Art Militant: An Interview w. art currently Founder & Visionary Alison Andrea Lopez

art currently launches a new column “Art Militant” led by cultural producer Murphy Phi covering the intersection of art and fashion, as it relates to current trends and art ecosystem that sustain creative production in our increasingly interdisciplinary cultural landscape.

An era, by Webster’s definition, is defined as “a fixed point in time from which a series of years is reckoned”, also as a “memorable or important date or event — especially one that begins a new period in the history of a person or thing”.

The past century has given us a myriad of cultural eras, each set apart by the visionaries who shaped them. The Jazz Era of the 1920s gave way to the Harlem Renaissance, introducing a vivid palette of socially charged storytelling led by poets, writers, musicians, and orators of Black triumph. The birth of Hip-Hop transformed neighborhoods into spaces of artistic refuge, evolving through the ‘90s and into Y2K era—where the luxury optics of Allen Iverson, Ca$h Money, and the Bling Era altered the preexisting narratives surrounding class, wealth, and identity in America.

Tech innovators like Steve Jobs and Iddris Sandu redefined connectivity, powering the advance of creative hubs from San Francisco, to Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, corporations attempted to reimagine “streetwear,” skater fashion became a household aesthetic. (That’s something no one forecasted). Does anyone remember retro cards from the beginning of the Jordan retro era? Jeremy Scott’s takeover in fashion? We’re living in the Lebron James era and are witnessing the brilliant universe of business he’s created for his community over the last 20 years. There are a lot of people to champion in culture for all of the periods we’ve experienced in recent American pop culture.

Now, we turn our focus to media professional, CEO, and visionary Alison Andrea Lopez.

From artist to NYU graduate to museum professional, Lopez has seamlessly evolved across industries, leading her to the helm of one of today’s most influential visual agencies, specializing in cultural placemaking Pelham Communications. Once an aspiring designer searching for a dream job in media, Alison gives thanks to the beloved Chanel bag as an early influence that led her along this path. Now, a producer of her own line of luxury handbags, DREEA and founder of art currently, a global visual arts publication — the aspirations have become reality. By day, Alison, a lead at the agency’s New York offices, handles accounts for your favorite galleries, non-profits, artists and startups across the art world. After said corporate hours, she’s still embedded in her research of the fashion and fine art business, building two companies simultaneously while fulfilling the nonstop duties of being an industry art & culture publicist.

To fully understand what it takes to sanely carry this workload with the grace and patience she demonstrates, I recently sat with Alison Andrea Lopez (something impossible to achieve) to gather her thoughts and gain insight on her background, newly launched handbag, personal influence and the inspiration that guided her to this regarded position in culture.

The perfect corporate/entrepreneur balance does exist. I welcome you to the DREEA Era.

Let’s paint the scene for us – It’s 2017, you’re fresh out of CUNY and now studying at NYU. Your time at El Museo comes to an end. Brooklyn Museum calls, where are you in life at this moment.

You threw it back to my stomping grounds!

I always knew I wanted to extend my education - I’ve always been a seeker of knowledge and new findings and I felt like undergrad wasn’t enough. At the time of my decision to go to NYU for an Arts Degree - at this point - I knew art was my calling except I had it instilled in me that I was going to sell art. Open a gallery, and sell a bunch of art. Then reality struck while I was in school and decided it might not be in my purview to (however, you never know!) My experience was in non-profit but I studied business; so it was a mix of using two brains, I think. They are very different but similar at the same time.

I was immersed with some of the greatest minds both in my schooling and my experience within two of the most esteemed New York institutions; which I will cherish forever. They were some of my most formative years.

With your workload of clients ranging from galleries like Salon 94, Marlborough Gallery (RIP) to city projects like the upcoming Boston Public Art Triennial, how has your previous experience in the museum gallery world directly helped you in your day job?

I've been involved in both the gallery commercial world and the non-profit world which at times, go hand in hand. Understanding how each functions—and the key differences between them—is so crucial for executing a successful campaign and making sure they are represented effectively. It’s thrilling to see how you can navigate through both which is why I love what I do.

How satisfied are you with the current state of media?

There needs to be more serious critics; and criticism all together. What happened to great criticism? I want to see more print media; its just not enough. I’m hopeful of seeing the pendulum swing and see more support in the humanities in the future.

What is the future of media?

Beautiful print.

Given your track record, you’ve done plenty of work in media and communications so being the CEO of a global arts publication is pretty on brand with your career. My question is, was art currently something that always brewed in the back? Was this a project realized during your university years or did you develop this concept along your professional journey?

YES! I actually always wanted to write and when the world stopped during the pandemic, I started a blog! It was mostly based on shows and art happenings I was interested in outside of my clients; and general interests. But then I realized that I wanted more. I’m also always seeking for new writing and perspectives so I wanted to create space for others to write; whether they didn’t see themselves as writers or for those who longed to dabble in it like I was; so that’s when art currently came about. I welcome all writers to feel like they can get their feet wet here.

