Check Out Joshua’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua.

Hi Joshua, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My path started far from the white walls of a gallery. I began in a bronze foundry, surrounded by artists who were grinding, welding, and building monumental works by hand. That experience gave me an early lesson I’ve carried into every leadership role since: respect the process, respect the maker, and remember that every creative vision requires infrastructure to become real.

From there, I spent nearly twenty years inside leading contemporary galleries like Unit London and Perrotin, helping to develop artist careers, build collector relationships, and scale programs to international audiences. It was an education in both creativity and business — understanding how storytelling, market strategy, and client experience all intersect.

But over time, I recognized an opportunity. While much of the art world was built on exclusivity and mystique, I believed there was space for a new kind of gallery — one that could still uphold the highest standards of curation and rigor while fostering genuine connection and trust. I wanted to prove that excellence and accessibility weren’t opposites; they could coexist.

That conviction led me to launch Gallery Sonder in 2022 — not as a departure from the traditional model, but as an evolution of it. A place where artists are championed with the same intensity as blue-chip institutions, and where collectors are invited into a deeper dialogue — rooted in integrity, discovery, and long-term vision.
Sonder is built on a simple premise: great art can be both intellectually rigorous and deeply human. I wanted to create a space that supports artists like partners, engages collectors like collaborators, and treats every exhibition like a narrative worth investing in.

Launching a gallery in an unfamiliar market wasn’t the safe choice. But I saw opportunity: a community hungry for high-caliber contemporary art without having to travel to Los Angeles or New York. We’re proving that you don’t need to follow the traditional blueprint to build a serious program; you can build something meaningful by building relationships.

Today, I see myself not just as a gallerist, but as a builder of ecosystems, networks, and futures for artists. Entrepreneurship in the arts isn’t just about selling work; it’s about infrastructure, mentorship, and legacy. My mission is to contribute to an art world that outlives me — one that values curiosity, care, and courage.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Having spent years as a gallery director, I was no stranger to chaos…juggling exhibitions, managing artists, sales, logistics. That pace becomes second nature. But launching my own gallery was a completely different challenge. Suddenly, I wasn’t just directing a program; I was building the entire infrastructure — from branding, finance, legal, marketing, development etc etc — all on my shoulders at once.

There’s no manual for that transition. One day you’re curating, the next you’re battling customs to release an important shipment. It stretches you in ways that have nothing to do with art, and everything to do with endurance, leadership, and faith in the vision.

It would not be possible without the support group around me. My wife, my family, and the small team that believed in this mission from day one. This road hasn’t been seamless, but it’s been meaningful. And that, to me, is the mark of building something worth building.

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?
I’m known for building genuine relationships — with both artists and collectors — and recognizing talent early in an artist’s journey. I take pride in helping collectors build meaningful, long-term collections, guiding them beyond transactions toward connection, context, and legacy.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe it’s my ability to see people — to truly understand artists, collectors, and the motivations behind their choices. In this industry, success relies heavily on trust and intuition. Recognizing potential in an artist before the world does, or guiding a collector toward a work that will stay with them for life, requires more than strategy–it requires empathy, patience, and conviction. That human understanding has guided every major decision I’ve made.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gallerysonder.com
• Instagram: @gallerysonder

Image Credits
Eric Stoner
Hugo Garcia