MEET THE GALLERY | Daniel Cooney Fine Art | New York
MEET THE GALLERY is an interview series highlighting returning exhibitors and first-time VOLTA galleries. More than simply experts, these VOLTA exhibitors are supporters of young and mid-career artists and provide insights on their presentation at the fair.
MEET THE GALLERY introduces Daniel Cooney, founder and director of Daniel Cooney Fine Art in New York.
Daniel Cooney, we are excited for you to join us at VOLTA New York in May. Tell us a bit about your gallery and your journey in the art world.
Daniel Cooney, founder and director of Daniel Cooney Fine Art in New York, photo by Sean Black
Daniel Cooney: Daniel Cooney Fine Art is in it’s 18th year as a public space. The gallery specializes in exhibiting artists that have successful careers in other areas such as fashion, design or film but haven’t yet exhibited widely in galleries. We also represent artists that have been overlooked by the commercial gallery system and unknown work by recognized artists. We try to bring a fresh perspective to all of the artists we work with.
Which artist are you bringing to VOLTA?
Daniel Cooney: We are exhibiting a solo booth by Richard Haines. Richard is a highly respected fashion illustrator with commercial clients including Tiffany, Dries Van Noten, Prada and many others. We view his work from a fine art perspective, exhibiting his personal work in addition to his fashion work. Richard is highly productive, constantly drawing and painting so we share the work that might go unseen without our gallery venue.
Richard Haines, Edo Dives, 2019, Oil on canvas, 12 x 12"
Richard Haines, World On Fire, 2021
Richard Haines, Provincetown, 2019, Oil on canvas, 12 x 12"
Richard Haines, @panandthedream, 2015
What encourages you to support young and mid-career artists?
Daniel Cooney: I wouldn’t categorize most of our artists as young or mid-career however many of them are new to the collecting community. For example Richard’s commercial work is recognized world wide but many collectors are still realizing he has a fine art practice. It’s very rewarding to help an artist find a new audience and to share my enthusiasm with collectors.
Which advice would you give to the next generation of collectors that are making their first steps into the art world?
Daniel Cooney: My best advice is to buy what you love. Trust your gut and don’t overthink it. Collecting should be fun!
The artist Richard Haines in his studio, presented by Daniel Cooney Fine Art
Richard Haines, Socially Distanced, 2021
Follow Daniel Cooney Fine Art on Instagram at @danielcooneyfineart.