Learn more about Esther Kim Varet: https://www.estherkimvaret.com/

This week, Carrie chats with Esther Kim Varet—co-founder of Various Small Fires, the gallery with locations in LA, Seoul, and Dallas—to discuss her journey from opening a gallery at 24 (inspired by a chance $60,000 payday at an art fair) to running for Congress in Orange County.

Yes, she's the real-life inspiration behind the gallery owner character in HBO's Girls. But this conversation goes far deeper than pop culture moments. Esther talks about building an empire in an industry not designed for someone who looks like her, the lessons she learned from art world legend Mary Boone, and why "fake it till you make it" actually works in contemporary art.

Then we come to the pivot point: Why would someone at the top of the art world walk away to run for Congress? As the daughter of North Korean refugees who started with $400 and a shiitake mushroom farm in Texas, Esther explains her urgent mission to fight authoritarianism, protect free speech, and ensure her kids inherit a democracy worth living in. She's not just changing the art world anymore—she's fighting for the future.

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About Behind The Seen

The Behind The Seen Series brings on art world professionals of all sorts to give you insight into what the art world is really like. Curious what it’s like being a gallerist, an art critic or a curator? Then this series is for you.