This month I had the privilege of speaking with Danny Báez for the April ‘21 edition of Spotlight Series. I met Danny in 2019 at an art opening and have been following him ever since. What drew me to Danny was how he spoke about Art and the Artist, at times this can feel like one of the last pieces of the equation but he is a true champion for keeping the artist first. Danny has is a co-founder of MECA Art Fair, co-founded the non-profit ARTNOIR, and most recently has created a welcoming and inclusive space for Artists to connect with one and other and show their work at REGULARNORMAL. If you are in New York, REGULARNORMAL is a destination you must put at the top of your list, and I hope you enjoy this feature.
As always, check out my Instagram to see what works I styled from past shows Danny has curated or hosted!
Oil and Threads: Danny Danny Danny! Well firstly thank you for allowing me to interview you and pick your brain. I thought you would be a terrific guest for my feature "Spotlight Series" as you are a voice in this crazy world that I admire and highly respect, the view moments we have exchanged words I have always left learning something new or being questioned in a way that leaves me wanting to discover more. I love discovering artists either through your posts or shows which you curate. I wanted to take some time to get to ask you about your thoughts about what is happening right now in the "Art World", about REGULARNORMAL and all of the other things you do. I guess the first question is, how did you find your voice and what you want your viewers to walk away from after they have experienced something that you have worked on?
Danny Báez: Getting together with artists and bonding with them is at the core of everything that I do. Whenever I work on anything I want the viewer to feel joy, to be curious, and to ignite them to inquire more.
I found my voice because even though I am always open to listening to others I’ve always wanted to find out how it feels like to make something the way I’ve envisioned it in my head.
O&T: I read recently in an interview you didn't refer to REGULARNORMAL as a gallery space and that stopped me for a moment. It started to make me think about what the idea of a gallery is, and how we relate to the gallery space now in New York. I have my own opinions on what the idea and concept of what the gallery space has turned into, but I would love to hear yours and why you decided to call REGULARNORMAL a Project Space?
DB:I like to refer to this endeavor as a community space for the artists. When it comes to commerce we operate like other galleries. However, at the core of it, the central idea is to create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages dialogue between artists and others who are curious. Galleries should become educational institutions.
O&T: You are a man that wears many different hats, with co founding MECA Art Fair, part of the ARTNOIR Team and now opening REGULARNORMAL However, with each of these different projects you bring the same energy and always keep the artist first (my opinion as a viewer). Being in different parts of the ecosystem of this so-called "Art World", what is the lesson or mission you want to convey and share with viewers through these different platforms?
DB:I might sound repetitive but truly the one thing that I find most important is that the ARTIST should be at the center of it all. Using me as an example I want to show that you can be part of this ecosystem in more ways than just traditional roles such as gallerists, art historians, curators, artists, etc. You can find your own place and create your own path.
O&T:Since the death of George Floyd and the protests for BLM that happened last summer, we have seen institutions, galleries, and museums start addressing many of the different internal issues that have unfortunately been silenced and have been a part of the foundation of how things have been created / run. Do you have faith that these different institutions will finally take the moment to unlearn what they have been taught is correct and will make serious change? Not only with having a diverse roster or certain exhibitions, but to make internal change and be responsible for creating safe and inclusive environments; what are your thoughts in regards to this?
DB:I would love to see real change however, given the patterns I am having difficulties to fully believe what they’re preaching at the moment. Before 2020 there were plenty of people of color with the capacity and talent to be put in positions of power to implement changes but most of these appointments happened after the death of George Floyd which makes me question the intention behind it all? Of course, I hope that I am wrong.
5- As this is a place to showcase my love of Art and Fashion. I would love to know who are some of your favorite designers and creators that you enjoy either wearing or that you enjoy watching out for their new collections?
DB: I am truly into Marcus Paul’s curation of Black Spaces at Nordstrom and his recent eyewear collaboration with Haffmans & Neumeister. Also, if you know me, you know that I LOVE sneakers and I am very specific about the designs that I like. Currently, I am waiting for the second drop of Bad Bunny’s current collaboration with Adidas. Sort of digging the all pink Forum Low. The good people at IDIOMA are also doing a great job. Keep an eye on them. And definitely, all of the Aya Brown’s merchandise drops.
Danny Baez at REGULARNORMAL