Name: Santa Claus
Age: Let's just say I’m not younger than Jesus.
Occupation: Artist
City/Neighborhood: Lapland, Finland
What project are you working on now? I’ve got a worldwide project underway... not at Gagosian, however. Ho ho ho.
What's the last show that you saw? Marina Abramovic’s “The Artist Is Present.” Get it? "Present"?
What's the last show that surprised you? Why? I thought Laurel Nakadate’s show at MoMA PS1 was going to be naughtier than it was. She actually still gets a present this year.
What's your favorite place to see art? In collectors’ houses, while they’re sleeping.
Do you make a living off your art? Yes.
What's the most indispensable item in your studio? Elves.
Where are you finding ideas for your work these days? The melting glaciers up here are harrowing. It’s inspired me to stop giving out coal — bad for the environment.
Do you collect anything? Vintage Coca Cola memorabilia.
What's the last artwork you purchased? Tino Sehgal’s “Hey Everybody It’s Christmas and We’re in an Art Gallery!”
What's the weirdest thing you ever saw happen in a museum or gallery? Well, once I was delivering a gift to the director of the Fennimore Art Museum when Blitzen stepped on “Sugaring Off” from 1945. That’s right, a Grandma Moses got run over by a reindeer.
What's your art-world pet peeve? Gift bags at galas. I dislike competition.
What's your favorite post-gallery watering hole or restaurant? Santos Party House. I have to admit I think the name is pretty silly, but it’s a great place to get crunk.
Do you have a gallery/museum-going routine? I usually like to swing through pretty quickly and discreetly.
Know any good jokes? Don’t waste my time with stupid questions.
What's the last great book you read? “Humboldt’s Gift,” by my favorite Jewish author, Saul Bellow.
What work of art do you wish you owned? Géricault’s “The Raft of the Medusa.” It would really fit my decor.
What would you do to get it? I’m going to get it.
What under-appreciated artist, gallery, or work do you think people should know about? Thomas Nast.
Who's your favorite living artist? Paul McCarthy. He really gets me.
What are your hobbies? Philanthropy.