Pato Paez Pato Paez

Sigmund de Jong: The Art Studio as a Research Center

Last week, I did a virtual studio visit with artist Sigmund De Jong, with whom I connected a few months ago on Instagram. I really adore the simplicity of his work—a great example of less is more, though, in this case, it’s A LOT more. He showed me around his studio in the Netherlands with the help of his friend Raph, who acted as a cameraman. As we “walked” into the studio, Sigmund welcomed me by referring to it as his “research center” which, as a science nerd, has stayed with me ever since. It’s as if at that moment, all the studio visits I’ve done in my career became even clearer.

Read More
Pato Paez Pato Paez

“Hughmans,” Hugh Hayden

If you know me, you know I’m all in for shows that leave you pondering way more questions than when you walked in. That’s exactly what hit me at “Hughmans,” Hugh Hayden’s latest exhibition at the Lisson Gallery. Now, this gallery has two spots in New York right next to each other, but it’s art the smaller one where the magic happens—IMHO, more often than not, it's where the really captivating shows unfold.

Read More
Pato Paez Pato Paez

How to Find Up-and-Coming Artists—I’ll Tell You My Secret

“Where do you find cool artists?” That’s the question I hear all the time. Everyone who’s into art is always on the hunt for new talent. Unearthing these hidden gems takes some real intuition and a bit dedication, but it’s not impossible. Let’s dive into how I do it:

Read More
Pato Paez Pato Paez

The Appeal of Abstraction

In general terms, abstraction is defined as the “absence of concreteness.” Consequently, abstract art is not concerned with a concrete depiction of our visual world. Instead, it relies on shapes, colors, lines and tones to transmit its effect.

Read More
Pato Paez Pato Paez

Maggie Jay Horne - Converging Lines

In art, lines represent a conceptualization of the real world that can help us in our perception of objects, depth, distance, etc. Appearing as marks on a paper, lines help us perceive a three-dimensional, dynamic world represented on a two-dimensional surface.

Read More
Pato Paez Pato Paez

Exploring 'From Thebes to Cairo' at Yossi Milo Gallery

Thursday mornings in Chelsea are the best, especially when you’re gallery hopping with a friend. This week, my friend Aaron and I decided to hit up a bunch of spots, and our highlight was definitely Yossi Milo Gallery. They have ann amazing show called "From Thebes to Cairo" by Ibrahim Said, and wow, it’s something else.

Read More
Pato Paez Pato Paez

A Serendipitous Zoom Meeting: Leiti Hsu and the Art of Event Making

Leiti has a knack for connecting people that really amps up the emotional vibe of any gathering, turning what could be just another event into a genuinely transformative experience. After the official part of the meeting wrapped up, Leiti and I ended up talking for another hour, just swapping ideas and thoughts.

Read More
Pato Paez Pato Paez

A Tale of Two Art Fairs: Frieze vs. Superfine

Art fairs have a special place in the heart of the art community, serving as bustling marketplaces where collectors and enthusiasts can discover emerging talent and engage with established names. However, not all art fairs are created equal, as I was reminded on a day that took me from the hallowed halls of Frieze to the vibrant aisles of Superfine.

Read More
Pato Paez Pato Paez

A Lithium Mine and an Art Haven in Catamarca

So, my friend Gabriel, who's practically been my partner in crime since we were kids, has bought his second lithium mine. Yes, you heard that right—a whole mine! And not just anywhere, but in the rugged, stunning terrain of Catamarca, Argentina. It's called the 3C (Tres Cruces) and, from what Gabriel tells me, it's quite the place.

Read More
Pato Paez Pato Paez

Decoding Liz Nielsen’s Unique Photographic Technique

A couple of years ago, I got to meet Liz Nielsen at her Brooklyn studio thanks to our mutual friend, art dealer Michelle Tillou. I was immediately drawn to Liz's work, although at first, I couldn't quite figure out how she was pulling it off. It turns out, she's a camera-less photographer, which blew my mind.

Read More
Pato Paez Pato Paez

MAD54: Pioneering a New Era of Accessible Art

I had an engaging conversation with Aida Valdez, the founder of MAD54. Aida and I found common ground in our shared vision of breaking down the barriers that make art seem inaccessible. MAD54 is an online platform that aims at shattering conventional boundaries and introducing new perspectives on art and its interaction with society. This contemporary art initiative is making strides for its innovative and dynamic approach to contemporary art.

Read More
Pato Paez Pato Paez

Buying Art Online: Top Tips and Red Flags

Buying art online can be a whole lot of fun but let's be honest, it can also be pretty overwhelming. The digital world is a treasure trove of art, featuring pieces from artists at every stage of their careers. While it’s super convenient to scroll through galleries from your couch, there are a few potential hiccups that can make the process more anxiety-inducing than it should be.

Read More
Pato Paez Pato Paez

Keiko Kamata’s Work

Keiko Kamata is redefining the landscape of printmaking with her innovative approach to silkscreening. Unlike many of her contemporaries who might produce uniform series, Keiko treats each print as a unique exploration, capturing distinct moments filled with originality. Her approach is marked by spontaneity and an intuitive mastery of the medium.

Read More