FROM THE VoyageMIA ARTICLE:
"Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Borlenghi.
Hi Robert, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed with your story and how you got to where you are today.
In 2004, our journey began in Dallas in an office building, operating on an appointment-only basis with one employee. The following year marked a pivotal moment as we transitioned to the Design District of Dallas, immersing ourselves in the art scene and evolving into a fully functional gallery with an exhibit program and a team of three employees.
This location remained operational until 2009. In 2006, we expanded our presence by inaugurating our second location in Wynwood, Miami, FL. Currently, we proudly manage galleries in the Design District of Miami and the Little River area. Throughout these years, we have presented art from the Americas, combining solo shows of Contemporary artists and collective exhibitions of Modern art from our collection.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We went from having an established gallery in Dallas to embarking on the adventure of taking a risk with a new art concept for a new city.
In the beginning in Miami, we experienced resistance from the public towards the presentation of art from Cuba. However, this dynamic shifted due to the emigration of numerous talented Cuban artists. As a result, we now witness a transformation in the art landscape, with many recognized galleries showcasing Cuban art.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our artists have an international trajectory and have been awarded several awards, such as the Leone d’Oro at the Venice Biennale (Ferrari), the “Ellies” (Sandra Ramos and Carlos Estevez); the Pollock-Krasner award (Snelling); “Artist of the Year” in Cuba (Toirac); French Republic Cultural Award (Duval Carrie’); National Cultural Award, Cuba (R. Diago); Salon de la Mujer, Museo de La Plata, Argentina (Sardi).
We have collaborated with other galleries, sponsored public exhibits, and placed our artists in museums and important private collections: The Tate, London; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Frost Art Museum, Miami; Museo Solo, Madrid; Museum of African-American Art, Los Angeles; Museum of African-American Art, Dallas; Museum of Contemporary Art, Ft. Lauderdale; the Daros Foundation, Zurich; the heir to the throne, currently King of Holland; Ms. Betty De Woody, Coral Gables; the Rubins Foundation, New York; Mr. Howard Farber, New York; Jorge Perez’s Espacio 23, Miami; Bank of Nova Scotia collection, Toronto; Deutsche Bank collection, New York, among others.
Over the years, we have come to specialize, through solo and 2-person shows, in promoting emerging and mid-career artists from the Americas, finding common traits among different countries, from the North and the South.
What does success mean to you?
If I believe that I am close to reaching the top, I am likely overlooking something. Conformity or the standard of conformity should not be defined as success."
February 15, 2024