Chela Mitchell
Taking Dauntless Steps in the Art World
Courtesy of the Artist.
Donde Estan Los Limoncillos, 2020
Bony Ramirez
“What drives me the most is the agency to choose what I want to do. Many of my ancestors didn't have the choices that I was afforded. I don't take this privilege lightly, and it inspires me.”
– Chela Mitchell
AN ARTICLE BY GUEST WRITER: RHEA KHANNA
Portrait of Chela Mitchell. Photo Courtesy of Chela Mitchell.
Dripping with contagious resolve and uninhibited trust in her intention, Chela Mitchell, art advisor and founder of Chela Mitchell Gallery and art club Komuna House, is at once assuring and staggeringly rousing in her presence and dauntless steps in the art world. Having had the honor to dive a bit deeper into her past, present, and soon-to-arrive fruits of passion, I am wholly inspired by her philosophy of deep conviction and consciousness.
Courtesy of the Artist
L'autre C’est Moi, 2020
Celia Rako
Rhea Khanna (RK): Your journey in the art world began with a powerful leap of faith! After working in and devoting yourself to fashion styling and luxury e-commerce, you made the tough decision to resign after coming face-to-face with the ingrained attitude of marginalizing women of color. However, instead of being slowed down, you directed your energy and passion into a new dream in a completely new industry—fine art. What drove you to the visual arts specifically?
Chela Mitchell (CM): Some of the central pillars in my life are self-expression and creativity. What drew me to the visual arts is the distinctive way that artists help us to experience life through their perspective. I've visited exhibitions and studio visits where I couldn't contain the emotions that I've encountered. I'm also fascinated by what can live beyond us. After I’m gone, generations can witness art that I also had viewed. How wonderful is that?
RK: Art invites us to transcend our own limitations, beliefs, perspectives, and experiences—to either strengthen, or reflect on and reimagine them. However, the art world isn’t always as inviting as the works themselves. The way you specifically dived into building Chela Mitchell Art (CMA) is a striking lesson in drive and conviction. Was moving into a relatively new field and starting your own art advisory from scratch intimidating for you? How did you confront these challenges?
CM: The art world is intimidating, but I decided that I wouldn’t allow that energy to subdue me. My approach to my career is not mainstream. I have a lot of spiritual beliefs that influence how I approach work. I envision myself making a difference in the art world, and I just follow it fearlessly. What drives me the most is the agency to choose what I want to do. Many of my ancestors didn't have the choices that I was afforded. I don't take this privilege lightly, and it inspires me.
Courtesy of Artsy
Untitled, 2021
Sasha Gordon
RK: I particularly admire how your website mentions a “strong focus on working with artists of color and women as harbingers of radical change.” What kind of legacy of radical change do you want CMA to not only contribute to, but drive? What is the philosophy that fuels CMA?
CM: I've left sales from galleries that couldn't respect me and I've severed ties with collectors who were solely concerned with the commodification of Black art. The legacy of radical change that I want to leave behind is one where we are dynamic and not desperate—only working with those that share our vision of what the art world should be and centering artists as best we can. If it's not moving the culture forward, I'm not engaging. CMA is fueled by integrity.
RK: That bold commitment and integrity that CMA is rooted in creates a vast amount of space for so many young creative professionals, particularly women of color, to be their authentic selves in whatever professional setting they may be in.
I’m curious to know, of all the experiences that you have had, created, and accomplished in the last 3 years with CMA, what has been one that you are most proud of?
CM: I’m very proud to work with my clients because they are all so intelligent and kind. It is a dream come true. When I first started, I'd imagine us exploring art and showing up for each other. Interacting with them is a joy.
RK: In 2020, you launched Komuna House, an arts membership club for people of color, and more recently, Komuna Foundation—an extension of Komuna House dedicated to supporting communities of color in the arts through grants, arts programs, and institutional partnerships. With community at the forefront of these initiatives, how do you view arts empowerment playing a role in the larger system of communal change?
CM: The art world can feel isolating, especially when you're Black or trans, or disabled, for example. Community is central to creating more improved conditions in this space for artists, Black and Brown collectors, and arts professionals. I can't wait for all that Komuna has planned for next year. The pandemic slowed down what we could accomplish during our first year of operation, but I'm so excited about our expansion into ten different markets soon. We'll be hosting more events, traveling together, and building a solid network of Komuna members all over the world.
RK: I feel such a deep level of excitement when you share your vision—it almost feels like the second coming of the art world!
I also understand that you are a strong believer in the presence of spiritual energy—the energy of an artwork or the energy of a person. How does that play into your work?
CM: I love that you are aware of and recognize that about me. I know that many memes online make fun of this level of consciousness, and I think they're all so funny!
I only work with people who align with my values. I have spiritual tools that I use to guide and inform my journey and they work beautifully for me.
RK: Intuition and intention are seemingly subtle, but powerful forces! Speaking of intention, I would love to know what advice you have for young WOC interested in art advising? “Where to begin” can be a crippling thought…
CM: Your path as an advisor is so unique. You’re the only person on this planet that can offer expertise and art curation in your way—don’t compare yourself to anyone in this space.
The best way to grow your business is to show the world how passionate you are about what you do. That would be the first step. Make sure that you understand the art market and genre that you choose to focus on. And always operate your business with integrity!
Courtesy of the Artist
Iran America, Part 1: Pause
Mojdeh Rezaeipour
RK: Tell me about what you envision for CMA and yourself 5-10 years from now. I believe you recently started a gallery. I, for one, cannot wait for this space to grow and create an even bigger community. What can the art world expect from Chela Mitchell Gallery?
CM: I would love to see CMA grow and maybe hire a few junior advisors. Teaching and nurturing the next wave of advisory talent—especially Black women. I opened a gallery in July, and it has been a wonderful year. This year, Celia Rakotondrainy had her first solo show, and we had a fantastic group show with Jorge Caceres, Nakeya Brown, Mojdeh Rezaeipour, Samera Paz, Lauren McKinney, and Nate Palmer entitled I Envy the Wind. They are all extremely talented artists and a blessing to work with. It was a beautiful show.
RK: I did see that on Instagram. Congratulations on such a special start to the gallery’s journey!
Finally, I’ve got to ask, which contemporary artist(s) do you have your eye on now?
CM: I always have my eye on the work of my incredibly talented friends, like Bony Ramirez, Alanna Fields, and Theresa Chromati. I love the work of Sasha Gordon, Emmanuel Massillon, Giorgio Celin, Hugh Hayden, Sydney Vernon, Esteban Whiteside, Nastassja Swift, Maya Beverly, Maria Paz, to name a few. I have a long list of impressive artists!