“[Experiencing and working at the Frieze LA Art Fair] led to the realization that there was a vibrant and dynamic art world ecosystem that contained an exciting career path that made me drop everything and commit to art.”
With commencement upon us, we spoke to some of CFA’s stand-out 2023 graduates as they gear up to leave LMU and take on the world.
Alexis Soohoo, ‘23
Major: Art History; Minors: mathematics, philosophy
Career Goals: In-house counsel at art auction house
Tell us a little about your time at LMU!
I am an art history major, with minors in mathematics and philosophy and a part of the university honors program. These have all provided me a holistic and stimulating academic experience. In my four years here, I have been the life and arts editor at The Loyolan, was the teacher’s assistant for several calculus courses, and participated in the weightlifting club. This semester, I was inducted into the school’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter.
What is coming next for you?
My career goals are to become in-house counsel at an art auction house practicing transactional law. After graduation, I will be attending Loyola Law School as a Business Law Fellow on the corporate track. I chose this path because I love the contemporary art world and I would love to be on the business side of the industry. Practicing law in this space will provide intellectual challenge on a day-to-day basis and I will get to work with the consignors, buyers, artists, and artwork closely.
Did you have a particular experience that led you to this path?
In my freshman year, I saw ads that the Frieze LA Art Fair was going to be in town, selling tickets at $150 each. Since I couldn’t afford it, I decided to apply for a temp position and ended up on the VIP team. Prior to this, I had only experienced art as a latent interest through museums and galleries. This experience led to the realization that there was a vibrant and dynamic art world ecosystem that contained an exciting career path that made me drop everything and commit to art. In the years since, I have worked at Tanya Bonakdar Gallery as a gallery assistant and now work in the legal department of Christie’s as a junior compliance analyst. These have only bolstered my confidence and passion for the art world.
How did your time at LMU prepare you for your future?
I love LMU’s emphasis on education of the whole person, particularly its promotion of students’ pre-professional goals. The art history department is constantly notifying students of opportunities in the L.A. art scene and providing ample access to our professors as well as art professionals. I was able to explore art restitution – a very interesting area of art law – by assisting Dr. Melody Rodari (art history department chair) in her research on the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. I am currently working with Dr. Damon Willick (professor of art history) to complete my senior thesis on The Broad and the role of the mega-collector within the contemporary art market.
What advice do you have for underclassmen?
My advice for underclassmen is to take advantage of living in L.A. As the second largest metropolitan area in the U.S., the city is the center for many industries and provides access for students to network and explore careers while attending school. LMU is well-known in the city and professionals are always open to chatting with students about their industry and sometimes offering internships. I also found that these four years were pivotal in my emotional and mental growth. I would advise students to take advantage of the independence to practice introspection and build their identity through exploring everything the school and its surroundings have to offer.