Canal Street Dreams: The Mills Morán Interview

Podcast Information:

• Title: Canal Street Dreams
• Hosts: Eddie Huang and Natashia Perrotti
• Guest: Mills Morán
• Episode Title: The Mills Morán Interview on Canal Street Dreams (FREE SUBSTACK PREVIEW)
• Release Date: May 16, 2025

1. Introduction and Personal Connections (00:00 - 05:00)

Eddie Huang warmly introduces Mills Morán, highlighting their deep friendship and frequent communications. The conversation kicks off with light-hearted banter about personal routines, establishing a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.

• Eddie: "He is truly one of my best friends... You and Raph are the people I talk to."
• Mills: Engages humorously about the quality of his morning routine, rating it a "4 to 5" on a personal scale.

This segment showcases the genuine camaraderie between the hosts and their guest, setting the tone for an unfiltered and engaging discussion.

2. The Fantasy Basketball League and Community Dynamics (05:00 - 08:30)

The hosts delve into their shared passion for a fantasy basketball league, describing it as "the most intense fantasy league I've ever been a part of" (Eddie, [03:22]). They discuss the intricate dynamics of their group chats, the roles each member plays, and the humorous misunderstandings that arise.

• Natashia: "Sometimes there's drama, there must be like multiple chats."
• Mills: Highlights the personal side of the league, noting how friendships blend with competitive elements.

Anecdotes about mistaken identities and the playful nature of their interactions underscore the tight-knit community they've built around their shared interests.

3. Mills Morán’s Journey in the Art World (08:30 - 12:00)

Transitioning to more substantive topics, Mills recounts the origins of his art gallery. Starting in Miami with his brother Al in 2006, they expanded to Los Angeles in 2011, playing a pivotal role in developing the Melrose Hill art district.

• Mills: "We opened a show in 2006 in Miami Basel, and then we just kind of got the bug."
• Eddie: "How is it that you guys get into art? Like, through the Miami door?"

Mills elaborates on the challenges of establishing an art presence in Miami, ultimately deciding to relocate to LA to better serve their artists and tap into a more vibrant art market.

4. Navigating the Art World and the Phenomenon of Zombie Formalism (12:00 - 20:00)

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the concept of "zombie formalism," a term coined by art critic Jerry Saltz to describe a bubble in the abstract art market.

• Mills: "It's the work... made using production-based methods."
• Eddie: "That's a good example because that makes no sense... why wouldn't you sell if someone offers something in return?"

They explore how the art market's irrational dynamics can lead to sudden surges and crashes in artist popularity and financial success. Mills emphasizes the importance of sustainable careers for artists, contrasting the fleeting nature of bubbles with long-term artistic integrity.

• Mills: "You don't want to be that guy who makes a ton of money in the first three years and then never work again."
• Eddie: "Buy art you love... it's got a place in your life."

This segment provides valuable insights into the complexities of the art market, the responsibilities of galleries towards their artists, and the delicate balance between commercial success and artistic authenticity.

5. Artist-Gallery Relationships and Market Challenges (20:00 - 15:30)

Mills discusses the intimate and multifaceted relationships between galleries and artists, likening it to therapy, friendship, and business all rolled into one.

• Mills: "It's incredibly intimate. Your therapist, you're a friend, and you're also a business associate."
• Natashia: "It's super intimate."

He highlights the challenges of maintaining these relationships, especially as both parties grow older and their personal lives become more complex. The conversation touches on how artists often rely heavily on their galleries to navigate the art world's intricacies, especially during turbulent market periods like the zombie formalism bubble.

• Mills: "Navigating this world as an artist is very difficult. It's very hard."
• Natashia: "How much control, generally would you say the artist has over where their pieces land?"

Their discussion underscores the emotional and professional investment galleries make in their artists, and the delicate negotiations involved in aligning artistic vision with market demands.

6. Personal Anecdotes and the Importance of Authentic Connections (15:30 - 22:25)

The conversation shifts to personal stories, including Mills's relationship with artist Soil and Eddie's experience with supporting artists beyond market trends.

• Eddie: "I wanted to support him because you're working for..."
• Mills: "He feels like he was working for so many other people and he just needed to rein it in."

They reflect on the importance of genuine support and understanding in nurturing artistic talent, emphasizing that true connections go beyond mere transactions.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the enduring value of art collected for personal love rather than market speculation, reinforcing the hosts' belief in art's intrinsic worth.

• Eddie: "Buy art you love... they have a place in your home."
• Mills: "Absolutely."

Conclusion

The episode offers a deep dive into the intersection of art, friendship, and community dynamics. Mills Morán provides a compelling look into the art world's inner workings, the challenges of maintaining artist relationships, and the pitfalls of market bubbles like zombie formalism. Through engaging dialogue and personal anecdotes, Eddie and Natashia create a rich narrative that is both informative and relatable, making it an invaluable listen for anyone interested in the creative industries.

For the full experience and more in-depth discussions, consider subscribing to the paid version on Substack.