Lisa E. Smith, Director at Tanya Bonakdar Gallery

What kind of artwork does Tanya Bonakdar Gallery spotlight? 

We represent about 40 contemporary artists working in all different kinds of mediums. We have some American artists, but also artists from all different countries around the world. We have paintings, sculpture, photography, but we also have some artists that show video work and audio work. So really just a very wide range of media. 

How do you determine which art pieces speak to you? 

I’m an art historian first, so I really enjoy all different kinds of artwork—historical, contemporary, art with a story, but I also like art with an interesting formal perspective on the history of image making.

Are there any art resources you’d recommend people to check out? 

There are so many great art publications out there. I think even just reading criticism in the New York Times or L.A. Times are really essential. There’s also so many different ways you can find out about art these days, just by looking at Instagram and things like that.

How do you feel about being at The Armory Show today?

It’s always fun talking to new people at the fairs. You get to meet a lot of new collectors and different people, as well as see some of the people that you deal with all the time. 

I came to you because I love the silhouette of your dress. What are some things that inform your taste in art or clothing? 

I love a lot of color, but then when I’m working in the booth, I just wear something more plain. So then I do something with an interesting texture and interesting shape, so it’s not just plain in every dimension.

Those are some wonderful sleeves.

It’s got to have something. If it doesn’t have color, it’s got to have something else. 

What is a color that brings you a lot of joy when you wear it? 

I have been wearing a lot of lime green lately, but hey… if you do it well. I usually go with one plain color, so a little monochrome. 

What would you say to emerging artists or creatives?

I think whether it’s collecting or making your own work, you really have to do what you’re passionate about. Because if you’re doing it to please other people, it’s not going to be as rewarding as if you’re making something or looking at things that you yourself love. Then you can always have that aspect that is rewarding to you.

(IG: lisaerinsmith)