Art Madrid'25 – INTERVIEW WITH ALBERTO CORNEJO, DIRECTOR OF ART MADRID'18

Art Fairs are much more than a space for economic exchange, they are a space for symbolic exchange, for intangible goods. Alberto Cornejo, Director of Art Madrid'18

Alberto Cornejo

He has directed Art Madrid for 4 years, with a family of gallerists, Alberto Cornejo has surrounded himself with a young team that has managed to give the fair a new, fresher style, connected with the "new contemporary art" and new technologies. His objective is to be the fair of the future, realistic, connected, at the service of galleries and creators.

Since the change of location of the fair and the new team, how do you assess the evolution of the fair?

Very positively, it can not be otherwise. The new team has made possible to consolidate a fair with a long history, thanks to a new fresher style and more up to date with the movements of the sector, a team that is closer to the new profile of creator and collector that has been developed in our country in the last years. The venue, undoubtedly, has been an essential element so that the fair, in turn, fits into the agenda of more audiences, of different profiles, a wide audience that includes experts, professionals and collectors but also the general public that given the proximity and comfort of the space do not hesitate to make Art Madrid one of his visits in the Week of Art.

We like to know that many people have developed their taste in the art world thanks to us, by making ourselves more accessible and more open. We want to think that, in addition to keeping our audience more loyal, we are sensitizing a new type of public and that we are the reference for a new generation of collectors. The collector is younger now, has a more personal interest in more personal art, their appetites are more intimate, they buy for pleasure, for "falling in love" and not so much for investment. Art is part of their lives as a book or an object with which you identify. This public finds in Art Madrid a space with interesting pieces and at reasonable prices in which to start their collection.

There is more and more international presence in AM, what is it? Is it a bet of the fair itself?

Art Madrid has specialized in promoting and disseminating contemporary Spanish art, eminently but the truth is that international galleries are increasingly interested in the fair. This year, for example Art Madrid has galleries from Germany, France, Cuba, Brazil, Taiwan, Portugal, Ukraine and China. Portugal is the foreign country with more representation this year in the General Art Madrid Program, with artists such as João Noutel, João Santos, Ana Pais Oliveira, Rui Dias Monteiro, Isabel Sabino and Moisés Duarte. The Ukrainian artist Andrey Zadorine will surprise us too with a monographic painting stand... It is the experience of every of them what makes possible that galleries around the world trust in the fair.

What would you highlight in this year's edition? Artists, actions, galleries...

This year we have bet, without a doubt, for the new talents, to know the work of a new generation of artists. Spain has a great talent and has much to offer but, due to the specific collector tradition and the economic circumstances of the country, many artists have found themselves in need of building their career abroad. In this sense, both the galleries and the fairs have had to take a step forward and be increasingly spokespersons for these emerging artists who need an infrastructure and a wider dissemination platform and, in this sense, Art Madrid is a launching fair for young talents particularly those based in our country. We have examples of artists that we consider "part of the fair" because we have seen them form and grow, as the photographer Irene Cruz for example. The One Project program, curated by Carlos Delgado Mayordomo, works to this objective, that of serving as a showcase for talent, of creating an invoice for names that will be discussed in the future. In this 2018 edition there is an outstanding presence of young artists with a very mature and solvent work. Without a doubt, we are facing a new generation of highly committed creators with an intense and interesting work to which we want to give voice.

Why OKUDA as a Guest Artist? It is an important generational and stylistic leap...

Betting for Okuda San Miguel has been a commitment to the so-called "new contemporary art", which includes all forms of urban art, pop surrealism ... Okuda is one of the young artists with more international repercussions, he has managed to be the total artist, the global artist, the mixture of cultures beyond the market, mixing the influences that exist between the art of all the countries, Okuda condenses the image of the current urban art. His work is colorful and risky and we wanted to join this wave, his strength ... This year, in addition, there is an outstanding presence of urban art and pop-art at the fair. Okuda San Miguel is preparing an exclusive work for the fair, a limited edition that will be available for Art Madrid attendees.

In recent years, a thematic alternative program of activities has been consolidated, as well as the One Project program mentioned above... What added value bring these parallel programs to Art Madrid?

These programs allow us to deepen the art from various perspectives and this makes us more attractive for more audiences. As One Project allows us to make known emerging names, more risky, more personal projects and brings us closer to a more reflective type of public and more committed to the most personal art; The Parallel Program allows us to talk about transversal aspects to art, the relationship of art with other aspects of life, its connection with other social realities such as gender issues, technology ... or, this year, education. Fairs are much more than a space for economic exchange, they are a space for symbolic exchange, for intangible goods.

What are the challenges that AM faces in this edition and facing the future? What does AM want?

Art Madrid has always tried to be a pioneer in the art market and has wanted to respond to the demand of the sector with a strong commitment to the digital presence. In this edition, it goes much further, since we have launched an online sales platform to support the participating galleries before, during and after the fair. This initiative will help to give great visibility to galleries and artists, eliminating borders and expanding horizons.