Obviously, we all love DREEA. Congratulations on such a great product. How did you arrive on a handbag? Where were you in your evolutional period when you landed on this brand concept and how long did it take you to create this first collection?

Thank you so much! It’s also been a long time coming - it took me about two years to finally get the design right believe it or not. A handbag like DREEA is so simple yet complex at the same time due to its design. If it’s off by one inch, the whole bag can become lopsided.

I always enjoyed collecting small bags; bags that were compact and less of the typical “carry my entire life in it” bags. Wherever I went, whether it was a street market in El Salvador where my family is from to emerging designers; I always loved my small bags. Until one day, I figured I’d design my own. One that felt like “this is me” and so I did; until later to witness how well it was received by strangers so I decided to make more for everyone to enjoy.

One of the earliest memories is seeing my dad get ready for work. He would just put his wallet in his back pocket; and shove his keys in his front pockets, and leave which to me was always admirable - I would say “why can't a woman be like that?” We are conditioned to carry everything in our bags! Which if that’s your style - go head’ sis, do your thing - but DREEA is quite the contrary. DREEA stands for living a life that's minimalistic and intentional, and less of what I like to call, being in survival mode by stuffing your bags with unnecessary items, sometimes! I've been guilty of that too, don't get me wrong, but it's just too much.

The brand name is also a play on your middle name - how personal is this accomplishment for you? How does it speak to the young high schooler in you who strived to help people see & understand beautiful things?

I love this question because everything I do, I do for art for art’s sake. I want DREEA to be individualistic for everyone, and mean whatever it does for whomever wears it. My middle name is Andrea which stands for strong and courageous and instead of completely namesaking my brand, I wanted it to be interpreted for what it is: feeling bold when wearing it.

One thing that is super close to my heart is my family. Every letter in DREEA stands for someone’s name in my immediate family which I didn’t intentionally do; or perhaps I did subconsciously but it makes me feel close to them at all times.

Let’s talk about Alison, the artist. You have a minor in studio art – tell us more about your practices and how that helps you in your line of work, or even how it helps you escape.

Art runs in my veins and I don’t know how to get rid of it at this point! I never really considered myself an artist; but instead, a visionary. Although, I’m becoming more comfortable with the word artist.

I majored in a study I felt could bring in money (I did physical therapy before switching to digital media because let’s face it, it just wasn’t in the cards for me to pass any of my biology classes) so I minored in studio art to create; which was something I kept so inwards and to myself. I have multiple journals, canvases and sketchbooks that evidence me leading a life of creativity. I painted a lot and it was my way of self expression - I was inspired by what was around me - from Lady Gaga, to seeing the work of Elaine de Kooning and Leonora Carrington or Ana Mendieta even. It all made me feel closer to artists before me.

What’s your relationship with making art these days?

Great question! I need to get back into painting. I’ve been so immersed in a world where I’m representing others and living vicariously due to the nature of being a publicist that I’ve lacked time to create myself (aside from DREEA of course) so I’m looking forward to painting more, and again.

You’re a very fashionable person and your personal branding has always seemed curated, even though you claim to not focus on it much, which is also a flex within itself. We are all referencing something so I’m curious as to who, or what, are your earlier fashion influences?

I always think about Alexander McQueen’s Plato's Atlantis back in 2010. Surely I had earlier exposure to fashion but nothing hit like those armadillo shoes. I loved early 90s Thalia, the singer. I remember seeing Lil Kim and thinking “she’s petite like me so I could totally rock this!” I loved, loved, loved, Victoria Beckham since Spice Girl.

What was your intro to fashion?

Music was a big part of my upbringing so I would say that rockstars like SLASH, or David Bowie were my early exposure to fashion and style; or like the space girls for example. Seeing Lil Kim being dress fearlessly was also a huge influence to me! My uncles who grew up in the Bronx who had hella style were also inspirational; they were heavily involved in the graffiti/hip hop circle.

There’s always the cliche question of what would you tell your younger self. I think the answer can sometimes yield a very personal response so I’d like to pose a more intentional question to bring about a more direct angle of advice for the youth, obviously outside of just you. What are some things you’d like to offer your younger audience wishing to breakthrough in the fashion, art and media space?

I will say this because it was what many creatives passed on to me: JUST DO IT. It’s the hardest part, I think. Finally taking the steps into doing something that doesn’t have to be perfect at first was an aspect I needed to lean into considering my personality where everything needed to make sense before doing; but that’s not the case. Once you put out, everything else will come naturally and to your best interest. Trusting yourself enough to put out is courageous even when sometimes you feel like people don’t get it - let them catch up! Also, make your own seat at the table because I’m finding it's needed.

Thanks for reading - until next time!