The Collector's Corner

Building a Museum-Grade Collection Without an Art Advisor with Jorg Rozier

Antonia Piersanti — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 05:30:00 GMT

When Jorg Rozier first reached out to tell me he had found a method that systematically allowed him to identify how an artist's trajectory was evolving within the art canon, I was obviously intrigued. He'd decided to put his model (yes, as in Excel model) into a book so that more collectors could use it. That book is The Canon Index, and that's how today's interview came about.

Jorg's collection, in his own words, is built around one idea: a fight. The model he developed to build it is grounded in a peer-reviewed study published in Science in 2018, accessible to anyone, for free. But when I read his book, I was disconcerted. The contrast between the elusiveness most people perceive from the art market and the analytical lens this research provides felt like finding out about something I shouldn't know. And Jorg chose to apply it systematically to achieve his dream: building, within his means, a museum-grade collection.

In our conversation we talk about how the model works, why auction might be the single best place for new collectors to buy, and why despite all of this, good art advisors will never be out of a job.

Note: the Fraiberger et al. paper referenced in this episode was published in Science in 2018, not 2016 as stated during the conversation.

Artist references:

Why collecting art is like playing tennis with Tobias Gombert

Antonia Piersanti — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 05:04:00 GMT

Today I am speaking with Tobias Gombert at his Berlin home, where he keeps part of his art collection.

Tobias doesn't come from a collecting family, but he started developing his taste at a young age, growing up in Basel at the time where Art Basel started internationalising. Tobias quickly understood the importance of surrounding himself with mentors who taught him how to look at art and guided him through the art world. The inspiration and knowledge he gathered gave him the confidence to launch on his own collecting journey.

Tobias is a perfect example of the new generation of young collectors that are taking centre stage today. He has developed tight relationships with artists, galleries and institutions he values, and has a clear opinion on what it will take for today’s art world players to remain relevant in a shifting art market.

My conversation with Tobias was fascinating and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Artists and art references Tobias mentions:

Foundation Beyeler
Kai Althoff
Christian Awe
Sam Keller, former director of Art Basel
ManRay
Staedelschule
Art Informel
Anne Imhof
Neue Nationalgalerie Berlin
Hamburger Bahnhof Berlin
KW Institute for Contemporary Art Berlin
Haus am Waldsee Berlin
Simon Lehner
Wilhelm Schuermann

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Would love to hear your thoughts & feedback!

On social media ⁠⁠@collectors_corner_⁠⁠or via email on the website ⁠⁠thecollectorscornerpodcast.com/⁠

The Art of Trusting Someone Else's Eye with Régis Decour & Yana Kotina

Antonia Piersanti — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 05:01:00 GMT

I’ve always been intrigued by art advisors. Who are they, what do they do, why and how does one become one and what is their role in the ecosystem? I’ve encountered multiple and they all seem to define their work in a very unique way. So in an attempt to get my questions answered I decided to do a joint interview, an art collector and their advisor.

Back in Paris I sat down with Régis Decour - an entrepreneur with no formal art background who started collecting at age 19 - and Yana Kotina (@kartadvisory), his art advisor, who works across contemporary and modern art with both new and seasoned collectors.

Régis and Yana’s friendship evolved into a professional collaboration, built on 6 years of talking about art, visiting studios and exchanging on artists and which opened doors to new markets, new geographies, new mediums that Régis wouldn't encounter on his own.

This episode is about what it actually looks like to work with an advisor for Régis and Yana of course but also more broadly: how the dynamic works in practice and how it can wildly differ, how independence is maintained, and how you get paid.

So I’ll stop here and leave you to enjoy my conversation with Regis Decour and Yana Kotina

References from the episode:

Follow the podcast to see the guests' collections at ⁠@collectors_corner_⁠ !

How Rachel Verghis Made Art Her Business

Antonia Piersanti — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 06:02:00 GMT

Today I am very happy to have Rachel Verghis on the podcast - one of the first guests I had on my radar when the idea of the podcast started coming to fruition, and I’m grateful she opened up so generously about her story and her passion for bringing art to as many people as possible.

Based in London, Rachel is a former investment banker who found her calling in art and collecting. Without any formal art education, her journey began after taking a sabbatical to volunteer at a Sydney gallery followed by a brief stint at Sotheby's. Today, Rachel balances her time between running her gin company, MarGin, being a solo mum, managing her personal investments, contributing to renowned art institutions, while also driving several artistic initiatives.

