Thunderous applause rang through One Art Space, as Sophocles the founder of START Shows concluded his closing speech. The ovation marked the end of ‘New You,’ a 3-day exhibition featuring over 40 artists from around the world, showcasing works at the TriBeCa Gallery held from January . Each day was a packed house, as guests flocked to the exhibit to check out the hundreds of canvases, prints, sculptures, multi-media pieces, and even photography – not to mention dozens of red ‘sold’ stickers. Diversity, amongst both the art and artists, has been key to START shows success.
Each day was a packed house, as guests flocked to the exhibit to check out the hundreds of canvases, prints, sculptures, multi-media pieces, and even photography – not to mention dozens of red ‘sold’ stickers. Diversity, amongst both the art and artists, has been key to START shows success.
“The inspiration behind the name ‘New You’ came from a book I was reading – ‘YOU OWE YOU’ by Dr. Eric Thomas – and the timing of the January show, relating it to how people always say New Year, New You. Dr. Thomas is one of my favorite motivational speakers, and it really pumped me up for 2023, so the name of the show came to me like a flash of lightning,” Sophocles told me in an interview.
I first met Sophocles at our own One Art Space event, the Issue 5 Icons release, for which he was the first guest. I had been only vaguely familiar with START Shows before, though I’d popped in to a few of their exhibits and was impressed with both the range of art and the curation. Following their December show, ‘Museum of Now’ for which UP was a sponsor, I reached out for a formal interview, to learn more about his journey as an artist and curator, and the story behind START Shows.
One of the notable aspects of his curatorial style, is the family-element. Sophocles co-founded START Shows with his wife Thais, who is also an artist. Recalling their early days working together, he explained, “I had curated 6 other shows at One Art Space before our first Start Show. Thais had the brilliant idea of creating an LLC out of what we were already doing, and to work as a team to create a business. Our goal was to create a large impact in the lives of artists who may never otherwise have a chance to exhibit their art in a NYC or other gallery.”
An artist himself, it was his frustrations in dealing with traditional galleries that led him toward curating his own shows. “Part of my driving force was that I had visited Chelsea and asked if I could submit my art to several galleries and was turned away, one gallerist even told me to go to the Lower East Side. That angered me and I thought to myself, why don’t I just curate my own gallery show?” Sophocles said.
Back in 2012, Sophocles was teaching art and comics in an after-school program in the LES, and curating tables at small art fairs. He knew he wanted to help emerging artists, but wasn’t sure how.
Chance would have it that several months later he ended up at One Art Space, while visiting an exhibition on Jack Kirby (co-Creator of Marvel – “while Stan Lee was the writer, Kirby was the illustrator who designed the iconic look of many heroes”.) There he met Diego, one of the curators and talked about his vision for a gallery space for emerging artist, to which the curator told him One Art Space was the place.
It was there he met Thais, his wife, who was an artist in the lineup. Since then, they’ve hosted 14 START Shows, most of which have been at One Art Space, plus the 6 shows at the TriBeCa gallery before START.
One Art Space holds a special place in Sophocles heart – for more reasons than one. It was where he curated his first show, and it was there he met Thais, his wife, who was an artist in the lineup. Since then, they’ve hosted 14 START Shows, most of which have been at One Art Space, plus the 6 shows at the TriBeCa gallery before START.
Another defining element of START Shows, is the community that has built around it. Many artists re-appear in the various exhibitions. As one artist, Jacqueline put it, “Working with START Shows on exhibits is always a rewarding experience. There’s a deep sense of support and community from both the staff and participating artists. Each artist has a unique vision, and the range of talent is incredible.”
Interacting with the other artists on the roster is part of the START Shows experience. As Kenny Ulysses Grant told me, “The ‘New You’ show was fun, exciting, and energetic. People were really excited to take in the art and to see what all the artist have been up to and had ready to display. I love how these events really bring the artists together.”
