q+a: alex bass
Tchotchke Gallery: What led to the creation of Salon 21? Can you give us the general rundown and Salon 21's mission?
Alex Bass: Salon 21 was birthed out of the idea that my friends were making art that was way cooler and more interesting than what I was seeing in contemporary art galleries in downtown NYC. I wanted to give them a platform to show and monetize their work, and create experiences around this. The platform is totally in flux right now because of COVID, but the mission still remains the same. At the same time, it's important to always react to external changes and adapt your business model as a result.
TG: What does the artist discovery process look like for you?
AB: Going off of recommendations from artists I currently work with and pursuing Instagram. It's a very organic process. Sometimes I might be looking for an artist to compliment another if I'm trying to put on an exhibition, but mostly it's whatever I'm drawn to that feels fresh but also rooted in a high degree of technical skill.
TG: What do you think is important for people interested in collecting to know about art and the art world ecosystem?
AB: Nothing but everything if that makes sense LOL! Approach art as you would organically and gravitate towards what you love. Don't think of art as an investment in terms of only worrying about its financial value. At the same time, art is a great store of investment and typically only appreciates, so, in my personal opinion, it's never a bad idea to add another piece to your collection.
TG: What do you think novice artists should know about the art world?
AB: I think they should take almost all opportunities that come their way while at the same time not compromising their artistic integrity. It takes time to get recognized but that doesn't mean one should discount that as a knock on their style. Reaching out for critique and advice is always useful as well. I think getting the most eyes on your work as possible is the goal, and with social media, there are so many ways to make that happen - use it to your advantage!
TG: What has been one of the most exciting moments in your career thus far?
AB: I’m approaching a moment that feels like maybe the most exciting yet. I’m in the process of launching a design service through Salon 21 leveraging the amazing artists’ work in the homes of collectors. To me, this feels like a culmination of the community I’ve been building and the way I love to enjoy art — at home — which is the perfect blend.