Jen Davis by Natasha Gornick

Tonight is the opening of UNSEEN, a group exhibition curated by collector Ruben Natal-San Miguel at Randall Scott Gallery in DUMBO. Participating photographers include: Clayton Cotterell, Megan Cump, Bon Duke, Elizabeth Flemming, Natasha Gornik, Nicola Kast, Adam Krause, Alex Leme, Eric McNatt, Leah Oates, Ryan Pfluger, Cara Phillips, Richard Renaldi, Nadine Rovner, Chad States, and Phil Toledano. We spoke with Ruben to learn more about UNSEEN and his role as a collector and curator.

Humble: You are mostly recognized as an avid photography collector and blogger. How did you decide to expand to a curatorial role?

Ruben: My direct involvement with artists and photographers is the main reason for curating. I have developed strong relationships with them through collecting, advising or promoting their work on my blog, and showing it to other collectors and dealers. Many of these artists are now considered friends, and I like to provide them with as much support as possible. Randall Scott is aware of my close relationship with emerging artists; therefore, I was invited to curate this exhibition.

Humble: Do you see a relationship or interchange between curating and collecting?

Ruben: Yes and no. The difference in this case is that some of the works in the exhibition I plan to add to my collection, but have yet to purchase. Often, I purchase (or hunt) art first, and then divulge the details later on my blog or by contacting my other collector friends. Curating is like shopping with a vision; collecting is similar, the difference is that you already own the piece.

UNSEEN opens tonight at Randall Scott Gallery from 6PM – 9PM (111 Front Street, 204, Brooklyn | 212-796-2190).