I am not sure how she does it all but it was very inspiring to talk about all this with her and I hope you enjoy our conversation!

Artists and references mentioned:

Gene Sherman
Caroline Rothwell
Ai Weiwei
George Rouy
Hannah Barry Gallery
Patrick Goddard
Docent
Gertrude
Natalia Janula
Avant Arte
TeamLab Collective
Mikka Rottenberg
Tate Modern
Hayward Gallery
Serpentine Galleries
Linder Sterling
Christian Levett
Rachel Thomas , Chief Curator at the Hayward Gallery
Maria Sukkar
Ralph Rugoff
AWITA (Associate of Women in the Arts)
Bonhams
Famm, Christian Levett's museum in Mougins
Chateau La Coste
Bloomberg Connects
Vanila Netto
Rachel Kneebone
Guillaume Bardet
Celia Paul
Chantal Joffe
Giampaolo Babetto
Petrina Hicks

Collecting the Stories That Define Our Time with Kate Lee & Anne Parke

Antonia Piersanti — Wed, 13 May 2026 08:30:00 GMT

I never seriously considered working with an art advisor. To me, 'having an advisor' was something for people with a lot of means and experience - ironically, those who might need it least. Tackling that limiting belief was one of the reasons I started interviewing art advisors, alongside understanding what they actually do.

Following my last episode with a Paris-based collector/advisor duo, I'm continuing with this format and introducing my first NY-based guests.

Kate Lee works in tech, started collecting five years ago, and the clarity and ambition behind her and her partner's approach is something I find genuinely inspiring. They focus on emerging artists from Asia and Latin America, a reflection of their own roots and identities, and have built the 603 Arts Foundation to support those artists beyond their private collection, through acquisitions and exhibition support across galleries and institutions. It's rare to see a young collector couple build, this early on, what they couldn't find but believed was deeply needed.

Anne Parke is building her platform to help a new generation of collectors step into the art world, removing barriers and bringing discernment to a space often oversaturated with content. She was the catalyst to Kate's entry into collecting and has accompanied her journey as a trusted friend and advisor since day one.

What I'm taking away from this conversation: working with an advisor is more accessible than I thought, and with the right person, it can accelerate your journey tenfold. But I’ll stop here for now and leave you to enjoy my conversation with Kate Lee and Anne Parke.

References from the episode:

Follow the podcast to see the guests' collections at ⁠@collectors_corner_⁠ !

How to Think About Art, Money and Tech with Daniela Bianco

Antonia Piersanti — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 06:01:02 GMT

Daniela Bianco (@theblondeartdealer) has spent her career at the heart of the commercial art world: 15 years in galleries, followed by a few years at Artsy in private sales, and she is now Chief Sales Officer at art tech company Artscapy, a platform designed to simplify art collecting, management and investing for collectors. She has curated selling exhibitions in London, Milan and Brussels, and launched her own blog, The Blonde Art Dealer, and podcast, Secrets of the Art Business, back in 2020.

Daniela is also a collector in her own right, collecting personally for 18 years, with a very unique point of view at the intersection of art, investment and tech, and the reason I wanted to have her on the podcast.

We sat on the terrace at Tate Modern, overlooking the Thames. It was one of those moments where I felt very grateful to be able to talk about my favourite subject with someone who knows it so well.

The conversation did not disappoint. We covered the hierarchy of mediums, why collectors should consider art as an asset class, art advisor red flags, and the problematic buy-one-donate-one gallery model. What came through across every topic is Daniela's dedication to helping collectors, both new and established, make empowered decisions, so they can focus on building and enjoying their collection.

I'll leave you now to enjoy my conversation with Daniela Bianco.

References in the episode:

Follow the podcast to see the guests' collections at ⁠@collectors_corner_⁠ !

Ducklings and Disputes: Inside Susan Dunn's Whimsical Art Collection

Antonia Piersanti — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 06:04:00 GMT

Today I am in London with Susan Dunn. Susan is the founder of Harbour Litigation Funding, which funds high value legal disputes - a fascinating industry that Susan kickstarted in the UK in the early 2000s and is worth over 2 billion pounds today.

