Les Roberts is the esteemed Director of the Miami Fine Art Gallery, located in the heart of Miami, Florida. Since taking the helm in 2008, Les has guided the gallery to international acclaim, establishing it as a premier destination for art collectors and enthusiasts. Known for his deep knowledge of art history and a knack for spotting trends, Les has built a career on curating extraordinary collections that blend timeless masterpieces with bold contemporary works.
Raised with a love for art and a fascination for history, Les pursued art history and business at New York University and later refined his expertise with a coveted internship at Sotheby’s in New York. Under his leadership, the gallery has become synonymous with exceptional service, offering clients access to rare works by icons like Rembrandt, Picasso, Warhol, and Banksy, alongside emerging artists pushing the boundaries of creativity.
In this exclusive Q&A, Les shares his insights into the art world, his philosophy on curation, and the journey that led him to build Miami Fine Art Gallery into the powerhouse it is today.
How did your journey in the art world begin, and what drew you to Miami?
My journey in the art world started with a love for storytelling. As a child, I was fascinated by the way art could capture an entire narrative in a single image—whether it was a historical event or an emotional moment. I spent hours flipping through books on classical and modern art, completely captivated.
At New York University, I combined my interests in business and art history, which gave me the tools to understand both the creative and commercial sides of the art world. My internship at Sotheby’s was transformative; it was there that I learned the delicate balance between preserving art’s integrity and recognizing its value in a global market.
As for Miami—it was serendipity. Miami is vibrant, diverse, and evolving. Its art scene reflects that dynamism. When the opportunity to lead Miami Fine Art Gallery came up in 2008, I jumped at the chance. The city’s unique cultural energy and its growing influence in the global art market were impossible to resist.
What makes Miami Fine Art Gallery unique compared to other galleries?
Miami Fine Art Gallery thrives on its dual mission of honoring tradition while embracing innovation. We’re not just a gallery; we’re a bridge connecting centuries of artistic expression.
What sets us apart is our collection. We curate works by historical giants like Rembrandt and Picasso, who laid the foundation for modern art, alongside contemporary trailblazers like Banksy and Jeff Koons, who challenge what art can be. This eclectic mix allows us to serve a diverse clientele—whether someone is drawn to the classical elegance of Old Masters or the bold energy of contemporary art.
Additionally, our white-glove service is unmatched. We prioritize personalization in everything we do. Whether it’s helping a first-time buyer select their first piece or advising a seasoned collector on investment-grade art, our approach is about building relationships, not just making sales.
What do you consider when curating the gallery’s collection?
Curating a collection is an art in itself. It’s not just about finding beautiful pieces; it’s about weaving a narrative. Every piece we showcase is chosen with three factors in mind: historical significance, emotional resonance, and aesthetic quality.
Historical significance matters because every great piece of art tells a story. Whether it’s a Rembrandt portrait capturing the subtleties of human emotion or a Warhol print reflecting the pop culture of its time, these works are markers of history.
Emotional resonance is equally important. I want our visitors and collectors to feel something—whether it’s joy, curiosity, or even a sense of challenge. Art should move you.
Aesthetic quality is the glue that binds it all together. While trends come and go, great art has an enduring beauty or power that transcends its time.
How do you see the relationship between historical and contemporary art?
They are two sides of the same coin. Historical art lays the foundation—it’s where we see the origins of technique, perspective, and form. Contemporary art builds on that foundation, pushing boundaries and questioning norms.
Take Banksy, for instance. His street art may seem a world away from the meticulous realism of a Rembrandt, but they’re both commenting on the human condition in ways that are deeply relevant to their respective times. The same is true for Picasso’s Cubism and Jeff Koons’ sculptures—both challenge how we perceive reality, albeit in drastically different ways.
At the gallery, I see my role as facilitating that dialogue. When someone views a classical piece alongside a contemporary one, they start to notice the connections, the contrasts, and the way art continually evolves while staying rooted in universal themes.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about art galleries?
Many people think galleries are elitist or intimidating, but that couldn’t be further from the truth—at least not at Miami Fine Art Gallery. Art is for everyone. It’s not about whether you can afford a Picasso or a Banksy; it’s about finding a piece that speaks to you, that resonates with your personal journey.
Another misconception is that you have to be an expert to appreciate or invest in art. That’s what we’re here for—to guide, educate, and make the process approachable. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer, we aim to make every interaction welcoming and enriching.
What role do you think Miami plays in the global art scene?
Miami is a cultural melting pot, and its art scene reflects that diversity and energy. Events like Art Basel Miami Beach have put the city on the global map, attracting collectors, artists, and curators from around the world.
What’s exciting about Miami is its constant evolution. Unlike older art hubs like New York or Paris, Miami feels fresh and dynamic. There’s a sense that anything is possible here, which is incredibly inspiring. It’s also a city that embraces innovation, making it the perfect home for a gallery like ours that values both tradition and bold new ideas.
Do you have a favorite piece or artist in your collection?
That’s like asking a parent to choose their favorite child! But if I had to name one, Picasso holds a special place in my heart. His ability to reinvent himself and push the boundaries of art throughout his career is unparalleled. Every piece, whether it’s from his Blue Period or his later Cubist works, feels like a conversation with the viewer.
Among contemporary artists, I find Banksy’s work incredibly compelling. His art has a raw, unfiltered quality that speaks to the issues of our time. Plus, the way he has disrupted the traditional art world is fascinating.
What advice would you give to someone starting their art collection?
Start with what you love. Forget about trends or what’s “hot” in the market—focus on pieces that resonate with you personally.
Once you’ve identified your taste, educate yourself. Visit galleries, attend art fairs, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Building a collection is a journey, and the more you learn, the more confident you’ll feel.
Finally, work with experts. A trusted gallery can provide invaluable guidance, whether it’s helping you understand the provenance of a piece or advising on its investment potential.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Without a doubt, it’s the connections. Seeing someone fall in love with a piece of art, knowing it’s going to bring them joy for years to come—that’s priceless. I also love the relationships I’ve built with collectors, artists, and my team. Art has this incredible ability to bring people together, and being part of that process is deeply fulfilling.
Where do you see Miami Fine Art Gallery in the next decade?
I see us continuing to grow as a cultural hub, not just in Miami but globally. We want to keep pushing boundaries, introducing new artists, and creating experiences that inspire and educate.
At the same time, our core mission remains the same: to offer exceptional art and unparalleled service. Whether someone is acquiring their first piece or their fiftieth, we want them to feel at home here.
Miami is a city of endless possibilities, and I’m excited to see how we can contribute to its vibrant art scene in the years to come.
In the world of art, Les Roberts is a curator, storyteller, and advocate for the transformative power of creativity. Through Miami Fine Art Gallery, he has created a space where history and innovation meet, offering collectors and enthusiasts an experience that is as enriching as it is inspiring. For Les, art isn’t just a business—it’s a passion, a legacy, and a way of life.