Mills Morán, cofounder of the Los Angeles gallery Morán Morán, is stepping away from its day-to-day operations to focus on Felix Art Fair, the fair he cofounded with his brother Al Morán and collector Dean Valentine in 2018. The fair, held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel alongside Frieze Los Angeles, has staged eight editions. Morán announced the decision in a statement shared with artists and colleagues, citing personal recalibration after nearly two decades in the art world and a desire to be more present for loved ones.
This move matters because it reflects a broader trend of gallerists reevaluating work-life balance amid the pressures of the art market, while also highlighting the growing importance of art fairs as platforms for supporting galleries. By pivoting to Felix, Morán aims to champion a wider range of exhibitors and international artists at a time when smaller and midsize galleries face increasing financial strain. The transition leaves Al Morán as the sole leader of the gallery, which has represented notable artists including Ryan Trecartin, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Dash Snow.