Forget the bohemian artist cliché — from today’s world of social media and self-entrepreneurship comes the artist as businesswoman. For seven years Sue Tsai has practiced as a professional artist, and as she opened her fifth successful pop-up exhibition, she was proud of her freedom.
“I’ve gone independent, so I have full control over the art and space,” she states. “Artists should have more control over how their work is sold.”
Born and raised in Long Island, Tsai’s aspiration grew with the support of her parents, who are also practicing artists. Rather than attending art school, she studied business and marketing at Hofstra University. “It helped me grow as an artist,” Tsai explains. “It helped me understand and push my own brand.”
Tsai offered visitors not only her latest paintings, but also small prints, t-shirts, books, stickers, and other goodies at a minimal price in the back of the gallery. “This way, anyone can afford to own a piece of art — but not necessarily a large painting.” Artists such as KAWS and André paved the way for similar models, making the artist’s growth into a branded business more and more common.
Tsai has also acquired a large Instagram following — over 150K at the time. “It helps me connect with my fans. I love to hear feedback on my work.” As for the content of her art, some might compare her work to a pop song, telling the story of her own heartbreaks and personal events: “this collection is inspired by where I was emotionally in the last year.” The bright colors of her acrylic paintings are unmistakably inspired by artists such as Takashi Murakami, Banksy, and Brazilian painter Nina Pandolfo.
Sue Tsai, “You Deserve a Beautiful Life” @ 208 Bowery · August 2018