Isabella Icoz is of Greek origin, born in London, raised in Switzerland, educated in the United States and currently living in Istanbul. Isabella received a BA with Honors at Brown University, an MA at The George Washington University and a Post-Graduate Diploma with Merit in East Asian Art at the Sotheby’s Institute of Art. Isabella previously worked at Christie’s in their London Business Development and Client Advisory departments and then as an Adviser to Sotheby’s for Turkish art for several years.
For the past five years Isabella Icoz works as an art consultant based in Istanbul, advising her Turkish and international clients on Modern and Contemporary art, both Turkish and international. Isabella also works as an Adviser to The Fine Art Fund, as a nominator for the Prix Pictet and curated the show ‘Five in Istanbul’ in collaboration with Lehmann Maupin Gallery in Istanbul in October/November 2010.
Here are her As to our Qs!
When are you happiest?
When I’m with my family.
What motivates you?
Art is a big part of my life. I strive to build timeless and meaningful collections.
Which city or cities are centers of creativity and inspiration for you?Paris, New York and Istanbul.
For you, what does Istanbul stand for?
Inspiring, stimulating, traffic, Art, nostalgic, beautiful, unexpected, lively.
Your most memorable journey?
My honeymoon in Cambodia.
Your favorite place to visit to get ideas?
I’m not sure if its a blessing or a curse, but I can never switch off my mind, my head is always flooded with hundeds of different thoughts so sometimes I get my best ideas in the shower, other times when traveling, its more about my state of mind than about my being in a specific place.
Your most cherished possession?
My family.
Who or what inspired you to become a curator?
I see myself more as an art adviser than a curator. My father is incredibly well informed about art and such a passionate and educated collector and he instilled in me a love of art and a constant desire to learn more. I would say that he was my immediate inspiration, and then along the way I have been incredibly fortunate to have met people in all facets of the art world who have given me additional invaluable insight and knowledge and Rachel Lehmann has been the most wonderful mentor.
Key moment in your life?
Becoming a mother.
Favorite recent discovery?
My most recent purchase was a painting by Mickalene Thomas.
Favorite artist of all times?
That’s impossible to answer as I have so many depending on period and medium, but currently one of my all time favorites is Do Ho Suh.
How will you be remembered?
Hopefully with a smile.
What can’t you live without?
My husband and children… red wine and sushi!
What’s on repeat on your iPod?
I’m shamefully cheesy when it comes to my music, right now it’s Kelly Clarkson’s Already Gone, embarrassing I know!
Names of people whom you think revolutionized the art world?
Not all are necessarily people I respect, but in their own way: Peggy Guggenheim, Damien Hirst, Charles Saatchi, Ai Wei Wei, David Rockefeller, among others.
What is the trait you most deplore about yourself?
That I’m too much of a worrier.