We had the good fortune of connecting with Lucas Kokogian and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lucas, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
On October 20th, we opened a new space in Allapattah, Miami – a 3300 sq. feet warehouse in one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city. The gallery is focused on concrete, kinetic art, and the contemporary masters of Latin American and world art. The opening show displays pieces by Vardanega, Le Parc, Torres Garcia, Atchugarry, Boto and Verdanega.

What should our readers know about your business?
Azur was born more than 13 years ago in Buenos Aires from the vision of Lucas Kokogian and since its inception, it has stood out as one of the most successful auction houses in the country. With more than 100 auctions and 30 exhibitions, Azur initially became a benchmark for Argentine Grand Masters in Argentina, to later also stand out in the modern and contemporary art market, currently including an outstanding repertoire of artists from muralism and painting. street art (always accompanied by the curatorship of Julian Manzelli.

Azur’s success continues. A decade after, the gallery opened its first space in Madrid, in the Chueca neighborhood, focusing on international artists, adding online exhibitions, and partnering with the most recognized online sales platforms in the world. The resounding success of this gallery led Azur to expand its operations in Spain. A few months its second location in Madrid in the Letras neighborhood was announced to the world.

The European success continued with the new opening in Berlin, in the Friedrichshain neighborhood, at the end of 2021. “Berlin concentrates a wide variety of contemporary avant-garde or cutting edge artists who need to be visible and developed in order to consistently create and work with a secondary market in the future” in the words of the Gallery Director.

On this occasion, Azur opens its doors in a remodeled warehouse in Miami, in Allapattah, chosen by Lucas Kokogian for being one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city and where the growth of trends is currently concentrated. Allapattah has some of the most important private collections in the world, such as the Rubell Museum or Space 23, which shows the best of Jorge Pérez’s private collection. The Superblue immersive art proposal, commanded by a giant of the global scene such as the PACE Gallery, also chose to settle in this neighborhood. Allapattah is also becoming the new Art District, and is on its way to being recognized as the next Wynwood but with more of a focus on the visual arts.

This opening has more than 50 artists of various nationalities presenting works that account for the current narrative of art, crossed by contemporary dialogues and debates on climate change, diaspora, inclusion, and many more. Among the artists present, we can find Heoyu, Veronika Sekotova, Gabriella Torres, Joel Douek, Mela Cooke, Antonio Betuelli, Olivier Petit Helle, Tamara Sweere, and John Bacon, among others.

Azur Miami’s proposal is to turn Allapattah into a center for international art. The gallery is focused on concrete, kinetic art, and the contemporary masters of Latin American and world art. the opening show displays a piece by Vardanega valued at US $150,000.

The gallery has an open studio space, which works as a meeting point for artists and connoisseurs, where apart from specialty coffee they can enjoy a vast library and art auction catalogs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Allapattah – I love walking around the Allapattah neighborhood and it has become a place for inspiration. The ever-growing lineup of thrift shops, hipster bars, and Latin restaurants and the artsy attractions make Allapattah the new hip hub in Miami.

Café La Trova – This is our go-to with my wife when we want to go for a drink and leave the kids at home. It has the feel of the local crowd and a remnant of Cuba and Hemingway.

Hometown BBQ Miami – The perfect spot for a family & friends meal. Ribs are a must.

The Pérez Art Museum – Every time I need to find inspiration or find a moment of contemplation I head to the Pérez Art Museum. A building designed by the Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Piere de Meuron, where you can see works by Wifredo Lam, Diego Rivera and Beatriz González.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Galeria Azur’s team and artists. Without them, Galeria Azur wouldn’t be possible.

Website: https://galeriaazur.art/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galeriaazur.madrid/

Image Credits
All images are mine

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.