Mercedes Roldán
New Entrepreneur Spring 2023
“Believe in something brillant”
Mercedes Roldán. Curator and Art Dealer.
Mercedes Roldán Biography
My father’s family came from arts and crafts and my grandfather was a cabinet maker for the Alba House. My aunt has one of the biggest glazier shop in Madrid, everything in my life was about art in all its disciplines.
I spent weekends at a family restaurant in Pintor Rosales Street where all the writers, actors, painters met for conversations and lunch, it was my favourite place to be.
Already at such a young age I knew I wanted to there, I love painting and was always a very creative and enthusiastic child. As a result of my love for these subjects, at a very early age I joined a learning course at a painter’s atelier.
Being an artist was not allowed in my house so I went to live abroad. I joined the University of Dublin for a couple of years. I came back to Spain in order to finish my ‘Art History’ career and a ‘Curator Master’ at Alcala de Henares University. Additionally, I accessed the ‘Escuela de la Palma’ where I finished my studies in Wall painting (Mural Art) and Street art. I have never given up education and I am now immersed in an official course for Illustration and Photography.
I lived in Ireland for 2 years, in Düsseldorf for a year, South Africa for a couple of months as volunteer, New Port Beach also for a couple of months investing in the art market, and due to my work I have lived in Tenerife, Bilbao, Valencia and Barcelona. I traveled a lot as result of participating in the international art fairs every two months.
E-commerce and the Art.
“E-commerce is getting more and more popular. The online sales increased 48% last year in the art market. 3D, virtual tours are so real, and the meta verso experience will also have an impact in the future.
The auction market online had an incredible boost and most of the galleries and art dealers do business through them. I believe in 10 years we will all be on the online market for sure.“
Mercedes Roldán Art Gallery
Mercedes Roldán Art Gallery
Life as Art dealer.
“Being an art dealer makes you become someone who can multitask, learn more about art courses, practice communications, PR marketing and sales skills.
If you have all these abilities you are ready to take part in business within the art world. If you also have a vision for trends and take risks-on what you believe is something brilliant- you can definitely make a name in the art world”.
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Meet Art Gallery Owner Mercedes Roldán
1. Mercedes, tell us about yourself as an artist
As an artist I have been influenced by numerous subjects, those include minimalism, conceptual art , and classicism. For example drawings and the big proportions within my illustration have been influenced by classicism. Additionally, vibrant and strong colours also play a significant role with my illustrations. Similarly woman and her femininity, beauty and simplicity are also ideas that impact my illustrations.
2. What is the story behind ‘Mercedes Roldán Gallery’
Mercedes’ Roldán gallery was born due to my experience gained working in a gallery for a couple of years. A group of artists asked me to represent them. First, I started as a curator and art advisor and a few years later, I opened my own location in Madrid city centre. It was a great experience but I was mostly focused on international art fairs and exhibitions.
3. In your opinion, what is the most important value(s) for an art dealer and a curator?
Being an art dealer makes you become someone who can multitask, learn more about art courses, practice communications, PR, marketing, and sales skills. If you have all these abilities you are ready to take part in business within the art world. If you also have a vision for trends and take risks -on what you believe is something brilliant- you can definitely make a name in the art world.
4. Which of your ‘curated artists’ best represent your gallery personality?
My gallery personality can be represented by Carlos de Paz or Kuno Vollet sculptures. On the other hand, new emerging artists such as Charles Madd and H|25 who’s artworks remind me of the pop art.
5. What are the qualities to become an established and respected artist?
Good skills on art, technic, Colour, investigation, concept on your work and a subject to work for.
6. In a world of e-commerce, what is your vision of gallery owners for the next 10 years?
E-commerce is getting more and more popular. The online sales increased 48% last year in the art market. 3D, virtual tours are so real, and the meta verso experience will also have an impact in the future.
The auction market online had an incredible boost and most of the galleries and art dealers do business through them. I believe in 10 years we will all be on the online market for sure.
7. How do you balance running an art gallery with the life of an artist?
It is a war- a conflict- between the two worlds. I try to balance and focus on the best projects.
8. A place in Madrid where you find paradise
In Pantano de San Juan or Mercado de San Miguel to have a real experience.
9. Your favourite international art fairs
Miami art week, I absolutely love it!
10. What art magazines and websites inspire you?
I often read Art magazine ‘Apollo’ and ‘The Art Newspaper’.
11. What are your favourite art photographers ?
I truly admire Jimmy Chin, Jimmy nelson, Eugenio Recuenco.
12. And finally Mercedes, what items identifies you?
I am an enthusiastic and full energic person, who loves every little thing I do.
Mercedes Roldán Art Gallery
