June 01 : 2022
Susan Yi
We're excited to welcome Susan Yi, Director of Operations at Artspace: A Phaidon Company, as a judge at the reFocus Photo Awards. At Artspace, Susan spends her days working with some of the most exciting contemporary and modern artists. We asked her a few questions about her favorite photo books, why she's excited about participating in the reFocus Awards as a judge, what Artspace looks for in an artist, and more.
by Lily Fierman
1:00 minutes read
Q:
How did you get into the art world?
A:
I've created art all my life since I was a kid and dabbled in all kinds of art-making, including drawing, painting, ceramic, photography (I went to an art high school that specialized in the visual arts). When I got to college, I fell in love with an art history class so much that I ended up switching my major from studio art. Since then my path has been to pursue a profession in the art world.
Q:
What is your favorite part of your job?
A:
Working with so many talented individuals and collaborating with artists on special projects.
Q:
Who are three of your favorite photographers (working today or otherwise)?
A:
My favorite artists who work in the medium of photography are Wolfgang Tillmans, Deana Lawson, and Francesca Woodman.
Q:
What does Artspace look for when working with artists?
A:
We look at a number of different factors. For example, we have data telling us that prints and photographs are one of the top-selling mediums on our platform. We also look at how visually captivating the work is online.
Q:
What are you looking forward to gaining from the experience of being a judge at reFocus?
A:
I am very much looking forward to seeing fresh perspectives.
Q:
If you had any advice to give to photographers or artists out there, what would it be?
A:
Be authentic and let your art speak for itself!
Q:
Why did you want to participate as a judge at reFocus?
A:
I loved the idea of being part of this newly found community of photographers and other like-minded colleagues who share a passion in art.
Q:
What part of the process of judging are you most looking forward to?
A:
Learning!
Q:
If you could own the work of one artist, photographer or otherwise and regardless if it is in a museum or collection, what work or artist would it be?
A:
Other than the top 3 I mentioned above, probably Catherine Opie's Surfer's series.
Q:
Do you have any favorite photo books?
A:
Speaking of Catherine Opie, Phaidon recently published a stunning survey of her work, I would have to say that is my favorite (for now).
JUDGE
