Celebrating 40 Years of art with Gallerist, James Bacchi
James Bacchi is a gallerist, advisor, artist, personal mentor, and friend. I can think of no better way to kick off our “The Shakers” series by showcasing and celebrating his milestone of 40 years in the art world.
James’ art career began in New York’s East Village in the ‘80s surrounded by iconic artists, performers, and creators such as Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Nona Hendryx, and more. “When AIDS struck, the art community became even tighter. Then, the market crashed, along with my then relationship, so I packed two bags and moved to San Francisco. Within a year, I launched ArtHaus with Art Consultant Annette Schutz.” ArtHaus quickly became a destination gallery for collectors and a haven for mid-career and emerging artists.
Fast forward to yet another pandemic, and James and his husband decided to fulfill a lifelong goal of living in Palm Springs. Did he retire? Hell to the no! Instead, he used this new start as a platform to launch James Bacchi Contemporary.
James continues to break boundaries and be at the forefront of art and technology. He pursues his own art interest with a photography project, “In the Sky”. He curates Pop Ups at notable designer showcases, is working on a contemporary art space in the metaverse. Yes, you heard me! And if that’s not enough he is dipping his toe in publishing.
Allow me to introduce you to my dear friend and tireless art icon, James Bacchi. A Shaker if ever there was one.
Back to my roots… Celebrating the big 70 at SUPERFINE inside the Metropolitan Museum, NYC
Q: I know you got your start in NYC’s East Village in 1985. Can you talk about the art scene and the artists you met during that time?
Limelight, New York City
A: The art scene in New York’s East Village during the mid-1980’s was a time in history that will never repeat itself. I consider myself blessed to have both experienced it and be here today to tell about it. This time of my life was more fun than humans could possibly imagine.
It was an era when the art, music, and fashion worlds joined creative forces and spawned the “club scene”. My art career began in the clubs. With then business partner, Jana Jagendorf, we created ON THE WALL PRODUCTIONS and curated art exhibitions for the likes of Limelight, The Tunnel, Area, Pizza A-Go-Go, Vissage, and Palladium.
The success of these club exhibitions garnered a following of art enthusiasts and collectors, which led to the opening of ON THE WALL GALLERY on East 11th Street. Those late-night shows also introduced us to a name-dropping collection of established and emerging artists, musicians, and fashionistas. I remember one of the club promoters knew Drew Barrymore’s Mom. It was just after Drew did ET. In one of our benefit art events at Limelight, on the wall was a glitter and marker piece by Drew that raised several hundred dollars for The Children’s Aid Society. Regulars at ON THE WALL included many of the greats and many soon-to-be greats. From Andy Warhol and Keith Haring to Adam Kurtzman and Andrea Arroyo. From Nona Hendryx and Cindy Lauper to Antonio Lopez and Brian Scott Carr. “It was fierce”, as fashion photographer Tina Paul for Patricia Field always said.
And just like that, AIDS.
Adam Kurtzman, Fish Hat, papier-mache and mixed media
Q: What was your first big break: sale, artist, or client?
A: One name is synonymous with my first big break, sale, artist, and client. That name is Adam Kurtzman, aka “The Genius of Papier-Mache – NEW YORK POST. I remember being at his studio and seeing a commission of a headpiece for a wedding veil in the shape of a fish. It was such an amazing sculpture, which led to a series titled FISH HATS, each one more elaborate than its predecessor.
FISH HATS captured the attention of collectors, curators, and museums, as well as Good Morning America, Interview Magazine, New York Times, WWD, Details Magazine, and on and on. Representing, promoting, and exhibiting Kurtzman’s work remains the best of the best times.
Q: When did you decide to leave New York for San Francisco, and how would you compare the art scene and collectors?
A: I decided to leave New York in 1993. The Art Market Crash of ’92 led to the closing of JAGENDORF-BACCHI in SOHO followed by a brief stint as an Associate at ART VUE Corporate Consultants. My then-boyfriend and I broke up, and it was time for a change. So, after 15 years, I took my heart to San Francisco.
