FELIX ART FAIR
Curator catches up with event co-founder Dean Valentine on the eve of the fair’s third edition in Los Angeles.
Luis Flores special project at 2020 Edition of Felix. Photo by Adam Davis/BFA.com. Courtesy of Felix LA
Felix is a contemporary art fair co-founded in 2019 by Dean Valentine, Al Morán, and Mills Morán. This year’s edition runs July 29 through August 1, 2021, at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, and features twenty-nine leading LA-based galleries.
Interview by Ricky Lee
This is the third edition of Felix Art Fair. How did the idea for the fair come about?
Simply put, we founded Felix to make art fairs fun again. Buying art should be an enjoyable, social experience where you get to meet new people, buy some art, and in this case, hang out by the pool. This year, after such a challenging year for galleries and artists, we wanted to shift the focus back to Los Angeles, a city the three of us call home, to highlight the dynamic and impressive art scene here.
Where does the name Felix come from?
Felix is named after Felix the Cat, art critic Félix Fénéon, and felix, the Latin word for happy.
Felix co-founders Al Morán, Mills Morán, and Dean Valentine. Photo by Adam Davis/BFA.com. Courtesy of Felix LA
2020 Edition of Felix. Photo by Adam Davis/BFA.com. Courtesy of Felix LA
Why did you choose to hold the fair at the Roosevelt Hotel?
The Roosevelt is a symbol of Los Angeles, with a rich history (the first Academy Awards were held at the hotel) making it the perfect venue for Felix. Its relaxed atmosphere matches the mood we’re trying to create with the fair. Even if you don’t buy any art, you still get a perfect day by the David Hockney pool.
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Courtesy of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
2020 Edition of Felix. Photo by Adam Davis/BFA.com. Courtesy of Felix LA
The fair is inspired by the Gramercy International Los Angeles art fair, which took place at the Chateau Marmont Hotel. How so?
The Gramercy fair was an intimate, low-budget event, but brought the best and brightest artists from the time to the forefront of the conversation. Felix is inspired by that feeling of turning a corner and finding your new favorite piece of art above a couch or in a hotel room bathroom — we’re trying to capture that same spontaneity.
How has the LA art scene changed in LA post pandemic?
More galleries—emerging and blue chip, all with a deepening commitment to diversifying their roster of artists.
Is there any special programming or events planned during the fair?
Eric Duncan aka Dr Dunks of legendary DJ duo Rub-n-Tug will be DJing the opening party by the pool on Thursday. We’re also launching an artist edition by Jonny Negron in collaboration with Shatto Chateau. These are going to sell fast, so make sure to pick yours up when the fair opens!
2020 Edition of Felix. Photo by Adam Davis/BFA.com. Courtesy of Felix LA.
How important is LA to the global market?
In terms of the quantity of artists and the quality of art, LA is one of the two or three most important places on earth. The global galleries have come to realize that, which is why they’re all opening spaces here.
Any plans to produce the fair in other cities?
Yes, but it’s a secret.
2019 Edition of Felix. Photo by Eric Minh Swenson. Courtesy of Felix LA