Founder, director and curator of LatchKey Gallery, Amanda Leigh Uribe takes pride in the nomadic nature of her gallery.
In terms of the business aspect, I believe we will see more galleries like ours – a combination of the traditional gallery model modified to reflect the changing market. Online outlets will have a greater presence, and galleries will have a better handle on how to use them. Art fairs are a very important part of the ecosystem but the model needs to shift – there is too many and so much noise around them.
Amanda Leigh Uribe (right)
How does a multi-hyphenate like you balance the contradicting elements of your work?
Since we started the gallery two years ago, it has been a challenge trying to find a balance between personal and professional life. Getting the gallery off the ground has been the priority. It has required both of us to wear multiple hats, which has been an all-consuming experience. I attribute our ability to do it all from being keenly organised as we approach each week, setting certain days to accomplish the more analytical, business responsibilities and my favourite days, the creative ones where we do artist studio visits, discuss curatorial ideas or read and research topics.
What is the primary role of curator? What does your role as director of LatchKey Gallery involve?
I enjoy every aspect of the gallery as it fulfills many of my interests. For me, the curatorial role allows me to enrich my creative side while the director role allows me to wear my analytical hat. By allocating certain days to accomplish the many responsibilities, it allows me to focus on the task at hand rather than becoming overwhelmed when looking at the overall picture.
How do you deal with the conceptual difficulty and uncertainty of creating something completely new with every venue, location and exhibition?
Entering new spaces is one of the most exciting aspects of LatchKey Gallery. Each space provides a new atmosphere and challenge. We consider the neighbourhood and environment we are entering, hoping our exhibitions speak to the community. Our hope is that each exhibition opens up a dialogue and challenges perspectives.
What are your challenges while playing different roles?
The most challenging part is changing hats, especially when I simply have no interest in doing accounting or writing a press release. On those days, if I am not inspired or simply can’t tap into that side of me, I know that there are always many other tasks to focus on until the time is right.
Amanda Leigh Uribe (left, back)
How do you describe yourself in the context of challenging people’s perspectives via your work?
Art has a way of transforming ideas, challenging concepts and broadening perspectives. It is what motivates us to create new exhibitions and experiences. We do our best to promote and support artists who are moving the needle both in their creative processes and in their visualisation of the human condition.
Tell us about your future vision. Would it be safe to say that LatchKey Gallery is your first step in manifesting this vision?
LatchKey Gallery is a dream come true. Looking to the future, there are other aspects we would like to explore, including an artist residency and programmes for schools that use contemporary art as part of the curriculum.
Take us through your curatorial process and continuous frameworks of reference. What are you looking for when you review artists’ work for a show?
We are always looking at art, doing studio visits and asking friends and colleagues about new art and artists. There is nothing more thrilling than walking into an artist’s studio and getting that surge of excitement, knowing they are working on something groundbreaking, both for themselves and for their audiences.
Select World’s S12 Studio in collaboration with LatchKey Gallery : “This Ain’t No Disco” . Damien Davis Artist Reception Natalie Kates, Damien Davis, Amanda Leigh Uribe.
As an artist manager, you have spent a lot of time amongst artists in flow. What have you observed?
Each artist has her own process – some are very expressive and want to talk out the process, ask for advice, and get a new perspective. Others are more insular and work out their thoughts and ideas on their own – it can be a challenge at times not to overly influence or leave them going down a path we disagree with. Knowing where and when they need guidance is part of building a great relationship.
What trends have you observed in the art world over the years?
In terms of the business aspect, I believe we will see more galleries like ours – a combination of the traditional gallery model modified to reflect the changing market. Online outlets will have a greater presence, and galleries will have a better handle on how to use them. Art fairs are a very important part of the ecosystem but the model needs to shift – there is too many and so much noise around them.
UNTITLED by Damien Davis. Latch Key Gallery INSITU.
What are you working on now? What should we look forward to?
2020 is an exciting year for us. Two of our artists, Damien Davis and Lucia Hierro, have solo museum shows. We have partnered with the organisation Wallplay, which will provide gallery spaces to us for the year. This opportunity has allowed us to plan out our exhibition schedule much farther in advance, and to approach artists and projects that we may not have had the opportunity to work with or on two years ago. I am very excited for our upcoming exhibition in February, A Muffled Sound Under Water, which came from a two-year conversation between the artists Tariku Shiferaw and Alteronce Gumby. LatchKey is helping facilitate the exhibition by transforming the artists’ concept into a physical show through which their dialogue on contemporary art will have a larger impact.
LatchKey Gallery (LKG) is a nomadic gallery that looks to reimagine the brick and mortar space via intimately curated exhibitions, salon series and events by partnering with various spaces in New York City. LKG is a response to the changing marketplace and the reconceptualising of the traditional art gallery. It is the brainchild of style curator, Natalie Kates, and gallerist/curator, Amanda L.Uribe. With their unique curatorial approaches, they come together to create experiences centred on emerging and mid-career artists.
Before you go – you might like to browse the Asian Curator curatorial archives . Contemporary art curators and international gallerists define their curatorial policies and share stories and insights about the inner runnings of the contemporary art world.