It’s difficult to compare New York, the most vibrant Art Scene in the world, to any other city. By now, the Art Scene was more an entity unto itself and seemed to revolve around particular artists, galleries, and museums. There was more of a seriousness to it.
Collectors are collectors. Be they established, emerging, or at the mercy of their friends and their interior designers. There’s just more of them in New York. I love them all.
Q, I’d love to hear about trends or changes in collecting.
Regarding trends and changes in collecting, two shifts come to mind. One, an increased interest in art and technology, aka Digital Art, which seems to have a strong collector base unto itself. Secondly, I’m noticing collectors gravitating to acquiring collections (up to 15 works), by individual artists.
Mark D. Powers, Opening Night, 36”x48”, acrylic on canvas
Private Collection: Palm Springs, CA
Q: I know you from ArtHaus in San Francisco and our time as jurors for the Art4Aids auction. You and your gallery were institutions in the city. What led you to your decision to close the space and relocate?
A: It was the beginning of the Pandemic. Closing ArtHaus after 25 years was difficult. My Partnership and friendship with Annette Schutz was very special. The lesson learned was that a brick-and-mortar space was not necessary to conduct business. Oddly enough, 2021 was our 2nd most successful year in the history of ArtHaus, with the gallery closed 10 out of 12 months.
The area of the city my husband and I were living became unbearable. Relocating to Palm Springs was always our game plan. Circumstances allowed the plan to go into effect three years sooner.
James Bacchi and Scott Balentine at ARTforAIDS
I loved our time at Jurors for ArtforAIDS, especially when the sessions got heated. Scott and I were married at ArtforAIDS 2015. After all these years, I am now a contributing artists and we are sponsors.
Q: What are you currently working on?
Well, there’s JAMES BACCHI CONTEMPORARY at the iconic The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five in Palm Springs, where I curate quarterly exhibitions and POP UPS. I am celebrating my 40th anniversary in the art world with ANTHOLOGY, a rotating group exhibition. The show includes a mix of gallery artists, some dating back to 1985. www.jamesbacchicontemporary.com/artists. This show is on view through August.
I usually spend a couple of hours a day there simply because I enjoy the clients and other business owners so much. Where else could I have a conversation with Diane Keaton about a painting on the wall by her Godfather II co-star, Franc D’Ambrosio, whom I represent. The Shops have in-house Sales Associates, so they always got me covered. This perfect business model allows me to have a physical presence in Palm Springs.
WINDOW SHOWS @ COUPAR Design in San Francisco, Curated by: James Bacchi - Keep Still – Paintings by Matthew Frederick
I’ve become addicted to outstanding-only collaborations. In San Francisco, I’m curating a series of WINDOW SHOWS at COUPAR DESIGN and currently featuring works by artists LOLA and Gioi Tran at HEWN in the Design Center. Having the opportunity to unite with Design Greats and collectors Krista Coupar and Jeff Holt is the best!
And, there’s the Metaverse. META CONTEMPORARY is a collaboration with former Supreme, best-selling author, and interdisciplinary artist, Susaye Greene. Our virtual exhibition and event space will feature arts-related projects with a benefit auction element built in. Please stay tuned.
Outside Meta Contemporary with Susaye Greene in the Metaverse
Lastly, for now that is, there’s #inthesky – my ongoing mobile photography series which began in 2015. Talks for Corporate Gift Books are on the table and BORIS WALKS ALONE AGENCY is now representing Digital Assets from this series.
#inthesky Joshua Tree virtually showcased at Calgary STAMPEED, Alberta, Canada
Q: To what do you attribute your longevity?
A: I attribute my longevity to my eye, my being a good judge of character, my ability to self-motivate, inspire others and surround myself with people I deem extraordinary for one reason or another. Most important, integrity!
Q: What is your advice to aspiring curators and gallerists?
A: My advice to aspiring curators and gallerists is to soak up all the knowledge and wisdom you can from those in the business that you admire and those who are enjoying success.
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You can learn more about James and his gallery program and artists by visiting James Bacchi Contemporary or following him on Instagram @jamesbacchicontemporary.
