Today we’d like to introduce you to Sierra Aguilar.
Hi Sierra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Ninety-Seven Modern is founded on the basis of accessibility.
Far too often, remarks about the industry are made that the artistic scene is one that is difficult, and exclusive to break in to. Here, we aim to change that. We believe that art is for everyone, and should be completed with the ideation of inspiration and inclusivity. Our exhibitions (for the time being), are completely virtual, which creates a space that allows viewers from across the globe a chance to see work from emerging artists. The online exhibitions will rotate on a scheduled basis, covering all mediums, processes, and origins. Our goal is to connect artists, the self-proclaimed non-artistic (is there such thing?), collectors, and organizations together in unified support of the next generation of artistic voices.
Founded by Sierra R. Aguilar in 2025.*
*Sierra R. Aguilar is a multidisciplinary artist with a lens-based priority. Living and working in Michigan, Aguilar received her BFA in Photography with a minor in Printmaking from the Savannah College of Art and Design in spring of 2023, and a MA in Modern and Contemporary Art History from Azusa Pacific University in 2025.
Alongside a daily personal practice, curatorial projects, editorial participation in the photographic platform Lenscratch, and photographic documentation at the Detroit Institute of Arts, Aguilar is always striving to further her relationship with the current art world in order to create a more inclusive and approachable field.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road so far has been nothing short of an electric experience.
Starting out as an artist, and making my first connections with creatives in Savannah, helped me launch the passion project that is Ninety-Seven Modern. While of course, there has been obstacles in logistical practices, the challenge primarily came from finding a way to create the most accessible space possible for emerging artists. How could I connect the people that I grew to love in Savannah, with the community I now serve, in Detroit? How could we foster relationships between artists, and highlight emerging creatives around the world, while making sure that everyone, no matter their background, had our space as a resource? While Ninety-Seven Modern is completely committed to accessibility above all else, eventually in tandem with our online exhibitions, we will soon face the challenge of having a brick-and-mortar physical space, and will face challenges on how to continue our online mission to the tangible gallery as well.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an individual, outside of Ninety-Seven Modern, I partake in a daily creative practice. Whether that be in the realm of photography… (hi SCAD Photo Department!) or other mediums, such as printmaking, poetry, or painting. I really strive to diversify my practice, I never want to get too comfortable in what I’m doing, I want to constantly be learning and evolving.
I also partake in editorial duties at Lenscratch, which has been such a lovely opportunity to connect with other photographers across the globe, and work with a team of incredibly passionate people. When I’m not with Ninety-Seven Modern, my personal practice, or Lenscratch, I can be found at the Detroit Institute of Arts, working on photographing the amazing collection of works available. I wear a lot of hats, but I’m happy my head is never cold.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Bend the rules, and don’t expect people to be happy about it.
When I started, rule bending included, I wish I knew that failure is a privilege; it is an opportunity to grow, evolve, and create the world that you know can exist. You are not going to be the perfect artist, the perfect curator, the perfect person, but it is the authenticity of you that brings people closer. Go full throttle after the things you want, pursue them fiercely. You can adapt the route, but not the destination, so get there however you need to, walk, run, just go forward. Any direction will work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ninetysevenmodern.com
- Instagram: @ninetysevenmodern
- Other: https://www.seastatic.com
