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

Hi Yessíca, how do you think about risk?
As a first generation American, I was raised primarily by my grandparents. They risked everything to come to a country that would provide opportunities for their family for generations to come. Their work ethic and drive to be successful in my blood. I know that in order to be the person you want to be you have to be willing to listen to yourself first. My instincts may not always be right, but they are always propelling me forward.

What should our readers know about your business?
In 2011 I co-opened H Gallery + Studios in Ventura, California. As co-owner and chief curator of H Gallery, my contemporary and modern program was a clear break from the conventional art scene. I initially received some criticism for not focusing solely on the local artists within the community. However, I knew that if I really wanted to create a unique and impactful art experience I would have exhibit art and artists from out of the area. The combination of H Gallery’s progressive interior design and my ambitious exhibition schedule were received with immediate regional success. In only a few short years, my program made H Gallery one of the most prevailing contemporary art spaces in the greater Los Angeles area. With the revelation that art exposure should not be limited by physical location, I established the Dab Art Company in 2014. My goal with this distinctive art company was to enhance the contemporary art experience for artists, collectors and viewers in and outside the gallery setting. I expanded rapidly, from curating small gallery exhibitions to publishing art books, hosting artist talks, moderating panel discussions, featuring video profiles and creating exhibition videos. The most ambitious of all of my projects was making the leap into documentary filmmaking; examining the process and identity of artists. As the world of online art began to change, I had to adapt. I partnered with one of the industry’s leading online platforms. Now, the Dab Art Co. Gallery Exhibitions and our Online Exclusive Exhibits garner views into the tens of thousands. Our long standing partnership with the online art sales platform ARTSY has proved to be an invaluable resource. With buyers from 130+ countries and an average transaction distance over 3,000 miles, ARTSY has provided the connections needed to grow our collector base. Our partner platform receives 2.2 million+ unique visitors every month across web and mobile which means artists and exhibitions featured by Dab Art Co. are well-positioned for optimal collector visibility. Dab Art Co. is in good company, Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth and Simon Lee also use this curated platform. Bringing my program within the view of world renown collectors has been a game changer for my company. In 2019 I made the move from Ventura to Los Angeles proper. The Dab Art Co. headquarters and main Gallery are now located within the historic core and heart of the arts district in Downtown Los Angeles. Dab Art’s Los Angeles location is one of 25 galleries featured on the Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk. Held monthly, this remarkable art walk includes notable institutions such as The Broad and the MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art). Being apart of the DTLA Artwalk was a career goal finally realized. In 2020 I hit another company milestone by opening my first international location in Mexico City, complete with an artist residency program. I have no intention of slowing down and someday hope to have a location in every major art city in the world. After almost 10 years, I understand the the relentless evolution of contemporary art and make it my mission to feature experimental artists, highlighting innovative techniques and technological advances. The challenges of growing an art company arise in different forms; critics, financial strains, pandemics and social unrest. Most challenges can be easily overcome by simply working through them and not worrying about what critics think. Most recently, the pandemic has brought unforeseen opportunities. Instead of rolling over and playing dead when I had to temporarily close my locations, I used my online exhibition program and exposure as a way to create something new. The Dab Art Co. latest project is called ART IN THE TIME OF CORONA™. The goal of this innovative project is to record and exhibit (in real time) defining artwork created during civil uncertainty. My hope is to unite viewers and help them find the sanctity, comfort and inspiration needed to heal a world in turmoil. I believe the final outcome of this project will highlight resilience as artists and how art can be a foundation for social unity. In the midst of COVD-19, we have another societal issue people want to resolve regarding racial inequalities. While it is not my place to be a spokesperson, I can provide a platform for artists to create, record and comment on the issues within their communities. The Dab Art Co. quarterlies are a cultural commentary publication featuring artwork related to current events. The next issue will feature artwork juried by art educators and art professionals from within the Black Community; charitable contributions and honorariums will also be made from the proceeds. I think art is now and will always be essential to the growth of society. Throughout history, artists have been the ones who observe and record the truths of the world. As the contemporary artwork made today becomes remembered and revered over time, I hope I’ve been able to contribute in some small way by providing the platforms for it to have been viewed, examined and enjoyed in the moment.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
I have a few spots I love to take my out of town guests. The obvious for an art lover is the museums, The Broad and LACMA are my personal favorites. As a movie lover, my favorite spot in the city is The New Beverly theater. Owned my favorite director Quentin Tarantino, it’s the perfect movie experience for movie lovers. The trailers are curated to the feature attraction, you can get chilled Junior Mints, real butter in your pop corn and there is a good chance your see a celebrity in the back row of theater. Another request from my visitors is that I take them to Randy’s donuts. While I love the iconic Randy’s donut, my secret surprise is to take my guests to the fanciest donut joint I know; Donut Friend! I love to see my friends reaction when I tell them it’s not only delicious, it’s vegan.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The example set by my family through their hard work and accomplishments. Without my family I would not have the opportunity and motivation to carve out my own path in this life or in this country.

Website: https://www.dabart.me/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dabart.me/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_dabart
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DabArtCo/?modal=admin_todo_tour
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFhz7n0IjXNlHHBKOq40zRA

Image Credits
Cameron Hurdus and Yessíca Torres

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