| I’m…a photographer and this summer I will be photographing the Upper Manhattan Series, from 96th up to 215th street. The reason I’m committing myself to capturing this area is that it’s going to change because of Columbia; it’s the dividing line that many people from Manhattan will not cross. It’s an area that is being ignored. I’m going to ride my bicycle up there and will be shooting spaces and architecture. These are spaces that people use every day locally, but never slow down to see. I try to slow down and really see the spaces that are used but ignored. I wait in the space until I get the shot I want and do not take lots and lots of shots. I believe in waiting until the image I want appears. | 
|
Leah Oates talks to Ruben Natal, a collector, advisor, and photographer living in New York City.
Ruben Natal, Neverland. Courtesy of the artist.
Leah Oates: How and when did you know you would go into the arts? Was there a moment when you knew you would be an art collector, advisor and architect? What was your progression?
Ruben Natal: Ever since I was little I drew. I drew animals and then I began to draw buildings with a ruler and added color to them. Both my parents were professors and I always looked at art. My father was an industrial designer and my mother was a history teacher. I was always hungry for more in art, but the only way I could experience it was by travel. I felt that there was local talent but mainly famous Latin American artists. I studied architecture and I began collecting in Boston and I was very involved in the art scene.
Someday I would ideally like to donate a collection of contemporary American art to a collection in Puerto Rico, where I come from, so that people have access to art from around the world without having to look at an art history book or arts magazine. I think it’s important for people to see a more global overview of art as there is great work being made everywhere for many to see.
I came to NYC for the first time when I was 14, and I saw the World Trade Center and MoMA. I was in awe and knew I wanted to live here. When the World Trade Center fell, I was in the building and it almost fell on my head. It was devastating for me. I refocused my energy on collecting art after that point and in seeing and connecting to artists. I have a sincere interest in art, and I come from a family of educators, so it’s about helping others. And if I believe in something I will get behind it all the way.
LO: You recently created an art blog called “Art Most Fierce,” where you highlight artists whose work you feel strongly about, with a focus on emerging artists. Please speak about how “Art Most Fierce” was created and how you envision it growing and being a resource for others.
RN: The blog came about as I wanted to share my knowledge and love of art, and people are always asking me what I think about a show, artist, or event. So I began the blog to share information with others. I have an ability to connect to people, and people always ask me for advice. I’m very fortunate to be in NYC with all these great shows and events. Sometimes people just don’t have the curiosity or energy to go to these things, so I put it out there for others to utilize. I’m here in NYC now and I plan on being here as long as I have the energy. On my blog I don’t have any barriers between high and low. My focus is on good work that will last the test of time. I also want to make art accessible to others.
LO: You are a very positive and generous person who really loves art and artists. How do you keep this energy going and any advice for others to maintain a similar energy?
RN: Life is too short and many things are right in front of you. One needs to take it now and I believe in action. Also, I came from a family where communication was not a top priority, so I tried to be different and really connect and help others. We are all here to be with each other and interact with one another.
LO: Who are your favorite artists/photographers and why?
RN: My niche is emerging artists, but I love Nan Goldin, Zoe Strauss, and Cindy Sherman. I love Zoe Strauss because she captures a social condition and her work has social value. Some people are afraid to do what Zoe does. It takes courage to do her work. She is capturing something beautiful, but some images by Zoe are hard to look at. I like images that make me think and make me feel a connection to the subject.
LO: You are mainly a photography collector. Why has this medium captured your heart, and why should others collect photography?
RN: I love photography because it’s fresh, and I think is more of a reflection of the times. You have to have a discerning eye with photography, however. When I look at a photograph I want to see an image that will look good in twenty years and that you can see in an auction or in a museum. I love work where I see a personal vision, where the artist is still under the radar but is having some commercial success. I like work by well-know artists, too, but sometimes it lacks the energy and drive that work by emerging artists has. I like to see the intensity of the artist trying to achieve something with their work. Also, I love photography because it is very accessible, and also less expensive because it’s not one of a kind. But ultimately for me it is always about the art and if it will stand the test of time.
LO: What do you think makes art great?
RN: Art that lasts the test of time and has an edge; hunger and energy makes it great. Something that continues to make you react over time and does not get stale or dated, and that you struggled to buy or you are lucky to have. It goes up in value. I like to be the first one to find an artist, to help them get to the next level and increase the value of their work by connecting them to the right people or galleries.
LO: What advice would you give emerging artists in NYC?
RN: Go to the galleries, read a lot, go to all the blogs, immerse yourself in the art world, and really commit to your work. Work on your own style and do not let trends affect your work. Try to really develop your own vision. Really focus on the details of how you present your work, but also focus on how to present it in the most direct way and correct manner.
LO: What are you working and planning for the future for “Art Most Fierce” and for other projects?
RN: I’m also a photographer and this summer I will be photographing the Upper Manhattan Series from 96th up to 215th street. The reason I’m committing myself to capturing this area is that it’s going to change because of Columbia; it’s the dividing line that many people from Manhattan will not cross. It’s an area that is being ignored. I’m going to ride my bicycle up there and will be shooting spaces and architecture. These are spaces that people use every day locally, but never slow down to see. I try to slow down and really see the spaces that are used but ignored. I wait in the space until I get the shot I want and do not take lots and lots of shots. I believe in waiting until the image I want appears.
