Latin American Art, Artists, Artworks, Art Galleries, Museums, Art Community and Art Resources.

As an art lover, I cannot fit one more artwork on any wall of my house. We have paintings and sculptures stacked on the floor of my studio and we are about to be forced to sell some of them and to give others away. We would also like to replace some of what is already hanging which we often do.

An artwork may carry out many different stories. Where you bought it or who gave it to you; where it was framed; what the subject is; what was the artist thinking? What were you thinking? An artwork can create so many topics of conversation, and people get to know you better once you give the story of one particular piece. Some art tells you about a specific culture or a political movement in any given country; some have happy subjects or amazing colors, some become part of our history.

You don’t have to be in the art business to have one or lots of them. Nobody should be intimidated by art wherever they see it. If you have empty walls, I strongly suggest you start little by little, one at a time, to buy art that attracts your eye and your soul, that makes you curious, that reminds you of something or some place. Art does not have to be expensive or from a known artist. My biggest advice is: buy original art. You can buy original art for $50 dollars or for thousands of dollars. If your budget is lower than $1,000 dollars you may start at an antique shop or even at an estate sale where you can find many varieties. Also, when you like a painting or a sculpture for example, it does not have to match any of the color schemes at your house – it will look great regardless.

Original art does two main things: it helps the artist make a living and it becomes an investment for you. Sometimes when you buy art at a furniture store or from say a decorator, you will likely buy art made in series meaning there are hundreds or thousands exactly the same. It is often worth 1 cent on the dollar and it does not carry as interesting of a story than an original bought at a place that is a bit more specialized in art or artifacts or directly from the artist. Nothing wrong with decorative art, it’s just a matter of choice.

Established galleries may carry some affordable known artists. You would be surprised at some of the names and what the prices are. For example, you may find a Diego Rivera original ink on paper for $6,000 to $10,000. You may also find other known painters such as Francisco Toledo, Jesus (Chucho) Reyes Ferreira or Francisco Zúñiga with drawings or etchings priced at $4,000 to $8,000 dollars. You may also find great oil paintings from artists getting established for $10,000 or less. You may discover an artist that you love and follow his/her career. If from a gallery, make sure to always get a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the artist or the organization that represents the artist or his/her estate.

Art is erroneously known to be for snobs. It is not. Owning art is like owning a good book or a nice table. It is part of who you are. The story of an artwork is most importantly for you to enjoy. When you arrive at your house or office and you see an artwork, it will always remind you of an experience you had before, during or after you acquired the artwork and it will enhance your life by creating a beautiful environment filled with your own story.

You may add this to your New Year resolutions: “Buy more original art”.

Make it a wonderful New Year!

Laura Cunningham
Director

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An Interview with Peter Fetterman director of Peter Fetterman Gallery.

Peter Fetterman

Peter Fetterman was buzzing around his booth at the Dallas Art Fair as I was walking around. We made eye contact, got closer and asked each other who we were. Great guy with a thick British accent, I had instant chemistry with him. I wasted no time and asked if I could have an interview and he was ready to collaborate with me. It was the last day of the fair and he had many clients coming back to buy what they had seen over the weekend so my visit lasted for over one hour but the interview was only 11 minutes long. 

Laura Cunningham: How long have you been collecting?

Peter Fetterman: I have been collecting for 30 years.

LC: Have you only collected photographs?

PF: That is correct. I specialized in photography from the beginning.

LC: What got you interested in Latin American photography?

PF: I like the humanism in the images and I think that people from Latin America have a genuine sense of caring and reality, basic human values which maybe a lot of other cultures don’t have. They are very nice, kind, sensitive people – full of life – and sensitive to other people’s problems and a sense of humanity.

LC: Have you always had a gallery to display your photographs?

PF: I started as a private dealer for 3 years and then I opened my first public gallery 17 years ago. Now I am based in Santa Monica, California. I am British by birth and I moved to America 30 years ago. I was a film maker but I got seduced by the power of images – still images – and it changed my life.

LC: Do you only collect Black & White photographs?

PF: I deal primarily with Black & White; it is more powerful for me.

LC: Have you ever lived in any Latin American country?

PF: I have not. I would like to.

LC: Would you tell me more about the Latin American photographers you carry?

PF: Sure, I think Sebastiao Salgado is probably the most important living photographer. He was born in Brazil and lives in Paris. He has a really global view. That’s his ethos. I really think he is the greatest living photographer. I spend a big part of my day on him.

Sebastiao Salgado – Gold Mine 1986

LC: What would you consider to be the main difference between Sebastiao Salgado versus Manuel Alvarez Bravo or Tina Modotti or Graciela Iturbide?

PF: I think because he travels so much he documents the world, and I think that both Bravo or Modotti who I love were very confined only to Mexico, where as Salgado is a Brazilian photographer that has a global vision an he is an economist that has an understanding on how the world works in particular how the third world works and how its relationship with the first world works because of his training as an economist. He is not just a photographer; he is a highly intelligent, analytical person with a great talent, with a great vision and he knows how to tell stories and he knows how to move people and he knows how to show things that he wishes.  

Manuel Álvarez Bravo – El Sueño 1931

LC: Do you collect any other type of art; paintings, sculptures…

PF: Occasionally, I collect some paintings, I like drawings, and sometimes I trade with other art dealers. Over the years you find things you fall in love with.

LC: What moves you?

PF: My daughter “princess Charlotte” and theatre.

LC: What’s your favorite play?

PF: Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, It makes me cry every time I see it.

This was a little bit about Peter Fetterman. A gentleman, easy to talk to. I hope to visit his gallery soon and pick his brain a little more so I may share with all of you. If you want to learn more about the photographers he represents, please visit www.PeterFetterman.com.

Until next time,

Laura Cunningham

Director

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