40 Prominent People | Mark Tarrant

Mark Tarrant
Owner of Altamira Fine Art • Jackson, WY

Mark Tarrant

Distinction: Tarrant and Altamira have helped define and promote art of “the new West.”
What is the significance of the name you chose for your gallery? We named the gallery Altamira for the cave in Spain famous for its Upper Paleolithic drawings and polychrome paintings of wild mammals and human hands. Altamira means “high view.”
What are the biggest changes you have seen in the art market during your career? The demographics have broadened. Fine art has a much bigger audience and is no longer just for the elite. This country thrives on the lifestyle and quality of life that art and artists provide. This has an impact across many markets. Look at what Apple has accomplished with the high design element of their products.
What trends do you see in your market today? I see people’s focus moving from decorating to collecting—collecting as a passion and as an asset class.
How has Southwest Art contributed to the careers of your artists? We all owe a debt of gratitude to Southwest Art. When no one else was interested, the magazine was the beachhead for regional art. Many of the most successful artists were first featured and promoted by Southwest Art. It is always a milestone in a career to receive an editorial or grace the cover. The contribution—enormous.
How is Altamira Fine Art helping to define contemporary western art with the selection of artists you represent? We do not try to have something for everyone. We look for artists with authentic inspiration. People connect with this vitality and energy.
What do you think you have added to the Jackson Hole art scene? Jackson galleries are known for quality. Altamira takes the lead in western contemporary art or, if you prefer, contemporary realism.
What do you hope to accomplish in the next 10 years? To continue building the recognition our artists deserve.

Featured in “40 Prominent People” in May 2011.