Dispatch from New York City: a young artist’s take on his first solo show in New York.

During the past month of May Catalysta participated in Volta NYC, which took place at the historical Metropolitan Pavilion. The booth was structured as a solo exhibition featuring the Dominican artist Manuel Mera, who at the occasion brought works from two different series.

We talked to Manuel about his days in New York and his experience at the fair:

On his expectations: Mera mentioned that he wanted to go to the fair as grounded as possible and “not make a movie” about what would happen there. He was pleasantly surprised when Art News recognized Catalysta and his work amongst the best of the fair, highlighting the depth of his work as an emerging artist.

On his overall experience: as this was his first fair in New York City , he described working as a team with Catalysta as a pleasing experience. It was both overwhelming and exhilarating seeing how many people were involved in the organization of the fair, and the numerous collectors and art lovers which attended Volta. Additionally, Mera mentioned this was an important step for developing his career: after working by himself in his studio in Santo Domingo, he got the chance to travel to a city full of exciting opportunities. An important part of the fair experience was the privilege of meeting different people involved in the art world who encouraged him to keep challenging himself and to dream bigger around his future as an artist.

On this opportunity and takes from the fair: By the end of the fair, Mera didn’t want to leave New York City, he felt he was going to miss out on the richness of the art community there. Being able to meet the collectors and cultivate bonds with them was a significant take from the fair. Participating in the fair opened up new possibilities he can now explore and project for his career. New York City had a vast impact and will inspire his works to come.

Volta is proud to continue the support of emerging Latin American artists like Mera and to create opportunities for them to display their works.