Making It With Alex See #15 - Petr Hajek

Can a former professional footballer and corporate lawyer redefine the art scene? In this episode of Making It, we sit down with Petr Hajek, the founder of the Chemistry Gallery in the Czech Republic, whose career pivot proves it's never too late to follow your dreams.From writing legislation to pioneering the promotion of emerging artists, Petr shares his "Blue Ocean Strategy" for success when he started his gallery with no prior art experience. We dive deep into his unique philosophy of feeling the "chemistry" with an artwork rather than needing to understand it. We also explore how he curates lively exhibitions by blending contemporary art with local electronic music.We also discuss his international ambitions, his thoughts on Hong Kong's growing art hub, and his crucial advice for young artists looking to catch a gallery's attention.If you are contemplating a major career change or an artist trying to break into the commercial gallery world, Petr’s adventurous spirit and practical advice on building trust and taking risks is essential listening.🎧 IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:Start listening to find your own blue ocean.CHAPTERS:01:00:00 - Intro: Petr Hajek's unlikely background01:04:08 - The "Blue Ocean" strategy for starting an art gallery01:06:55 - Learning the art world on the fly01:14:36 - Naming the "Chemistry Gallery" and feeling the art01:20:31 - Why artists need to work with curators01:23:28 - Making art accessible through "Chemistry Prints"01:27:40 - Mixing electronic music with fine art01:31:12 - First impressions of the Hong Kong art scene01:37:51 - Final advice: Follow your dreamsQUOTES FROM THE EPISODE:"It's not important to understand, it's not important that you don't know too much about art. It's important to feel... chemistry." - Petr Hajek"By Blue Ocean Strategy, I mean that it's important to do things that nobody else is doing because then the competition is much easier." - Petr Hajek"I think it's important for clients to understand... they should be working with galleries, buying from galleries, because if they do this, the galleries can support the artists." - Petr Hajek**ABOUT THE GUEST:**Petr Hajek is the founder of the Chemistry Gallery in the Czech Republic. After a career as a professional football player and a lawyer, he pivoted to the art world to champion emerging young artists. He is known for integrating electronic music into his exhibitions and actively promoting Czech artists on the international stage.ABOUT THE HOST:Alex See is on a mission to make Hong Kong a place where artists and creatives can thrive. Through Making It, Alex interviews the minds shaping the culture to uncover what it takes to succeed in the creative industries.CONNECT WITH US:Subscribe for more conversations on creativity and the Hong Kong art scene! 📸 Instagram: @makingitwithalexsee