Few People Will Go to the Lengths of Real Estate Investor Carl Gambino to Secure a Coveted Work

The real estate investor, who is based in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, once flirted with the idea of becoming a flipper—and then resolved to buy art for keeps. His collection represents a who’s who of up-and-coming painters, as do the exhibitions he supports, including a showing of LaKela Brown at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit.

Every collector has made a rookie mistake or two. What was your most memorable? 

I was at a dinner in France with some clients and friends, and everyone at the table had bought [work by] this artist who was getting tons of buzz. The gallerist was also there, and I felt pressured to buy a piece even though I didn’t love it. I was afraid to miss out and bought for speculation. It felt terrible, made me sick to my stomach. I have never done that again.

Who do you credit with teaching you how to navigate the art world? 

I am mostly self-taught, but I was originally guided by Kim Hastreiter of Paper magazine and Marsea Goldberg of New Image Art. They taught me to buy only what I love.

Tell us about the journey to a particularly hard-won acquisition.

I pursued an artist named Alejandro Piñeiro Bello for two years. I called, texted, emailed, and DMed his dealer, Katia Rosenthal of KDR. I showed up at the gallery and all their events until I finally got the opportunity to buy an incredible painting from a museum show. Alejandro has since become a dear friend of mine, and I own multiple works.

What area of collecting are you excited to dig deeper into? 

My collection is mostly made up of paintings, but it includes many styles of painting. The artists are from all over the world. Lately, I find myself drawn to older landscapes. Excellent landscape works move me in a way I cannot describe.

Name three artists you are particularly excited about right now. 

Cynthia Talmadge, Tianyue Zhong, and Dennis Miranda Zamorano.

If you could sit down for lunch with one artist, living or dead, who would it be? Why? 

David Hockney. I love and respect him and his work so much.

Do you see collecting as an extension of skills you’ve honed in your day job, or an escape from them? 

Collecting uses all the practical and soft skills I have honed in my real estate career. It’s about gaining access, building relationships, being tenacious, and, ultimately, negotiating a sale.

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