Episode #100 Andrew Espino, Owner of 1Culture Art Gallery
Growing up in Eastside San José, Andrew Espino loved both Hip-Hop and oldies, graffiti and lowrider culture, and football. He carried all of these inspirations through college as a St. Mary’s football linebacker and into his post-college career in real estate. Andrew frequented art galleries during business travels but found the art that spoke to him was in galleries off Main Street and on back streets. He started buying art representing the streets that told stories about an urban environment.
Andrew, a businessman by nature, realized that the mainstream market for the artwork he appreciated was limited and considered assisting artists he met at street markets to sell their work. He began a journey as a traveling art vendor, popping up and selling work he curated on commission. He quickly realized that he needed a brick-and-mortar gallery to elevate the experience of purchasing art that represented his experience as a Chicano kid from the city.
Andrew opened 1culture Art Gallery & Collective in May of 2022. The gallery rotates shows every six to eight weeks. Andrew is working more with guest curators to increase his impact on the scene. This year, he coordinates trips for San Jose Artists to display at the Bedstuy Walls Mural Festival and Art Basel Week in Miami. Rooted in originality, creativity, and unity, 1culture hopes to provide a platform for artists and add to San Jose’s artistic culture, making it a destination for experiencing art.
1culturegallery.com
136 & 144 E. Santa Clara St
San Jose, Ca 95113
Andrew Espino was also featured in Issue 15.1 of Content Magazine Issue 15.1 “Discover”
