We created several pop-up exhibitions, and it was incredibly fulfilling for me. I received positive feedback and decided to move on.
When I ended my last corporate position in public telecommunication company, I decided to make the move!
I committed to a permanent location in the LES, NY! And just like that – last November 2023, FORMah had 1 year of full programing!
Recently I was appointed as advisory board member to Volta Art fair.
Creature in Paradise, Jocelyn Fine
As you know, we’re big fans of FORMah gallery. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
FORMah, or the FORM Art House, established in NJ in 2021, showcases female and female-identifying artists from across the globe. Through thoughtful programming and innovative exhibitions, FORMah is committed to bring to light artists overlooked due to age, race, and gender.
During the first year at 42 Allen Street, NY, has been a very special one for FORMah Gallery. During this year we curated eight exhibitions at our gallery space, three of which solo presentations, we participated in @voltaartfairs, showed in two pop-up locations (@sfah_1901 and @renwickfas), published one catalogue, and overcame one annoying leak. We created exposure to 23 female artists, 6 of which showed this year in museums around the world. Our team has grown; we hosted lots of events and created multiple collaborations. With each day, with every exhibition we are shaping our presence in the art universe.
Waved and Air Pockets, Noga Yudkovik-Etzioni
Voyage LA
Community Highlights: Meet Maryana Kaliner of FORMah Gallery
By Voyage LA
March 4th, 2024
Today we’d like to introduce you to Maryana Kaliner.
Hi Maryana, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I am entrepreneur, founder of FORMah gallery, MK Consultancy, and finance professional specializing in business strategy and development. In my “first life,” I worked in multiple corporate positions for more than a decade; I was focused on high-volume deals and M&As in the global tech industry. Little by little, I started to be more involved in the art industry… some of the artists I got to know became my friends, I became a patron of several museums, and I finally realized that art is my passion. Took me a while. In 2021 I established FORMah gallery as a nomadic gallery first, I was very well aware of the gaps in salary in tech and finance industries. It was a sad moment when I learned that in arts the gaps are even higher… From the very beginning, FORMah gallery’s mission was clear to me – to empower female/identifying artists.
From left to right: Lovers, The Curator, Odalisque on Chaise Longue, Barbara Ishikura
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There were lots of ups and downs. We had amazing experiences during the first year – we participated in the Volta Art Fair NY and had 2 pop – up in addition to our space: one in SFAH Southampton and one in the Renwick viewing room during the Armory week last September. We curated 8 exhibitions and provided exposure to 23 female artists! On the other hand, the first year was high turbulence. For example, we had a leak… The renovation took some time and created a gap in our program for 3 weeks!
I was challenged on a daily basis, both on a personal level and business level. Gallery is a demanding, yet very rewarding environment. Overcoming all these obstacles is incredibly rewarding! Now I have a more clear vision of what I am capable of as a person and how to manage my business better.
Planetary, Kristy Gordon
FORMah gallery is more than commercial gallery. It’s a mission! A mission to discover and provide exposure to ultra-talented female/identifying artists and create a microcosmos that assists in overcoming the financial compensation gaps for female artists in the industry.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
For me, positive thinking is a key! Running several businesses simultaneously requires a clear thinking!
I am a big fan of “woo-woo” talk, meditation, yoga, and taking some time for myself to figure out the next steps.
Figure out your own balance, pause from time to time, and breathe. I think this is the best advice I can offer.