In the heart of the U Street corridor, tucked away on a picturesque DC mews, PFA Washington DC is the city’s latest art gallery to open its doors. Situated within a modern structure amid historic brick row houses, this location encapsulates the evolving nature of visual art in a city characterized by its rich heritage and rapid transformation. The debut showcase, titled Epicenter, epitomizes the genre of contemporary art that the gallery is renowned for exhibiting. Featuring the works of three contemporary artists, Sue Crawford, Elise Ferguson, and Richard Tinkler, the three-person exhibition journeys deeply into abstract expression.
As the proprietor of Washington DC’s latest art venue, the region’s eyes have turned to Luis Pazo, a gallerist with an affinity for abstractionism. During our discussions prior to the inaugural opening of the gallery on Saturday, September 16, Pazo elucidated the driving force behind this artistic venture, tracing its origins from a thriving gallery in Kensington to its expansion in one of the capital’s most historic neighborhoods.
A Vision Takes Root
My interview began within the well curated walls of PFA’s new location, where Pazo hopes Epicenter will enthrall art enthusiasts this fall through November 2, 2023. In my pursuit to understand the driving force behind this expansion, I asked to Luis Pazo how he embarked on this project.
Luis Pazo shares the serendipitous origin of this DC venture, “To be honest, I wasn’t initially planning to expand to DC. I was still working things out at our successful Kensington location.” However, fate had other plans. The opportunity emerged when Lily Siegel, Executive Director of Hamiltonian Artists, made mention of an available space on 9/12 Street NW, just off of U Street. Pazo elaborates, “The prospect of a second location in Washington DC, a city so rich in historical art significance, presented an irresistible chance to contribute to the community.”
PFA’s aspiration to become an integral part of the DC art scene is a driving force behind this move. Pazo acknowledges this goal, stating, “Being part of the city’s art scene has been one of our major goals for Pazo Fine Arts in the coming years.
Renovations and Challenges
With this vision in mind, Pazo Fine Arts embarked on an ambitious journey, taking possession of its DC space on June 1. The challenges of creating a new artistic space became evident as extensive renovations took center stage. “We faced some hiccups along the way,” Pazo admits. Despite the challenges, he remained unwavering in his excitement about the venue’s opening.
A Blend of Traditions and Innovation
To fully appreciate the journey of Pazo Fine Arts, it is crucial to revisit its origins. Luis Pazo reflects on the genesis of PFA and the distinctive artists they represent, saying, “I came to the United States 13 years ago and am self-taught. A gallerist named Ramon Osuna, who took me under his wing, influenced my journey.” However, as Ramon passed away in 2019, Pazo’s path took a new direction.
Initially, PFA primarily dealt with master paintings from the secondary market. It was Michael Abrams, Pazo’s business partner, who proposed a bold new direction. Pazo recalls, “Michael advised me to start showcasing local artists. It was a bit scary at first.” The pivotal moment arrived in December 2020 with the solo exhibition of Kate Sable. This transformative event shifted the gallerist’s approach to exhibiting by blending primary and secondary market programming.
Epicenter
Our conversation then shifted to the centerpiece of PFA’s latest venture–the Epicenter exhibition. Luis Pazo introduced me to the artists and each of their distinct contributions.
The three exhibiting artists, Sue Crawford, Elise Ferguson, and Richard Tinkler, each bring a unique perspective to abstractionism through intricate compositions and individual use of color. Sue Crawford, based in Baltimore, Maryland, employs color and structure to craft meditative paintings and minimalist drawings, drawing viewers into finely tuned color interactions within unpredictable shapes. Elise Ferguson, hailing from New York, infuses her abstract forms with vibrancy and vitality, using a meticulous and obsessive approach that yields defined and unified artworks. Meanwhile, Richard Tinkler, also based in New York, takes an instinctive and intensive approach to his intricate pieces, using geometric grids as foundational imagery and maintaining a common language of shapes and colors. Their collective work builds upon and explores the possibilities of abstraction in rich and complex ways.
A Tale of Two Galleries
As we wrapped up our conversation, Pazo clarifies the nomenclature of PFA’s two locations. PFA-Kensington, the pioneering gallery, shares its name with the newer DC establishment, albeit with the distinction of being known as PFA-Washington DC.
What the future holds for Pazo Fine Art
Pazo also explained that the expansion project aims to elevate the gallery’s exhibition program, with a focus on historical shows and contemporary art. The gallery’s mission also includes promoting underrecognized artists and fostering community engagement through educational initiatives. The gallery plans to showcase emerging and mid-career artists, as well as Post-War art, alternating exhibitions between their two locations in DC and Maryland.