Much of the art world revolves around questions of value, not only in terms of appraisals and price tags, but also: what is worth your time in These Times, as well as your energy? , your attention and, yes, your hard-earned money?
What calculations do you make to determine the meaning and value of something? What moves you? What enriches your life? In this new series, we ask individuals from the art world and beyond about the assessments they make on a personal level.
If New York-based curator, collector and advisor Nazy Nazhand were to sum up her role in the art world in several hyphens in one sentence, she would say she is an advocate for artists.
Born in Tehran and raised in Athens, Nazhand is the globally minded founder of Nazhand Art & Culture, a consultancy that has a track record of placing the work of emerging artists in top institutional collections. Nazhand brings to the role her keen sense of the market and her coveted relationships with emerging artists. She’s the type to know an artist well. Before their first gallery exhibition.
Recently, she coordinated the exhibition of the installation by artist Carl Craig Party/After-Party at Dia Beacon as well as its current installation at MOCA Geffen in Los Angeles. Now she is moving forward on two projects still under wraps – an exhibition at a New York museum and a site-specific installation overseas – both of which will be announced later this year. In her her own collection and curation, meanwhile, Nazhand keeps the achievements of women artists from the Middle East at the forefront, saying she identifies, “as an activist on behalf of women in Iran.
When the working day ends, however, the always stylish Nazhand is also a sought-after figure on the social circuit. After hours, she can be found exploring her neighborhood of Alphabet City, in search of music – house, techno and jazz are her favorites – and relaxing on the beaches of Ibiza.
Recently we met Nazhand who told us what she values in art and life – and why.
What’s the last thing you splurged on?
Art. Of course. But to be clear, I see art collecting as a worthwhile and rewarding investment and not at all a splurge.
Nazy Nazhand in the Alphabet City neighborhood (February 2023).
What are you saving for?
More art. Of course. I am proud that the works in my collection are by artists with whom I have had the pleasure of working or whom I know personally. Each work represents an important moment in time.
What would you buy if you found $100?
I would tip generously. I believe it is important to pay for these lucky finds.
What makes you feel like a million bucks?
My Khaite dressing room and my collection of antique and contemporary jewelry. My jewelry is my armor.
What do you think is your greatest asset?
My determination and my ability to adapt allowed me to live my life as I pleased, despite all the obstacles that stood in my way.
What do you appreciate most in a work of art?
Precise and poetic execution of materials and ideas.
Abigail Reyes, from the “Archivo” exhibition, 2022. Photo courtesy of the Artist and La ERRE.
Who is an emerging artist worthy of everyone’s attention?
Abigail Reyes (El Salvador, 1984) is a quiet force whose subtle textual installations, embroideries and videos expose and vindicate the macho language that has been systematically used to subvert and control women in Latin American society.
Who is an unknown artist who has not yet received his due?
Two artists that come to mind are Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian (Iran, 1922-2019) and Turi Simeti (Italy, 1929-2021), who should have had a greater career and recognition, both institutionally and internationally. the market during their lifetime. Art history needs to be revisited and expanded beyond the narrow scope of the Western art canon, but that’s a topic for another interview.
What is your most valuable asset?
My spirit.
Sheree Hovsepian, muscle memory (2016). Courtesy of Sheree Hovsepian. Photographer: Martin Parsekian. Nazi Nazhand collection.
What was your best investment?
Live in New York.
What is something small that means the world to you?
My little nephew and my little niece.
What’s not worth the hype?
NFT art. Then again, I just don’t get it and this answer might age badly by 2033!
What do you think is a good cause?
Support arts and culture, and marginalized creative voices, knowing that there are places in the world that persecute artists and thinkers.
What do you aspire to?
Live a creative and purposeful life.
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