Today we’d like to introduce you to Yessíca Torres.
Hi Yessíca, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey in the contemporary art scene ignited in 2011 when I unveiled my first Gallery in Ventura, California. I was driven by a desire to create an environment that transcended the traditional exhibition space, a place that celebrated the process of contemporary art, offered art advisory and consultation, and delved into the media in art through artist talks and films. My enthusiasm for art and the artistic process led to significant expansions, including the launch of new locations in Los Angeles, Mexico City, and Austin. These early steps laid the groundwork for what Dama Gallery is today: a global platform for exceptional artistic talent fueled by my unwavering passion and dedication.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been a challenging road. One of the biggest obstacles I faced was needing the backing of big investors. I am just an average person from a working-class immigrant family. Additionally, navigating a predominantly male-led industry presented its own set of challenges. Despite starting small, I challenged my local market one show at a time by focusing on artists I knew had significant growth potential and diligently grew my client and collector base over time. This hands-on approach, where I personally oversaw every aspect of the business, has helped me grow my business and ensured its longevity. Over the years, this strategy has solidified Dama Gallery’s reputation and stability in the art world. By staying true to my vision with patience and persistence for the last 13 years, I’ve sustained and expanded Dama Gallery, continually promoting exceptional talent and fostering a diverse and inclusive art community.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in showcasing contemporary working artists and focus on relevant work happening at the moment, telling the story of the artists, not just their artwork. We are known for strategically curating emerging and established artists and providing a global platform for exceptional talent. What sets Dama Gallery apart is the multifaceted approach to promoting artists through exhibitions, publications, films, podcasts, and partnerships that explore their processes and identities.
We’d love to hear what you think about risk-taking.
Risk-taking has been a fundamental part of my business. Each time I expanded into a new city—Los Angeles, Mexico City, and Austin—it was a significant risk. Entering these new markets meant starting from scratch with a new brick-and-mortar and establishing ourselves as a new player in a competitive environment. These expansions required significant investments and the challenge of building a new client base and network from the ground up. My approach to every expansion is strategic and calculated, as with any move. The most significant risk was the uncertainty of how each new market would respond to our gallery’s unique approach and whether we could replicate our success in Ventura. Fortunately, our dedication to showcasing contemporary, relevant work and telling the stories of the artists we represent resonated well in each new location. In essence, I believe that taking risks is essential for growth and innovation. While there are always uncertainties, careful planning and a clear vision can turn those risks into opportunities for success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://damagallery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damagalleries/
Image Credits
Personal Photo Credit; Yessíca Torres, 1/2 – Dama Gallery Austin, Texas. Photo Credit: Yessíca Torres, 3/4 – Dama Gallery Los Angeles, California. Photo Credit: Yessíca Torres 5/6 – Dama Gallery Ventura, California. Photo Credit: Yessíca Torres 7/8 – Dama Gallery Mexico City, Mexico. Photo Credit: Micheal Swank
