Founded and led by Michael Doohan, Dark Green joined the art world landscape with a unique and multifaceted mission, to both showcase leading contemporary art and foster a healthy community centered on meeting artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts where they are. Producing exhibitions, hosting artist residencies, and presenting a range of experiential activities such as workshops and lectures, Dark Green approaches the art world holistically, and offers an accessible entryway for collectors—both seasoned and just starting out—to explore the world of contemporary art.

We reached out to Doohan to learn more about his personal journey within the art world, and what’s next on the horizon for Dark Green.

Michael Doohan with Katherine Bernhardt, Untitled (2021). Courtesy of Dark Green.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and your interest in art?

I was into graffiti as a teenager. My secondary school art teacher showed me The Last Rainforest (1989) by Keith Haring, and it was my first real introduction into the art world. I loved it. I got lost looking at the intricate details of the characters and the hidden messages for the whole lesson. I then learned about other street artists and graffiti writers from that era: Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kenny Scharf, Rammellzee, DAZE & CRASH, and Lady Pink. I was fascinated. The streets were their canvas, and their influence was undeniable across music and fashion. They redefined the edginess of the eighties.

Keith Haring, The Last Rainforest (1989). Courtesy of Dark Green.

I was motivated to see this work where I could. I had collected books from that era and would watch documentaries and find interviews on YouTube. Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child (2010), Wild Style (1983), and Style Wars (1983). I would visit shows and museums to see it in person. Eventually, it sparked an interest to start collecting. I began with stickers and posters, then sketches and small works on paper, up to more recently masterpieces from the 1980’s. My journey has been organic.

Over time, I’ve been fortunate to build relationships with artists and collectors alike.

Christ “DAZE” Ellis (left) with Michael Doohan (right) in a studio in the Bronx, New York (2017). Courtesy of Dark Green.

What was the primary inspiration or motivation that led you to founding Dark Green?

I waned to create a space for different art forms to collide and collaborate, without rules or judgement.

In a market that is designed to be intimidating with an overarching air of unattainability, I’d like to give new and younger collectors the opportunity to access art in a new and exciting way.

One of the first pieces I tried to buy was an Andy Warhol print (Moonwalk). I felt judged from the outset. The gallery experience was terribly snobby, it was discouraging and disheartening. I don’t want anyone to feel like that when they’re buying something that should, above all, be fun and a joy to live with.

How would you describe the mission or ethos of Dark Green?

It’s all about community. Bringing people from different parts of the world together, from different creative backgrounds—whether that be art, photography, or music—to create something truly special. Bring together a pool of creatives, in the right environment, and magic will happen.

Left: Katherine Bernhardti, Callaita (2020); Right: Anselm Reyle, Untitled (2005). Courtesy of Dark Green.

Thus far, what would you consider your greatest achievement helming Dark Green? Or most memorable experience?

There are a few:

• I curated a group show in Polanco, Mexico City in 2017. It was an incredible experience, I learned that if you bring a mixture of people and an eclectic array of art with good music, people are going to have a good time and talk about it.

• Whilst buying a frame for a Picasso work in Switzerland, I found an important body of work that had remained unseen since the 80’s. This was a valuable lesson in paying attention and turning over every stone.

• Working with and collecting art from artists who have inspired me for years.

Collaborating with collectors to source rare and desirable works. This can take time but when it comes to fruition it is very rewarding.

Above: RAMMELLZEE, Wild Style Trophy (2008); Front: Antony Gormley, Press 1 (MEME) IV (2018). Courtesy of Dark Green.

Can you give us some insight into the two exhibitions planned for next year? 

We’re planning to create something special and immersive with an incredible artist from Los Angeles. He has been “offline” for years, which adds to the fun of unveiling his work in person. It will take place in Ibiza during the start of the summer alongside Can Art Fair.

Also, a street art show in Central America. A special group show with some of the finest works from the 1970s to present day from the most influential artists of the scene.

Adam Parker Smith, Contrapposto Pool Float (2022). Courtesy of Dark Green.

There’s also been mention of a new artist residency, can you give us some of the details? What inspired you to create an artist residency specifically?

Years ago, I was invited to a Sunday roast at an incredible home in the English country. The architecture and surroundings were inspiring. They had placed a sculpture in the garden next to the forest. It was captivating and inspiring to see an all-steel work of this magnitude in that environment. He explained he was going to have a sculpture garden. They had built a cabin and a workspace for artists to come and stay and create work to enliven the environment. This has since sparked my vision to create a program in Ibiza. For me, the island is a second home and a special place.

Ibiza has brought so many special memories over the years. There’s truly no better place in my opinion for an artist to come and live, immerse themselves in the surroundings, and then create. I’m fascinated about how spending time on the magical island could inspire artists and to see what they produce.

Do you have any advice for individuals looking to start collecting?

Don’t be intimidated. Explore what you’re interested in and what inspires you. Opportunities come up frequently—if you’re patient it’s highly likely that it will present itself. Never be dictated or feel pressured to buy something you don’t want. Of course, build as many relationships as you can and most of all it should be fun.

Learn more about Dark Green Studios here.