Kiki Valdes

Rivals       Margulies Agency just announced that you are joining their art roster. How did you link with Mike Margulies?

He has shown support over the years whether by going to a few shows I've curated or just being cool overall. When I heard he started working as an agent for artists I kept a close eye to what he was doing. I wanted to see what he was about. Slowly but pretty quick we built a friendship. He loves art. It's been around him his entire life. The artists he represents are good friends so everything has been natural.

Why did you choose the Margulies Agency?

I moved to New York over a year ago and I knew I had to have a solid connection in Miami. I knew I had to work with someone young and excited to work. We set up a few meetings and we laid things out. He's a very aggressive and passionate personality. I didn't want to work with standard establishment types or someone that really has no deep lifelong commitment to art. I love working with someone from the ground up. There's a passion there. It was a no brainier.  Sun Boy

What do you have planned going forward?

I can share that with you at a later date. Things are coming but just can't speak on it yet. Things are looking very good.

Why did you choose a Miami based agency?

I like to do things in steps. I moved from Miami to build elsewhere and build in Miami at the same time if that makes sense. Mike understands that and he supports it.

How is New York treating you? Is your career progressing as planned?

New York is great. I'm really in the building block stages. Really just making new work and building incredible friendships and bettering my knowledge of art making. I'm observing everything, taking it in and meeting the most amazing people I use to read about in art books. Joke24

What new pieces are you currently working on?

I'm working on these funky black and white paintings of cartoon characters. There's a sexual element there, and it has a very modernist and pop appeal to them. It's something I've never done before and I catch myself wondering around in museums just as much as in comic book shops. How things change. I feel 14.

When next will we see some of your work in Miami?

Summer maybe, fall for sure.