He has lived an idyll with art since he barely lifted an inch off the ground. Her grandparents opened Galería Kreisler, the oldest in Madrid, in the sixties, and today Alejandra Kreisler lives focused on the artists she promotes through her two projects, linked to the fascinating world that has surrounded her since she was little. He talks to us about art and much more in his father’s house in the capital. Spoiler: it is the closest thing to entering a gallery where you can admire everything from paintings by Eduardo Chillida or Francis Bacon to a spectacular photograph by Jaume de Laiguana.
© Victoria Muñoz
© Victoria Muñoz-How were your family’s beginnings in the art world?
-Art has always been part of our family history. My grandparents took the first steps in 1965 by opening the Kreisler Gallery in Madrid and, since then, our family has been deeply connected to this world. My sister Tamara, from her gallery, and I, with my different projects, try to keep the family heritage alive and preserve the same passion as my parents and grandparents for promoting art and supporting artists.
-You receive us at your father’s house. What do you like most about her?
-That every corner has a story. It is super pleasant to live in and the space is very well organized. I love the high ceilings and the large hall. I also really enjoy the moldings and columns in the living room that mark the two rooms. And I love the original tiled floors and the big kitchen. With what I like to cook, it is one of my favorite corners of the house.
© Victoria Muñoz
© Victoria Muñoz-Do you have a favorite work of art?
-What I like most about this house is how family antiques, such as bargueños and carvings, coexist with other works of art. It’s an eclectic mix that perfectly reflects my family’s history. Among my favorite pieces is the photograph of Eulalie Martine, taken by Jaume de Laiguana. Works by classic artists such as Mompó, Fernando de Szyszlo, Chillida, Tàpies, Bacon, Barceló and Picasso have also accompanied us for years, some of which are inherited from my grandparents. In addition, there are pieces by painters and sculptors linked to my father’s gallery, such as Fernando Sáenz de Elorrieta, Manel Anoro, Carmen Otero or Aurora Cañero.
-How do you think art has changed since your grandfather founded the gallery?
-Art constantly evolves, both in terms of what it represents and how it reaches the public. Before, visiting a gallery was a much more formal experience, almost a ritual. Today, thanks to social networks and digital platforms, art has broken many barriers and has become more accessible.
© Victoria Muñoz“Every corner of this house has a story. My grandparents opened Galería Kreisler in Madrid and art has always been part of our history”
“In this house I love the high ceilings and the large hall. I also really enjoy the moldings and columns in the living room, which mark two different environments”
© Victoria Muñoz-I suppose that in your house everything has always revolved around art. What memories do you have from your childhood?
-Art has always been part of my life. I remember visits to my grandparents’ house, where we lived with many works of art, and then there was our own family home, always full of special pieces. The openings at my father’s gallery were quite a ceremony and since I was little I was lucky enough to meet many artists. We also traveled a lot and always visited art fairs, museums, galleries and studios, which helped me understand and connect with the culture of each place.
-And currently you have an art consultancy and an artist representation agency. Tell us about it.
-I have two very different but connected projects. ThePartners is our consultancy, where we work with brands and institutions to integrate art into their strategies, whether through exhibitions, installations or collaborations with artists. And then there is BigDays, our artist representation agency, where we support both emerging and more established talents in their career management.
© Victoria Muñoz
© Victoria Muñoz-What is the part of your job that you enjoy most?
-One of the most beautiful things is the possibility of accompanying artists on their path, seeing how their ideas are transformed into works and how those works impact people. I also love being that bridge between collectors and artists, helping them find the work of their dreams.
-What do you think an artist has to have to reach the public?
-Authenticity, a unique language and a clear vision of what you want to convey. The public connects when they perceive that there is a story or an emotion behind the work.
© Victoria Muñoz“I really enjoy cooking and taking care of every detail. I love mixing guests: from artists and family to lifelong friends”
“I believe that houses are a reflection of the personality of those who live in them. I like pieces that make me smile and transmit a memory to me”
© Victoria Muñoz-What advice would you give to other people so that they can enjoy and appreciate art?
-Let them approach him with curiosity and without prejudice. You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy a work; Just let yourself be carried away by what you feel when you see it. Additionally, I recommend visiting artists’ studios, galleries, museums and exhibitions. And let them ask; Understanding the context of a work allows you to appreciate it even more.
-Let’s talk about decoration. Do you like it?
-I love mixing styles and pieces from different eras; I believe that houses are a reflection of the personality of those who live in them. I like pieces that make me smile and transmit a memory to me.
© Victoria Muñoz
© Victoria Muñoz
© Victoria Muñoz
© Victoria Muñoz-Finally, how do you rate yourself as a host?
-I love receiving friends at home. I really enjoy cooking and taking care of every detail. Around this time, I always celebrate Thanksgiving and I love mixing guests: from artists and family to lifelong friends.
© Victoria Muñoz“In this house, family antiques, such as bargueños and carvings, coexist with works of art. It is an eclectic mix that perfectly reflects the history of my family”