With over a decade of experience in the art world, Arushi Kapoor is an art collector, art advisor, curator and art entrepreneur. She is dedicated to promoting diversity in the art world, which has been demonstrated through her involvements in various organizations, including UNICEF Next Gen Board, Young Collector’s Board Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami LACMA’s Future Arts Collective, and Tate Modern Museum’s South Asian Acquisitions Committee. Together with her husband Doug Helfman, they have amassed around 400 works by a variety of artists.
LARRY’S LIST had a chat with Arushi, who shared about their attraction for artists of Southeast Asian and African diaspora, the considerations that guide their art acquisitions, her view on unethical flipping of artworks, as well as her plan to empower other art collectors through a podcast about the standard and equitable practices in the art world.
Collecting
What made you want to start collecting art? What is the main motivation behind your collecting?
The foundation of our art collection is multi-dimensional. I was surrounded with art in many forms growing up in India. Doug witnessed his hometown Miami become an internationally recognized art destination. My husband and I recognize art as a powerful mode of expression, transcending linguistic and cultural boundaries. As young collectors, we collect primarily early and mid-career artists. The prospect of investment growth, portfolio diversification goals, from aesthetic appreciation, cultural preservation, and supporting artists on the grassroot level motivates us to collect. The act of collecting art enables me to advocate for talented artists, playing a vital role in enriching culture by safeguarding and presenting their creations. I strongly think that being a collector myself is crucial as it fosters empathy not only for the artists but also for the collectors I collaborate with.
When did you fall in love with a piece of art? What was it?
It’s hard to pick one. I was intrigued by art from a young age so can argue that I continue to fall in love with art every day.
From memory, my mum had a few M. F. Husain works, particularly a Ganesha and horses, that I was fascinated with. I loved the Venkat Bothsa in my room growing up. We currently have a work by Amir H. Fallah in our bedroom that I like a lot. I have a salon wall with works on paper by Paresh Maity, Jayasri Burman and Sakti Burman, which look effortless together. RYOL is another artist we own an early canvas of which just oozes love. My husband loves Ahol Sniffs Glue from Miami and Derrick Adams, Sam Gilliam. We have a canvas by Daniel Correa Mejía in our kitchen that we love. Most recently, Viraj Khanna’s hand embroidered tapestries have held my attention.
What is your focus regarding the artists in your collection? What type of art attracts you most?
Our collection exclusively features contemporary art, encompassing artists at various stages of their careers. Emphasizing the significance of color, our acquisitions are guided by color theory principles, ensuring a diverse array of vibrant artworks. We prioritize works by minority artists that connect with our cosmopolitan mindset, resulting in a vibrant and diverse collection. Additionally, we favor playful pieces and frequently acquire artworks on paper and small editions due to their affordability.
And why are you more interested in artists of Southeast Asian and African diaspora?
We’re totally hooked on artists from Southeast Asian and African diasporas! Their diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and artistic flair spice up the art scene. They bring a whole new vibe, shaking up the traditional art world and giving it a fresh twist. Plus, we’re all about championing those underrepresented voices and spreading some inclusive, global art love! Investing in artists from these diasporas aligns with our commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity within the art world, contributing to broader cultural dialogues and understanding.
What were the first and the latest artworks you purchased?
The first work was a Valay Shende sculpture, that is still in my childhood bedroom. The latest was a work on paper by Emily Ferguson.
How many artworks do you own?
It’s a growing collection with around 400 works by different artists.
Have you ever presented/ Would you wish to present your art collection publicly?
We loan artworks to museums, galleries and curated shows. I think our collection is a little young to be shown publicly. It’s not ready yet. It will remain private until Doug and I feel that it has a strong story to tell. We have people come over at our house to view art all the time.
What considerations guide you to make a purchase?
My first thought is to evaluate if the artist’s values match our values. What causes are close to the artist’s heart. I seek artworks that resonate with both Doug’s and my cultural backgrounds and personal experiences, nurturing a sense of connection and identity. Additionally, I evaluate the artwork’s potential to stimulate discussions on social justice, inclusion, and representation in the art community, aiming to contribute to broader dialogues on these vital topics.
How important is it for you to meet the artists who created the artwork?
Meeting the artists behind the artwork is like the cherry on top of the sundae—it can add a delightful flavor, but it’s not the main dish. While mingling with creators can offer juicy insights, my decision to snag art is all about the piece itself. Its ability to tickle my aesthetic and conceptual fancy is what truly matters. Plus, I’m more interested in the artwork’s backstory, authenticity, and how it fits into my eclectic collection.
The Art World
What was your happiest moment being involved in art?
A few years back, achieving my first individual sale exceeding a million was a memorable milestone. Beginning from scratch in the art industry, it marked a significant achievement, underscoring my dedication and hard work. This ground-up journey has been transformative; and reaching such a pinnacle felt incredibly rewarding. After that sale, I felt confident, it opened the doors to more exclusive artworks that I helped my collectors acquire subsequently.
Who inspires you the most in the art world?
In the colorful tapestry of the art world, one figure stands out as a beacon of inspiration: Leo Castelli. His trailblazing spirit, knack for spotting talent, and unconventional gallery management style have left an indelible mark on the art scene. Castelli’s talent for building meaningful connections with artists and collectors while mastering the art market’s twists and turns is a constant reminder of what’s possible in this dynamic realm. If I could turn back time, sharing a laugh and swapping stories with Castelli would be a dream come true – he’s the ultimate muse as a collector and art dealer.
Can you name some artists who should be on our radar?
My picks currently would be George Condo, Urs Fischer, Lauren Halsey, Derrick Adams and Rashid Johnson.
From Southeast Asian, I would also say Viraj Khanna, Basha Chakrabati and Tarini Sethi.
What are you especially excited about in regard to art in 2024?
I’m thrilled to witness the growing interest in art collecting, both for its intrinsic cultural value and long-term investment potential. Amidst the chaos of the pandemic, we witnessed a surge of new collectors eagerly buying and selling artworks by emerging talents. While this trend, known as “flipping,” can bring short-term gains, it also risks damaging the artist’s market. We’ve seen countless examples of artists whose careers suffered due to thoughtless flipping practices. While selling art is a collector’s prerogative, it shouldn’t come at the expense of the artist’s livelihood and long-term success. While art certainly holds investment allure, it’s imperative to uphold the integrity of the artist’s journey and safeguard their market dynamics. I aspire to witness fewer high-end collectors falling victim to unethical practices perpetuated by certain art dealers. Unfortunately, such occurrences have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. To address this issue, I am considering launching a podcast aimed at educating collectors about the standard and equitable practices within the art world. My goal is to empower collectors with knowledge so that they can make informed decisions and navigate the art market with confidence and integrity. I anticipate a surge of Southeast Asian art entering the spotlight, and I eagerly await the long-overdue recognition of female masters whose talents have been overlooked for far too long.
Related: Arushi Kapoor
Instagram: @arushikapoor1
A selection of artists Arushi and Doug collect:
Amir H. Fallah
Jayasri Burman
RYOL
Seffa Klein
Viraj Khanna
By Ricko Leung
