With galleries in Tulum, Ibiza, and New York, Lio Malca is internationally renowned for his efforts to champion emerging and established artists alike. His newest project, 60 White, takes the form of a multidisciplinary space in Tribeca which blends old and new works. To commemorate its recent opening, we sat down with Malca to discuss his philosophy as both a gallerist and collector and the artists that have been the most meaningful to him throughout his career.
Courtesy of Lio Malca.
WHITEWALL: What inspired your initial passion for collecting art? How has your approach evolved over the years?
LIO MALCA: My interest in art began when I was very young, fostering a life-long passion for visual expression. I’m drawn to works that evoke strong emotions and resonate with my personal experiences. Over the years, my approach to collecting has evolved to include a focus on challenging traditional notions of high art and exploring unconventional themes. I aim to blur the boundaries between academic and institutional art, and urban and popular culture.
I actively seek out and support emerging artists, providing them with opportunities to showcase their work. I collect works with the intention of having them around me or in my spaces and organizing comprehensive institutional and museum exhibitions.
I like to breathe the art that I collect.
WW: Your collection showcases works by some of the most celebrated contemporary artists. What qualities or elements make a piece essential for your collection? What role do you see art collectors playing in preserving and promoting contemporary art movements?
LM: When selecting a piece for my collection, I look for works that challenge traditional notions of art, push boundaries, and evoke strong emotions. I’m drawn to artists who have a unique vision and are not afraid to experiment with different mediums and styles. Ultimately, I seek artworks that inspire me and resonate with my personal taste.
I’d like to add that when I started collecting Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Kenny Scharf, and George Condo, they were not so celebrated. It’s rewarding to see their work recognized now, and it reinforces my belief in supporting emerging artists and taking risks.
Art collectors play a crucial role in preserving and promoting contemporary art movements by acquiring and exhibiting important works. We help to support artists, fund exhibitions, and help the public understand a bit more about contemporary art. By sharing our collections with the world, we can help to shape the future of art and ensure that it continues to evolve and thrive.
It’s really important for me to stay current with and collect the work of up-and-coming artists. Since I started working with Isaac Malca five years ago, he’s been instrumental in making that happen. Isaac is the director of my young artist collection. Together, we’ve built an extensive yet focused collection of young artists’ work, and have carried out many collaborative projects to promote the work of these artists. Isaac has formed strong relationships with some of the most important artists and galleries in this space. He has a great eye for recognizing young talent and acts as a valuable filter for me.
60 White and Kenny Scharf’s “Space Travel and the Heads”
60 White. Courtesy of the gallery and Lio Malca.
WW: Tell us about your new space in Tribeca, 60 White.
LM: Opening the space at 60 White Street in Tribeca is a dream come true. It’s a vibrant space in the heart of New York City’s art scene, and I’m excited to share it with the world. The space is designed to be a hub for contemporary art, showcasing both established and emerging artists. We’re committed to pushing the boundaries of what art can be and providing a platform for innovative and thought-provoking work.
The space itself is a beautiful blend of old and new, with high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and ample natural light. It’s the perfect setting to showcase a wide range of artwork, from traditional paintings and sculptures, to installations and performances. We are also planning to host a variety of events, including exhibitions, artist talks, workshops, video installations, and photography exhibitions, with the intent to engage the local community and foster a love for art. I am confident that 60 White Street will become a destination for art lovers, enthusiasts, and collectors alike, and I am really looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this exciting new space.
“We’re committed to pushing the boundaries of what art can be and providing a platform for innovative and thought-provoking work,” —Lio Malca
WW: Kenny Scharf’s “Space Travel and the Heads” series hasn’t been exhibited since 1997. Why did you decide to bring these works back to public view now? What do you hope audiences will experience through this exhibition?
LM: Since I started collecting art, my first artist choices were Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Kenny Scharf. I have always been a strong believer and supporter of all of them.
I felt that now is the perfect moment to show the “Heads” paintings, due to their strong connection with the Space Age, a topic which is so prevalent in contemporary culture right now as we are getting ready for commercial flights to space. In a similar way, I thought the show Kenny did at La Nave back in 2019 was perfect for that moment—the era of emojis.
Between now and 2025, we have a few amazing places showing Kenny’s masterworks expanding through time and space: the Brant Foundation, Luna Luna, Totah Gallery, and 60 White. We all complement each other and help the audience get a better understanding of the historical and current importance of Kenny Scharf, the pop surrealist.
Courtesy of Kenny Scharf and La Nave. 2019.
WW: Casa Malca is an extraordinary example of art being integrated into hospitality. What was your vision for transforming this Tulum property into a global destination for art and culture?
LM: My vision for Casa Malca was to create a unique and immersive experience that would seamlessly blend art and hospitality. I wanted to curate a collection that would surprise and delight guests, while also reflecting the vibrant energy of Tulum.
By integrating art into every aspect of Casa Malca, from the rooms to the common areas, I aimed to create a space that is both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating. I believe art has the power to transform spaces and evoke emotions, and I wanted Casa Malca to be a place where guests could connect with art on a deeper level.
Ultimately, I hope that Casa Malca will become a cultural landmark, a place where people can come to experience the beauty and power of nature.
WW: How do you curate art for Casa Malca to ensure it resonates with the environment and provides an immersive experience for guests?
