Reader’s Choice: Chloe Magpayo
Chloe Magpayo moves effortlessly between worlds. By day, she may curate bold, immersive art exhibitions. But by night, she dives into the fantastical worlds in a book.
While she currently works at Love, Bonito, you might know her as an emerging young curator. Her recent curatorial work reflects both thoughtfulness and bold vision, from the tender all-women show “Dear Future Me” at Modeka Art to the conceptually rich “Audacity” at RCBC Plaza.
Since graduating from Savannah College of Art and Design with a major in fashion marketing and management, as well as a minor in fragrance marketing and French studies, she’s been a longtime director of exhibitions and curation at Empty Scholar, a collective dedicated to crafting art exhibitions that go beyond conventional boundaries. Magpayo’s professional journey also includes time at Jewelmer and Univers d’homme et femme.
Whether she’s researching for experience-driven shows as a curator or exploring the pages of “The Poppy War” trilogy, reading is for her both a refuge and a spark for imagination.
From Harry Potter to contemporary memoirs, her bookshelf, both physical and digital, reflects a curiosity that mirrors her thoughtful and adventurous approach to art.
1. What book are you reading now?
I’m currently reading the third book in “The Poppy War” trilogy, “The Burning God,” and I’m about 34 percent in. The first two books have been five-star reads for me.
2. What’s your favorite book?
This really depends on my mood. My favorite series of all time is Harry Potter. It shaped so much of my imagination growing up. More recently, some favourites have been “Monsoon Mansion: A Memoir by Cinelle Barnes,” “Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang,” and “The Will of the Many” by James Islington. I couldn’t pick just one.
3. If you had one book you’d like in your library, what would it be?
I don’t often buy physical books since I mostly read on my iPad, but I’m slowly collecting the MinaLima Harry Potter illustrated editions. I have the first two so far and plan to complete the set.
4. Which author would you want to have dinner with, and why?
Probably Freida McFadden. She’s quite mysterious. She’s actually a practicing physician and writes under a pen name, so she’s living this double life. I also devour all her books, so I feel like she’d be fascinating to talk to.
5. What’s your favorite library or bookstore in the world?
Ofr. Paris. I don’t always buy books there, but I love it because it’s a specialty bookstore focused on art, fashion, design, and photography. They also have a small gallery space inside. I make it a point to visit every time I’m in Paris.
