With roots in Latin America but now residing in Miami, Isaac Sultan Cohen brings a unique perspective to the world of contemporary art collecting, including elements of his own cultural heritage alongside his global outlook on trends in the contemporary art market.
Seeing contemporary art collecting as a passion of his and not an investment, his views on where the contemporary art market is heading are very different than those who view art through a purely profit oriented lens.
Isaac Sultan Cohen began his collecting with the help of an initial collection which he inherited from his uncle. His collection grew, slowly but surely, with an eye towards primarily purchasing the works of established artists.
His impressive collection now includes works from iconic artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol, who, in Sultan Cohen’s opinion, “captured the essence of their eras”.
These are now foundation stones of sorts of his collection. “What gets me about contemporary art, is its uncanny ability to make the everyday extraordinary. I value the works of the masters as well, who doesn’t! But for me, I cannot compare between say Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans series of 32 pieces and a Van Gough”.
When discussing the future of contemporary art, Isaac Sultan Cohen highlights the fact that despite slowing growth in the art market more broadly, 2023 was a strong year for contemporary art in particular. “I attribute this to what I call, a greater societal shift toward authenticity”, he says.
In Sultan Cohen’s view, the contemporary art world is changing. While previous years saw many drawn to flashy, overly commercial works, collectors like Sultan Cohen are instead gravitating towards works that provide them with a sense of deeper connection to the artist’s message.
“What we’re seeing now is a return to storytelling; messages are as important as the medium,” he explains. “The contemporary art that I and others in my circle are drawn to is the art that highlights themes like identity, heritage, and personal as well as social narratives.”
Indeed, Latin America and the blossoming artistic ecosystem there, is a great example of exactly this trend. “Over the past couple of years, we have seen a wave of Latin American contemporary artists sharing unique stories and experiences while blending traditional motifs with techniques that are modern” Sultan Cohen notes.
“This is the kind of art that resonates with me, and in my assessment, will continue to be of interest for many more years. Even if societies change, as we see with some of the classic contemporary artists, the issues addressed through art will remain relevant for generations.”
Although Sultan Cohen’s vast collection includes contemporary masters like Basquiat and Warhol, it has since expanded to include many other established artists which are the focus of his collection. In his words, he adds pieces to his collection if he believes that these help, “redefine the narrative of contemporary art.”
When asked about who he has his eye on in terms of artists, Sultan Cohen points to names like Gerhard Richter and Yayoi Kusama, whose works he sees as pushing the boundaries of what art can represent.
“Richter and Kusama are not exactly new names in the contemporary art scene. But as I said, I have never been a collector looking for the next big thing. I believe in artists who have a clear and compelling vision but continue to innovate.”
The Latin American background from which Isaac Sultan Cohen comes, has profoundly influenced both his approach to collecting contemporary art as well as the art which he appreciates. It was his upbringing which shaped his appreciation for art that conveys rich cultural narratives.
“It is hard to put it into words, but I’m drawn to art that speaks to cultural identity and addresses cultural issues. I appreciate contemporary works that channel the chaos and energy of Latin America while capturing the essence of the ever-relevant issues facing modern society”.
This is the reason why he prefers to buy the works of contemporary established artists. They don’t need to be in the limelight but should have a significant message to convey.
“I support established artists, but not because of their name or the monetary value of their work, but because of the way they explore new themes and challenge the status quo. That’s where the future of contemporary art lies in my eyes,in pieces of art that are true and timeless. That’s why these are what make up the majority of my collection.”
For Isaac Sultan Cohen, one needs to make a distinction between a collector and an investor. “An investor, which I am not, views art as an asset. For me however, collecting is about a narrative, a story that reflects the things which I am most interested in,” he explains. “I don’t flip pieces or ride market waves. My ultimate goal is to create a collection that tells a story and can be passed down and appreciated for generations to come.”
