PXP CONTEMPORARY: EXPLORING THE POWER OF WOMEN ARTISTS WITH ALICIA PUIG
Alicia Puig is the CEO and co-founder of PxP Contemporary, Director of Business Operations for Create! Magazine, an arts writer, and an author. She has worked in the arts industry for over ten years both in the US and abroad. For her curation with SHOWFIELDS Alicia wanted to focus on female artists that are thriving in an industry that has historically made it difficult for women to succeed. All of their works spark joy, evoke nostalgia, or share part of their culture and personal experience.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your practice:
I earned my BFA in Painting and Printmaking, studied Art History for my MA, and then spent
over a decade working in galleries, museums, fairs, and other sectors of the art world. It’s my passion!
As I moved along in my career and began developing skills for curating, selling, and digital marketing, I had numerous clients and artists begin to ask me - so when are you opening your own gallery? For many years, I resisted because the traditional gallery model was not the business I envisioned owning.
Then in early 2019, my dear friend and business partner Ekaterina Popova convinced me that it was time and that I was ready to go for it. Together we launched PxP Contemporary in May of 2019. Our online gallery focuses on connecting collectors with affordable artworks under $2,500 by talented artists from around the world. I’ve loved every minute of running PxP and look forward to seeing our platform continue to grow in the years to come.
What are your parameters for artist selection?
How much an artist has invested in developing their style certainly plays a major role in whether or not I think they’ll be a fit for PxP. I also look for craftsmanship, a hint of something unique, and pieces that resonate with me. It doesn’t work if you’re trying to sell art you don’t believe in! That said, aesthetics isn’t everything. Any relationship I begin with an artist has to be built on professionalism and trust because I’m introducing them and their work to my clients. Ultimately, I love to support great people who also happen to be great artists.
What kind of artwork is relevant to our generation and the times we are living?
It’s funny how often we use the term “relevant” now, to the point where it’s taken on a whole new meaning. Anyway, I think we’ve collectively become more aware that art can speak to us in a variety of ways and for many different reasons. We can love art because it conveys a powerful political message, inspires social change, prompts us to feel emotional, or catches our eye simply because it is beautiful - but art doesn’t have to do any of these things. Any artwork can be relevant as long as someone connects with it.
Tell us about this curation for SHOWFIELDS: conceptually, aesthetically, etc.?
I am proud to know so many women artists in 2020 who are thriving, each in their own way. My curation for Showfields brings together a selection of women artists based both in the US and internationally who I either currently or have previously shown with my gallery PxP
Contemporary. Their works inspire, spark joy, evoke nostalgia, share a part of their culture or personal experience, and so much more. I hope you enjoy the collection!
What is your advice for art lovers and appreciators looking to start their own art collections?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t miss out. It can be a big decision to invest in art, but trust your gut if you know you truly love a piece and make it yours before someone else does.