Meet Alex Smetsky | Artist, Gallerist, Entrepreneur

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

Hi Alex, how do you think about risk?
Risk is everything when it comes to business. It’s what separates those that climb to the top and those that are left behind.

I’m known for taking every risk possible. Some paid off, some totally failed- but I’m always ready to take a leap of faith and see where it would take my personal and professional life to.

For the most part- taking risks has excelled my career a ton. I’ve been heavily rejected on the come up, so I had to take measures into my own hands and let it excel me.

From financial investments, to legal issues for graffiti- I thrive when I take risks.

I firmly believe in taking every risk possible. I hate to play it safe.

I do, however, always try to make it so everyone involved wins. Everyone’s gotta eat. No avoiding that.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Art was a difficult career to jump into after being in nightlife for a decade.

It was always my passion, but as most people would tell you, it’s difficult to make this your sole source of income.

I was constantly rejected by art shows, galleries, and opportunities when I had to compete with others.

My philosophy was always “F___ them, I’ll do it myself.”

So I did.

I started my own art shows in the early parts of my career. Used my network from nightlife to come and support my big events. Constantly packing out shows with new potential collectors.

I started my own gallery to showcase my work as well as give a chance to new and upcoming artists that I know.

We’ve recently got our Non Profit license. Now we can give back to the city and do amazing things to help others see art as well as grow with us.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I do this all the time actually.

With my lengthy career in nightlife- I’ve established many connections and have an open door to many lounges and clubs in the city.

I’ll show my friends an incredible time at some of New Yorks best nightclubs. I’ll take them to incredible rooftops like Somewhere Nowhere (Where I did a cool sculpture installation) and Le Bain.

We’ll get some awesome food at some local gems. Mostly in Brooklyn.

Of course, I’ll take them to my gallery to show them my work as well as the work of the artists I represent.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The list of credits goes on and on. From my mother, sister and family to my closest friends that have always believed in me and pushed me.

My fans, I love my fans and supporters. I do most of this for them. I feel like I owe it to them to keep rising and proving them right for believing in me.

My mentor Zee. He’s been by my side for close to a decade now. I put him through hell with my craziness.

Book- Master Key System by Charles Hannel. I’m a firm believer of Law of Attraction. I manifested everything that I am now.

Above all- God. Daily prayer and gratitude for being here and giving me one more day to do amazing things with my talents.

Thank you all so much. I am a reflection of all of your doing.

Website: smetsky.com

Instagram: @smetskyart

Linkedin: alex smetsky

Twitter: @alexsmetsky