While diving into litigation funding would have also made for a compelling podcast episode, Susan and I talked about her favourite topic in the world - art. Susan started collecting even before she became a lawyer and hasn’t stopped since. In her flat, all surfaces, walls and shelves, are dedicated to art. But beyond the works, Susan is above all driven by the people behind the art she collects - the artists she befriended and relationships she forged along the way. Susan shares the most fun and joyful stories of her collecting journey, her excitement shines through and is truly contagious. She perfectly demonstrates that there is no ‘right’ way to collect, as long as it’s driven by genuine passion and intention. I had such a fun time speaking with Susan, I hope you’ll enjoy our conversation.

Artists and references mentioned by Susan:

I Made a Cash Offer. The Gallery Said Nothing. [Behind The Mic]

Antonia Piersanti — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

I tried to buy an artwork I loved. The gallery had been warm, responsive, helpful but then I made an offer, and heard nothing back. No explanation. Just silence.

In this Behind The Mic episode, I unpack what actually happened, what I didn't understand about how galleries work, and why that silence - frustrating as it felt at the time - turned out to be one of the most useful things that's happened to me as a new collector.

I hope you enjoy this episode - let me know your thoughts on Instagram @collectors_corner_ or on the podcast website!

Five Lessons for Aspiring Art Collectors [Behind The Mic #1]

Antonia Piersanti — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:21:45 GMT

This week I am trying out a new format with this solo episode, where I reflect on the five lessons I have learned so far about collecting art through my interviews with collectors on the field.

From where the real gatekeeping is happening, to the role of relationships and how to think about the market, these are the things collectors unanimously seem to agree on, regardless of their unique personal style.

If you are an aspiring collector or interested in a look behind the scenes of how collectors think, this episode is for you!

I hope you enjoy this new format - do let me know your thoughts on Instagram @collectors_corner_ or on the podcast website!

An eye opening insight into the art market with Raphaël Isvy

Antonia Piersanti — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Today I am in Paris with Raphaël Isvy (@raph_is) Raphaël doesn't come from an art background or career but since he was a kid, the act of collecting has been a big part of his life - be it trainers, Pokemon cards or video games.

His fine art journey began in 2016 and since 2022, he has been collecting art full time. Raphaël's journey as a fully self-taught collector is incredibly inspiring, I can’t thank him enough for sharing it in such an open and candid way! From the early days finding artists on Instagram, to mentoring aspiring collectors today, Raphaël truly walks the talk when it comes to helping more people enter and navigate the art world.

Drawing on Raphaël's personal experiences, we also discuss the unspoken rules outsiders and newcomers have to contend with, and he shares his honest views on how the art market operates. This discussion was full of amazing insights - I really loved it and I hope you do too!

References and artists mentioned by Raphael:

Building a Timeless Art Collection with Corina Krawinkel

Antonia Piersanti — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 06:02:00 GMT

In this episode of The Collector's Corner, I am speaking with Corina Krawinkel about her collecting journey.

A dentist by background who owns two dental practices in the Cologne area, Corina started collecting at the age of 19 and is a well-known collector in Germany's contemporary art scene. Her collection which focuses on post-war German art, has grown to include both iconic artists from her generation and emerging talent. In our conversation, Corina talks about how she personally approaches collecting and why historical and contemporary contexts play such an important part in how she selects work. She also values rediscovering overlooked female artists and believes in encouraging a vibrant art community, that she is an active member of.

A passionate collector for many years, Corina shares valuable tips for aspiring collectors, from how to build relationships with gallerists to the importance of research when looking at art.

I learned a lot in my conversation with Corina and hope you enjoy it!

Artists mentioned in the episode and that Corina collects:

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Would love to hear your thoughts & feedback!

On social media ⁠⁠@collectors_corner_⁠⁠or via email on the website ⁠⁠thecollectorscornerpodcast.com/⁠

How Collecting Expands Who You Believe You Are with Klaus Mertens

Antonia Piersanti — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 06:01:00 GMT

Today I am interviewing Klaus Mertens, a discreet but active Berlin-based collector who also sits on the advisory board of Haus am Waldsee, one of the most exciting contemporary art venues in the city. Klaus most recently founded a deep tech company, but he has had an interest in contemporary art since he was a student and started acquiring works together with his wife a few years ago. They slowed down collecting with the arrival of their kids but remain committed to building their collection, particularly favouring artists who have ties to the Berlin art scene.

