Today we’d like to introduce you to Alfonso Alday.
Hi Alfonso, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been very lucky to grow up across different countries, which shaped how I see the world. Art has always been a central aspect of my life but it was my cousin and business partner, Vai Jong Hunken, who truly inspired the creation of Alday Hunken Gallery. Vai has always been passionate about championing young emerging voices, and the idea of democratising access to fine art has long felt, to both of us, essential to a healthy and expansive society.
We began our path in Atlanta through a collaboration with Kristen Giorgi and Sheyda Mehrara, who generously opened their space to us and helped us realise our first exhibition, Physical Landscapes, which brought together 17 Latin American artists. Shortly after, we were invited to SCOPE Miami, and that opportunity pushed us to take a leap of faith that ultimately led to opening our space in Mexico City, while maintaining an itinerant programme across the US.
Our development would simply not have been possible without the Atlanta art community, which I truly believe is on the verge of becoming a major cultural hub in the US. I would especially like to acknowledge Plushette Ellis and Madison Dailey, who have supported our curatorial vision from the very beginning.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has not been smooth. The art world is undergoing a fundamental transformation, and we’ve seen major galleries close this year. It has made it more challenging to champion our artists and support their practice in the way we would like. When both the artists and the gallery are still gaining traction, navigating those early stages can be rather tricky.
Even so, our model has allowed us to seize opportunities that might have been closed to us otherwise. And because Atlanta has such an extraordinary thirst for culture, the city has, in many ways, smoothed our path and steeled our resolve.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
.As a gallery, we see it as our responsibility to directly address the representation disparity that persists in the art world. Only around 15% of the artists shown in galleries, institutions, and major exhibitions are female-identifying, so we take real pride in representing a roster that is largely composed of female-identifying artists.
Both Vai and I were raised by strong, independent women, and that has shaped our core ethos. We are fortunate to work with extraordinary artists such as Hail Holtzclaw, Leah Grace Craig, Ileana Moreno, Mariana Paniagua, Anna van den Hövel, Christa Collins, Eva Losada, Gladys Mendez, and Hannah Hopper.
Applying what we call hypercuration is what sets us apart. By finding spaces that fit the artists’ practices, rather than allowing the space to dictate which pieces might fit, we create an atmosphere that gives each work a heightened presence and allows us to present art in ways that feels both intentional and surprising.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I was born with a deep love for the arts and absolutely no talent for creation, but I’ve always wanted to contribute to this world in a meaningful way. Supporting artists, elevating their work, and creating spaces where their voices can flourish feels like my way of enriching a part of the world I care deeply about.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aldayhunken.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aldayhunkengallery/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/alfonsoaava/?hl=en
Image Credits
Kael Vox
Isadora Pennington
