An Appreciation for the Unfamiliar at bG Gallery

These magical tales fueled his imagination and paved the way for his studies in psychology and his eventual interest in Surrealism while he was still living in Australia. In an interview with A&O, Bleicher explained, “Art has always been a part of me. Eventually, it was seeing a poster of Salvador Dali’s Sleep (1937) in junior high, and art classes in high school, when I realized art was my career path.”

Bleicher has dual citizenship and lived in Florida with his family during his twenties. He moved around and ultimately started working as a curator at a gallery in Los Angeles. He also continued practicing his own work as an artist in Australia. Along the way, he developed relationships with other artists and started to assist them with the management of their own careers. 

“It eventually became clear to me that the artists I was working to place in various galleries shared a common aspect to their work that would be suited to them all being housed at one venue.” Bleicher started gradually by curating his own pop-up exhibitions. His first gallery was a shared, modest, 400-foot space overlooking the ocean in Culver City, California. In 2009, he opened bG Gallery— a larger, 1,100 sq-ft space in Santa Monica, where he is today.

In an earlier online interview, Bleicher discussed his evolving tastes. “At the start, I focused on my own art preference towards highly psychological expressionist work. I was very concerned about how the gallery would be seen as respectable by both critics and art world peers. I didn’t even consider business aspects, or think of it in business terms, or more importantly, the benefits to the community and the receivers of the art. 

It took experience and being exposed to other perspectives to switch focus and take into consideration what the vision provides to others.” He emphasized this view. “Engaging viewers is now a strong goal of the gallery, as well as opening them to work they might not have been open to by providing an accessible bridge in.”

Long-term stability at a central, bricks and mortar location with a high density population brings the opportunity to build visibility and develop a reputation. bG Gallery was listed among the top ten galleries to visit in Santa Monica in 2024 by Trip Advisor. Currently, 29 artists are included in the gallery's permanent roster and the enticing website advertises their exhibition schedule through early 2025. 

Bleicher explained, “We book our artists one-two years in advance– you want some flexibility, but we always try to show our core artists every two years. We do a few group shows, and we might invite a guest curator. We have an Open Call once a year, although we are constantly getting submissions. We are looking for high quality, mind-blowing work.” 

That definition of “mind-blowing” can vary greatly depending on the eye of the beholder, but in the case of bG Gallery, the “mind” aspect seems evident in the magical, surrealist tendencies of much of the work.

The art shown at bG Gallery is challenging and often involves cutting edge technology. Collectors have to develop their eye and appreciation for what is unfamiliar. “The core concepts of the artists we show are on the outskirts– we are on the edge of what is considered ‘art’.” 

Assisting a first-time buyer is a role that Bleicher accepts, particularly if it is a casual viewer who just “wanders in” off the street— which sometimes happens. Much of his repeat business is word-of-mouth, and he also participates in numerous art fairs, some being regional and others in big population centers like The Outsider Art Fair in New York City. Although they are expensive, Bleicher admits, “You can’t beat a fair to get new, high-end clients.” 

The last few years, starting with COVID, have been a rollercoaster ride for many gallerists. Bleicher reflected, “Any uncertainty affects the art world. We are adapting.” Besides presenting emerging and mid-career artists, bG Gallery offers art consultation services to help individuals and organizations build their art collections at all levels. 

They also offer a private match-maker service they call Art Cupid, as they have access to works by Old Masters like Caravaggio and new masters like Basquiat, KAWS, Keith Haring, George Condo, among others. When asked about the future, Bleicher commented, “We want to continue to do what we’re doing, but raise the bar to expose the human truths that exist.” That is a goal worthy of everyone.