LM: I carefully select pieces that will enhance the guest experience, either with a big contrast or in harmony with the environment. I choose works that will evoke emotions, inspire thought, and create a memorable stay. I also consider the placement of artworks to create visually striking compositions and guide guests through the space.
60 White. Courtesy of the gallery and Lio Malca.
WW: What have been some of the most rewarding guest interactions with the art on display at Casa Malca?
LM: Some of the most rewarding guest interactions at Casa Malca have been unexpected. Often, it’s guests we don’t know personally who express interest in the art tour we offer. I’ve also received numerous letters and notes from art connoisseurs, celebrities, and everyday guests alike, filled with gratitude and encouragement to continue sharing the art I collect. These interactions are incredibly fulfilling and remind me of how important it is to continue sharing my collection and curation, and of the positive impact that art can have on people’s lives.
WW: Tell us more about The Art Lodge, your artist residency program in Tulum.
LM: In 2020, when Isaac Malca started working with me, we found ourselves in Tulum at Casa Malca. Isaac mentioned that he wanted to start an artist residency program in Tulum, a place where we could invite artists to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city and get inspired by the Mayan wilderness to create incredible art. Together we own a historic beachfront hotel in the Sian Ka’an biosphere. Sian Ka’an, a natural reserve that starts just a few steps from Casa Malca, was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1987. It is home to 300 species of birds, 400 species of fish, 100 species of mammals, and 40 species of amphibians, all living in the wild.
We invited Kenny Scharf to be the first artist in residence, and he came and stayed with us for a month. Kenny was absolutely thrilled with the experience and the setting, given his deep appreciation for nature and raw living. We decided to call the program The Art Lodge and Kenny was honored to come along as its godfather. We have since hosted a select group of artists. Our program is unique because the experience is totally open-ended, tailored to the wishes of the artist in both experience and length of stay. Artists can choose to stay at the property in Sian Ka’an, stay in Casa Malca, or do a mix of both. They can also choose to invite friends and family, or come alone; and can create work or just get inspired.
Lio Malca’s La Nave in Ibiza
La Nave. Courtesy of the gallery and Lio Malca.
WW: La Nave stands out as a cultural beacon in Ibiza. What inspired you to create this space?
LM: La Nave was borne from a desire to create a space that would elevate Ibiza’s cultural scene. I wanted to bring a new dimension to the island, a place where art, music, and community could converge. What was originally conceived as a salt warehouse in the 1940s was transformed into a groundbreaking 8,000-square-foot exhibition space along the Mediterranean Sea.
I envisioned a place where people could come together to experience art in all its forms, from exhibitions and performances to installations and workshops. I wanted to create a space that would challenge the traditional boundaries of art and inspire new ways of thinking.
La Nave and 60 White are more than just galleries; they are cultural hubs where people can connect, collaborate, and create. They are places where the past, present, and future of art come together.
“I envisioned a place where people could come together to experience art in all its forms,” —Lio Malca
WW: How do you balance showcasing globally recognized artists with offering a platform for emerging talent at La Nave?
LM: It’s a delicate yet crucial aspect of our programming. We believe that both established and emerging artists play vital roles in shaping the contemporary art landscape.
We curate exhibitions that explore diverse themes and perspectives, offering a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their work. We collaborate with established galleries and institutions to bring renowned artists to La Nave. This allows us to introduce emerging artists to a wider audience and gain exposure to their work.
We also partner with local and international art organizations to identify and support emerging talent. We provide these artists with opportunities to exhibit their work, participate in The Art Lodge, and connect with other artists and curators.
We organize workshops, talks, and educational programs that engage both established and emerging artists. These initiatives foster dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration between artists of different generations and backgrounds.
By carefully balancing these elements, we aim to create a dynamic and inclusive space that celebrates both established and emerging artists, fostering a vibrant and diverse art scene in Ibiza.
60 White. Courtesy of Lio Malca.
WW: With major projects spanning New York, Ibiza, and Tulum, what excites you most about the future of your work as a collector and curator? Can you share any upcoming exhibitions at La Nave?
LM: What has always excited me is the selection process of the artists and their works, followed by my vision for what I feel is the best possible way to showcase their creations. For the most part, the art created is site-specific.
I’m happy to announce that for the summer of 2025 (and for the first time since La Nave’s inception ten years ago), we will be having two amazing back-to-back solo painting exhibitions at La Nave. The first part of the summer will be a presentation by Spencer Lewis, followed by a presentation by Pedro Pedro.
Lio Malca’s Advice for Aspiring Collectors
WW: What advice would you give to aspiring collectors looking to create impactful and meaningful art collections?
LM: Immerse yourself in art by visiting museums, galleries, and art fairs; reading art books and magazines; and exploring different mediums and styles. Trust your intuition and choose artworks that resonate with you on an emotional level. Educate yourself by understanding art history and staying up to date on current trends, but develop your own unique taste. Don’t let other people’s taste influence yours just because they think prices will go up. Build relationships with artists and gallerists to gain insights and opportunities. Collect for passion, not just investment, and embrace diversity in your collection. Support emerging artists to contribute to the art world. Finally, share your collection with the public by lending it to museums or galleries. Remember, art should be accessible to all, not hidden away in warehouses. Building an art collection is a personal journey, so enjoy the process and have fun!
“Building an art collection is a personal journey, so enjoy the process and have fun!” —Lio Malca
