types of art traditionally hosted within museum settings as well. We have shown large installations, video installations as well as works on canvas, paper, photography, and sculpture. We are immensely proud of all the artists that we work with – they ALL have a distinct talent and voice, and we enjoy bringing them to the forefront.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
There isn’t one proudest moment, each time we do something, sign a new emerging artist, each time an artist believes in us, each time we present a new exhibition, bring art to a public location – is a proud moment!
Contact Info:
- Address: 350 N.E. 75th Street, Space 109 (Entrance on NE 3Rd Court)
Miami, Florida 33138 - Website: www.thedirectedartmodern.com
- Phone: 786-953-8807
- Email: art@thedirectedartmodern.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedirectedartmodern/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDirectedArtModern/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DirectedArtMod
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