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 Michael Foley, founder of the New York-based gallery FOLEY, who opened his space in the fall of 2004.

Michael Foley, 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.

Michael Foley: I started as an artist in 1989, studying in the graduate department of San Francisco State University. I was fortunate to also be working at Fraenkel Gallery where I received a hands on education in running an art gallery. Although I kept my art practice, I was slowly drawn into the art world on the other side of the velvet rope. Several gallery employers later, I decided to open my own gallery in New York in the fall of 2004. Initially specializing in photography, I quickly added drawing and collage. Painting and sculpture entered several years later conceiving the gallery’s multi-disciplinary offerings.

What encourages you to support young and mid-career artists?

Michael Foley: After 17 years of woking on my own and over 30 years in the field, new approaches and innovation always draws me to the artists I choose to work with. What gets me up in the morning is the hunt for new talent and the continual career development of artists who are progressive in their vision. I am not one to enjoy the management of well established or blue chip artists. There is less challenge and creativity for me there. No, I like to stay on the edge, breaking through artists that I have a strong belief in.

Which artist are you bringing to VOLTA?

Michael Foley: I am curating three artists at the VOLTA fair who all have a connection to nature. Bradley Castellanos often combines photography, collage and paint to an intricate layering of dense forest and figure. Szilard Huszank, a Hungarian, Germany based artist, explores the forest in near psychedelic colors, breaking the plain of literal translations in favor of more abstract departures. Martin Klimas, the German photographer, specializes in slowing the moment between beauty and destruction in his paradoxical still lives of flowers.

Which advice would you give to the next generation of collectors that are making their first steps into the art world?

Michael Foley: My advice is to turn off Instagram and tune into your emotions, connecting to the work that literally moves you physically. What's on trend now and boiling over is already done and over, with prices that don’t reflect a good value for what you are getting. Be your own tastemaker. Who cares what your neighbour has.

Follow FOLEY Gallery on Instagram at @foleygallery.