Les Roberts sees art as more than just paintings on a wall. For him, art is a story, a conversation between the past and the present. As the Director of Miami Fine Art Gallery, he spends his days curating collections that blend classical masterpieces with bold contemporary works.
His journey into the art world started in New York City, where he was surrounded by some of the most famous museums and galleries in the world. That early exposure shaped his lifelong passion for fine art.
“I grew up visiting museums and studying paintings,” Les says. “Seeing works by artists like Rembrandt and Picasso made me realize that art is a language—one that speaks across centuries.”
That passion led him to study Art History and Business at New York University. His education helped him understand not just the beauty of art, but also the business behind it. While studying, he completed a prestigious internship at Sotheby’s, where he learned about curation, valuation, and the art market.
Bringing Art to Miami
In 2008, Les moved to Miami, Florida, to take over Miami Fine Art Gallery. At the time, Miami was growing into a global art destination, thanks to events like Art Basel Miami Beach. He saw an opportunity to build something special—an art space that honored the past while embracing the future.
“Miami is such a dynamic city,” he says. “It has this amazing blend of cultures, which makes it the perfect place for a gallery that brings different artistic traditions together.”
Under his leadership, Miami Fine Art Gallery has become known for showcasing artists like Rembrandt, Picasso, Warhol, and Banksy. Les believes in showing how old and new can coexist, allowing visitors to see the evolution of artistic expression.
“People don’t always realize how much contemporary artists borrow from the past,” he explains. “Banksy’s social commentary isn’t that different from what Goya was doing centuries ago.”
The Psychology of Collecting
Les has worked with art collectors for years, and he has noticed something interesting. People don’t just buy art—they connect with it emotionally.
“Art speaks to people on a deeper level,” he says. “Sometimes a piece reminds them of a specific memory or feeling. Other times, they’re drawn to something they can’t quite explain.”
He believes that collecting art is about more than investment. It’s about identity. Some collectors are drawn to pieces that reflect their culture or personal history. Others look for works that challenge them or inspire creativity.
“No one collects the same way,” Les says. “For some, it’s about owning a piece of history. For others, it’s about discovering something new. Either way, it’s about making a connection.”
Bridging the Old and the New
One of Les’s biggest passions is showing people how classical techniques still influence modern art. The use of light and shadow, the composition of a scene, and the storytelling behind a piece—all of these elements remain as important today as they were during the Renaissance.
“The Old Masters weren’t just painters,” he says. “They were innovators. The way they used perspective, color, and emotion set the foundation for everything that came after.”
Les sees those same principles in today’s artists. Whether it’s a hyperrealist painter perfecting the human form or a digital artist playing with light and texture, the past is always present in new creations.
The Role of Technology in Art
Les is also excited about how technology is changing the art world. Virtual exhibitions, digital collections, and even AI-generated artwork are making art more accessible than ever before.
“Technology isn’t replacing traditional art,” he explains. “It’s giving people new ways to experience it.”
At Miami Fine Art Gallery, Les and his team use digital tools to help collectors visualize how a piece will look in their space. They also explore ways to blend physical exhibitions with virtual experiences, making art more immersive for visitors.
“The way we interact with art is evolving,” Les says. “But at its core, art is still about emotion and connection. That hasn’t changed.”
The Future of Art Collecting
Looking ahead, Les believes the art world will continue to shift in exciting ways. More artists will experiment with digital mediums, and collectors will look for more interactive and meaningful experiences.
But no matter how much things change, one thing will stay the same—the power of art to move people.
“Art is timeless,” Les says. “Whether it’s a painting from 300 years ago or a digital piece created last week, it has the ability to make us think, feel, and see the world differently.”
At Miami Fine Art Gallery, Les continues to bring together the best of both worlds. By honoring the past while embracing innovation, he ensures that art remains as relevant and inspiring as ever.
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