Tatianna Mack is Reclaiming Space In the Art World—One Story At A Time

Tatianna Mack’s journey into the art world began with a simple but powerful moment—a second-grade field trip to The Met. “I fell in love with art during that visit,” she recalled. That early spark ignited a passion for storytelling and representation that would eventually lead her to curating exhibitions centered around Black voices.

The Art of Storytelling

Her path became clearer during her time at the Tanya Weddemire Gallery, where gallerist Tanya Weddemire encouraged her to assist with exhibitions. “That’s when I fell in love with curating and the power of storytelling through art,” Mack said.

As a Black woman in a predominantly white art world, Mack’s perspective has been deeply shaped by her experiences. She curated her first exhibition, I Got A Story To Tell, in February, a tribute to her maternal grandmother and a celebration of Black women’s complexity and resilience. “More often than not, you’re the only one in the room,” she shared. “That reality fuels my mission to champion Black women artists.”

The Art of Tati Was Born

In addition to curating, Mack founded The Art of Tati, initially a blog born from her experiences feeling isolated in gallery and museum spaces. “Representation matters deeply to me,” she said. “I created The Art of Tati to let Black and Brown people know they belong in these spaces too.” The initiative has since grown into a community, with Mack hosting museum meet-ups designed to foster connection, education, and a sense of belonging. “My hope is that people feel seen and leave with new relationships,” she said.

When it comes to curating, Mack’s creative vision is intentional and layered. Each exhibition tells a different story depending on the theme, but her core mission remains steady: challenging stereotypes and broadening narratives. “When I curated I Got A Story To Tell, I wanted to push back against the limited narratives placed on Black women,” she explained. “We are far more than society’s narrow boxes—we’re complex, brilliant, and fully human.”

Tatianna Mack With Community at the Center

Emerging Black artists remain central to Mack’s work. She is particularly passionate about amplifying artists such as Blu Murphy, Moses Salihou, and Brittney S. Price. “They deserve greater visibility and support,” she emphasized.

For those new to the art world, Mack encourages beginning with curiosity: visiting galleries, following museums online, and researching artists to discover personal tastes. She also shared practical advice for aspiring collectors: “Building relationships with galleries can lead to flexible purchasing options—many offer payment plans.”

Art, for Mack, is more than a profession; it’s her purpose. It’s transformed her daily life and allowed her to live with deeper intention. When asked what she hopes people associate with her name, she answered simply: “Love, kindness, community, and a deep commitment to helping others fulfill their dreams.”

What’s Next for Tatianna Mack?

Looking ahead, Mack is organizing a panel discussion titled Buy Art With Your Heart: Young Professionals Edition, in collaboration with the Tanya Weddemire Gallery. Set to take place May 17 at Industry City, the conversation will focus on empowering Millennials and Gen Z to begin collecting art. And while her future is wide open, one dream looms large: “One day, I want to curate an exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum,” she said.

With her dedication, vision, and heart, there’s no doubt she’ll get there—and bring a vibrant, inclusive community along with her.