Our goal has always been to encourage interest in contemporary art, so now the relationship with our public will be permanent throughout the year, through its own content, curated exhibitions and various events. The health of our art market, which is very powerful, depends to a great extent on generating synergies that move in the same direction. We have no doubt that this is just the beginning of numerous projects that Art Madrid will be able to host based on its presence and digital reputation.

Art Madrid’25 presents One Shot Collectors, a program sponsored by One Shot Hotels that returns to the fair for the fifth consecutive edition with the mission of democratizing and promoting art collecting. Aimed at collectors, professionals in the sector, and new art lovers, the program seeks to bring the public closer to the works by offering an accessible approach supported by experts.

The program is led by Ana Suárez Gisbert, an art advisor with an outstanding track record in the art market. Her experience ranges from art valuation to personalized advisory services, helping participants find pieces that suit their tastes and budget. In addition, she combines her technical knowledge with a passion for sustainability, promoting responsible practices within the art market.


Art Madrid.19ª Edition. Galería de Cristal del Palacio de Cibeles. Courtesy image. Beatriz Maestre.


Art collecting is more than a hobby; it is a passion that goes beyond owning a piece. It involves an emotional, aesthetic, and personal journey that connects the collector with the history and creative process of the artist. A collection should evolve gradually, built over time and based on information aligned with our interests. The key is to enjoy the art, without feeling intimidated, and trusting in personal taste.

So, how do we decide what to focus on and where to direct our attention? Where do we start? How do we connect one purchase to the next? A good acquisition happens when we follow our personal tastes, learning to recognize what attracts and interests us, while staying informed before and during the process.


Professional advice from an expert is a safe and consistent way to make decisions. The collector not only seeks to enhance and maximize the quality and value of their collection but also to enrich the buying and enjoyment experience.


In the 20th edition of Art Madrid’25, a consulting space will be offered, led by Ana Suárez Gisbert, Art Advisor, a Law graduate, and a certified Art Appraiser with extensive experience in the art market. This service is designed for both experienced collectors and those looking for their first collectible piece, even for corporate collectors wishing to reflect their brand values through an art collection. The Art Madrid’25 collecting program adapts to different profiles, needs, and preferences, offering a personalized journey and guidance.


Our Art Advisor will find and prepare a selection of artworks based on the requirements and budget of each buyer, as well as assist in negotiating the acquisition.


Starting in art collecting can arise from a desire for knowledge and aesthetic, social, economic, or even business exploration.


At Art Madrid, we promote collecting for individuals and companies who wish to invest in patronage. This initiative is directed at a broad spectrum of profiles, for those who wish to start or continue their collection. Art Madrid offers a wide variety of works in areas such as photography, painting, sculpture, or installation, within a broad price range.


Whether you are an experienced collector, a beginner buyer, a curious enthusiast looking for your first piece, or a company interested in reflecting its values through art, the One Shot Collectors program offers a complete experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to find a work that meets all your expectations.


The advisory service is part of the One Shot Collectors, Collecting Program at Art Madrid’25 and is completely free for those who register in advance.

If you would like personalized advice, request more information via email at vip@art-madrid.com or sign up using the following form:


ABOUT ONE SHOT HOTELS. SPONSOR OF ART MADRID

One Shot Hotels is a boutique hotel chain that focuses on design, creativity, and prime locations in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, San Sebastián, and Porto. Since its foundation in 2013, the brand has built a unique identity in which art, culture, and beauty are essential parts of the guest experience. Each of its hotels is designed to be much more than just accommodation: they are soulful spaces where aesthetics and artistic sensitivity are integrated into every detail.

In line with this commitment, One Shot Hotels returns as a sponsor of Art Madrid, reaffirming its support for artistic creation in all its forms. The chain sees art as a universal language that connects people and transforms spaces, and this philosophy is reflected in the design of its hotels, the selection of furniture, and the arrangement of its environments. Creativity and inspiration are experienced in every corner, offering guests an experience that goes beyond the conventional.

With an eye on the future, One Shot Hotels continues to grow and expand its presence in new destinations, while maintaining its commitment to art and culture. More than a decorative element, art is part of its essence and value proposition, creating spaces where each stay becomes an aesthetic and emotional experience.


ABOUT ANA SUÁREZ GISBERT. ART ADVISOR OF THE PROGRAM

Ana Suárez Gisbert holds a law degree from the Complutense University of Madrid, specializing in International Law and Foreign Trade of Art. She is an appraiser and judicial expert in art and antiques from Antonio de Nebrija University. She is a partner at the art appraisal firm Art Value Project.

She has carried out valuation work for important collections and insurance companies. For years, she has represented major international publications in the arts and design world, such as Frieze, Frieze Masters, and Gagosian, among others. Currently, she combines her work at the art appraisal firm with a project focused on art and sustainability for private companies and local governments.





Sponsor of ART MADRID'25

One Shot Hotels