The sentiment was echoed by Ian Sajulan, who said the “START Shows experience is always a success. From showcasing the unique talents of individual artists, to bringing us together as one art community, Sophocles and Thais are both very accommodating and professional in their expertise.”
One facet of START Shows that some may be critical of, is that there is a hanging fee for wall space. However, in turn, Sophocles and Thais use some of the revenue to invest in the artists, by paying for marketing to incentive potential collectors. In truth, I saw more sold stickers at ‘New You’ than I have at many other art shows. The curators invest in artists in other ways as well.
“I like that Sophocles offered tips for talking to potential collectors.” Natasha Marcano said, “He gives artists the opportunity to introduce and describe their type of art in a small review that they can post to help build interest in their artwork.”
“I like that Sophocles offered tips for talking to potential collectors.” Natasha Marcano said, “He gives artists the opportunity to introduce and describe their type of art in a small review that they can post to help build interest in their artwork.”
While ultimately it is a business, it’s one run with compassion. “I want the art community to know that Thais and I are artists as well as curators and designers. We feel the pain of artists who are emerging to the surface of the spotlight. We have both been there in the past. Because of this we strive to give the artists that we feature in our shows every opportunity and tool to succeed”
The price hasn’t seemed to be a deterrent for any of the artists accepted to the show. “This is my third time exhibiting with START Shows,” EROCKSNY told me, “every time I feel it’s a win-win. The gallery, One Art Space is beautiful, spacious, and Sophocles is the best, he’s so professional and always has the artists best interest. He organizes such great exhibits. It was an honor to be a part ‘New You’, I mean what a great way to start my creative 2023 year. Also, the fact that you’re surrounded by so many cool talented artists. The networking, the connections you make, and sharing your love of art with everyone is what it’s all about. I can’t wait for the next one.”
“One Art Space is beautiful, spacious, and Sophocles is the best, he’s so professional and always has the artists best interest. He organizes such great exhibits. It was an honor to be a part ‘New You’, I mean what a great way to start my creative 2023 year.”
Another START Shows regular, Larry Leventhal spoke of how the exhibitions have grown, with ‘New You’ being a particularly monumental show. “It was one of the most amazing opening nights of all the shows I’ve been in. We had a great overall attendance, excellent numbers, and consistent good traffic from beginning to end. Sophocles really provides a safe environment for artists to begin showing their work and he works very hard to provide information on marketing and selling as part of his productions. I show with START Shows not only to expose my latest work but also to support Sophocles in building his brand and business.” The curator’s professionalism is part of what draws loyalty from artists.
Similarly, Rosa Guadalupe had high praise for the latest show. “The exhibition was fantastic; it was nice to see a big variety of art. ‘New You’ was truly refreshing and inspiring to new art collectors and artists alike. START shows was able to incorporate different mediums without sacrificing gallery aesthetics and cannot wait what else they will bring in future shows.”
As the exhibit began to wrap up, Sophocles reflected on the show’s success. “It’s always worth the time and effort I put into it when I see the smiles on the artists, and art enthusiasts faces at show time!”
Check out below for the full roster of artist’s featured in START Shows’ ‘New You’ Exhibition:
Featured Artists: @michaelsaviello @rosaguadalupe_art @klayjamesenos @iansajulan @larryosan @victoriacitro @kugrantartwork @tibart1 @natashamarcano.art @aurorasforaurora @renatabymonisaparekh @erickmotaart @ashleyjoan_art @repainted_by_carla_tersini @richa_gallery @simmisingh_ @pjpiii @rezones @maloverse @madstractmotel @lakaysakrebotanica @sarasasic @alessandrarotondiny @subha_maddali @the_v_path @omarjoelart @heatonjohnson @jkrd.art Ciarra Torres @the_fancy_dave @gigi_bxny @natec.photos @kamilafreitas.art @jayjansen22 @erocksny @sundanceclairance @sooirv @artofvart @thais.coelho.artista @farmboynft
Sponsors: @weknowcity @stereotypeco @official_artistmagazine @bleucalf @augier.eth
