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Issue 013: Katia David Rosenthal
THE P.O.P.
The P.O.P. (Portraits of POPLIFE) documents inspiring individuals who push artistic boundaries and strive for excellence in order to advance the communities around them. Uniting a wide range of talented creatives from diverse backgrounds, this editorial series invites them to share their passions and the impact they've had on the realms of hospitality, music, fashion, art, and design.
Katia David Rosenthal's journey through the art world embodies passion, perseverance, and a commitment to community. Initially situated inside her historic 1920s Little Havana home, KDR305 started off as an organic venture, offering an intimate and unconventional setting for art exhibitions. Today, KDR lives in the vibrant Allapattah neighborhood, marking an exciting new chapter for the gallery and the ever-evolving artistic community in Miami.
POPLIFE visited Katia at her new space for a firsthand look into the evolution of KDR and to discuss her goal to enrich Miami's cultural landscape further.
Photography by Rodrigo Gaya
Tell us about yourself and what you do.
I define myself as a passionate advocate for the arts and a dedicated gallery owner. My journey in the art world has been marked by a love for helping artists thrive and creating meaningful exhibitions that connect with audiences. I see myself as a curator, a mentor, and a facilitator of artistic expression. Beyond my professional identity, I am also someone who values community, creativity, and the transformative power
of art. I'm constantly evolving, learning, and seeking new ways to contribute to the cultural landscape, both as an individual and through my gallery.
How did you get your start in this industry?
After completing my studies at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MD, I relocated to New York City. Initially, I established a small studio and attempted to create my own artwork. However, it didn't take long for me to recognize my inclination towards a more social role in the art world. I discovered a genuine passion for assisting fellow artists and curating exhibitions.
I began my journey by serving as a studio assistant for various artists like Mickalene Thomas and Naomi Fisher. Subsequently, I gained valuable experience in several galleries including Nina Johnson, Jeff Bailey, Kansas, Eleven Rivington, Vandoren Waxter, and late great Bill Brady Gallery. Through dedication and hard work, I progressively advanced from the role of gallery assistant to eventually becoming a director and now, I have one of my very own.
We visited the original KDR305, which was a small gallery space you opened out of the back of your residential home.
What gave you that idea and what was that experience like?
Having no starting capital! The inception of “KDR305” occurred when I leased a house in Little Havana featuring an enclosed patio in the winter of 2021 towards the end of the pandemic. The house dates back to 1920; it stands out as a remarkable rarity in Miami, which is known for its predominantly modern construction. The house's unique character and massive yard, amidst the surrounding new developments, served as the perfect setting for KDR305.
It was really DIY, organic, fun, and welcoming.
What made you decide to open this new space outside
of your home, in Allapattah?
Artists like to make big things! For the last two years I have been operating the gallery out of my two walled patio and stairway that was 10 x 8 feet. Relocating to a larger space was just the next step. I'm excited about the prospect of expanding our artistic community and forging connections with exceptional artists as I continue to grow. Allapattah is just the next available neighborhood for something like this. I'm just excited to have Mindy Solomon Gallery, Andrew Reed Gallery, Voloshyn Gallery, La Cometa, Marquez Art Projects and The Rubell Museum as neighbors!
What do you look for when selecting new exhibits/curating the gallery?
Can you tell us more about your current exhibition?
The process of discovering new artists occurs quite organically for me. With over 16 years of experience in the art world, I've cultivated
an extensive network of artists from which I can draw inspiration and talent.
Joel Gaitan’s second exhibition with the gallery opens on March 1st and runs through March 30th. Coincidentally, Joel was my first artist to show at my space in April of 2021. Joel and I have a special relationship and I care for him deeply. I'm so excited for him and this exhibition. He has fleshed out new ideas and construction in his practice. I love being able to give him this opportunity to show his
work on a larger stage than when we started. You will just have to come and see for yourself, it's an allover installation!
Where do you draw inspiration from for all of your projects?
My mother is a collector and maximalist. Growing up in that environment, I feel lucky to have lived with art and furniture she inherited and collected, my whole life. Most of my childhood was spent between museums and thrift sales.
Living with art has had a profound impact on my taste and preferences as a gallery owner. It has allowed me to develop
a deep appreciation for the artistic process and a keen eye for quality and uniqueness. Being surrounded by art constantly has also made me more discerning, and I'm always on the lookout for artists that not only resonate with me personally but also have the potential to engage and captivate my gallery's audience. I highly recommend living with handmade objects, paintings and furniture. It adds to the fabric of your life!
Beige is not a color.
Do you have any other passions outside of art?
Trying new restaurants. I love swimming long distances in the ocean, tending to my garden, and squeezing traveling in as much as time allows. In true Saggitarian wanderlust fashion,
“YOLO, I'm going to Tanzania tomorrow” are words that have literally come out of my mouth and actually happened.
What separates the Miami art scene
from other cities?
We can go to the beach all year, haha! Honestly, we're cute, we're small, and we are mighty beyond the Art Basel time frame! All the galleries I associate myself with all have important shows happening year round. We all tend to show up for one another which is sweet. The local artists and galleries in Miami are awesome and supportive.
Who is a bucket list artist you hope to work with one day?
That is like picking your favorite child. So, my top ones would be around these brilliant artists: Deana Lawson, Lynda Benglis, Fred Wilson, Paul McCarthy, Claes Oldenburg/Coosje van Bruggen and Ana Mendieta.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?
Bill Brady used to say "work smarter, not harder. Be nice. Pay your artists and your vendors on time. Walk slowly when carrying breakable things.”