With Klaus we spoke about the ways collecting takes you to places, both literally and figuratively, that you might have never expected, how in general most people tend to buy too early, and more broadly the power & responsibility that come with having the ability and privilege to purchase art.

We also talk about some of the artists Klaus collects, and I will be sharing photographs on the podcast IG account as Klaus is not active on social media himself.

This was such an insightful conversation with many actionable tips from a collector who is truly committed to bringing artistic voices of our time to the forefront. I hope you enjoy!

Artists and references mentioned in the episode:

Building the Art World's Missing Infrastructure with Ade Sanusi from Art Meets Culture

Antonia Piersanti — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 05:04:00 GMT

The collector experience doesn't exist in isolation: it's shaped by the infrastructure around it, the web connecting artists to galleries, galleries to new audiences, and new audiences to the work. The problem is, that infrastructure has gaps.

Ade Sanusi, founder of Art Meets Culture (@artmeetsculture), has spent years identifying where it fails and building his own answer to it. Through events, brand partnerships, talks, and a brilliant podcast, he creates what he calls cultural infrastructure for the next generation of artists - in particular those trying to build careers without traditional entry points. He came up through the music industry, and in my opinion the parallels he draws make the picture very telling.

I am the first to tend to describe the art world as an 'ecosystem' but I like how Ade reframes it as infrastructure. Unlike an ecosystem, infrastructure feels tangible -it can be measured, objectively critiques and rebuilt. And that's exactly what he's doing.

References mentioned in the episode:

The Doctor who runs a Salon with Toni Nolte

Antonia Piersanti — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 05:02:00 GMT

Today I am speaking with Toni Nolte, a Cologne-based collector, during one of her visits to Berlin.

Toni is a medical doctor by training and heads the department for phoniatrics & paedaudiology at the University Hospital in Bonn. For a while, she considered a career in art but chose to study medicine, nonetheless dedicating all her free time to art since. Surprisingly, Toni only recently got into collecting painting. She explains why and and talks about how her early passion for photography has informed the way she approaches collecting across mediums. She also shares some of the unexpected places aspiring collectors should look to spend time in to train their eye and get inspired.

Above all, Toni is a very active supporter of young and emerging artists, and leads multiple innovative initiatives in the Rhineland region to create a bigger platform for them, including her own Salon @salon_roberta

My conversation with Toni was super refreshing & inspiring, and I loved the perspective she brought. I hope you enjoy it too !

References mentioned by Toni:

What Defines A Collector with CURA Art

Antonia Piersanti — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 05:02:00 GMT

If there’s one thing I’m learning with this podcast is that there is no single or right way to collect. So speaking with Liza Shapiro (@lizashapiro) and Georgia Powell (@georgiabethpowell), the founders of CURA Art (@cura_art_), I was excited to get a bit more of a meta view on the topic. Since 2019, they've worked with a broad variety of private and corporate collectors between London and Los Angeles, to support them in the ongoing care and management of their collections.

To them caring for one’s art collection is akin to taking care of one’s physical health - an analogy they’ve seen eye to eye on ever since they first met while working together at the Redfern Gallery in London.

Georgia and Liza care deeply about the art they look after on behalf of their clients. However, what motivates them above everything else is developing personal relationships with their clients to help them build collections thoughtfully with purpose, integrity and intent, and ultimately allow them to embrace their role as custodians.

What differences are there between seasoned and new collectors, how do the London and LA art cultures compare, what is really the biggest threat to any art collection. Georgia and Liza share fascinating insights on this and more.

So I’ll stop here and leave you to enjoy my conversation with Georgia Powell and Liza Shapiro of CURA Art.

References from the episode:

Follow the podcast to see the guests' collections at ⁠@collectors_corner_⁠ !

Cover art picture by Jayne West Photography

[REPLAY] Building a Timeless Art Collection with Corina Krawinkel

Antonia Piersanti — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 07:00:03 GMT

In this first episode of The Collector's Corner, I am speaking with Dr. Corina Krawinkel about her collecting journey.

A passionate collector for many years, Corina shares valuable tips for aspiring collectors, from how to build relationships with gallerists to the importance of research when looking at art.

I learned a lot in my conversation with Corina and hope you enjoy it!

Artists mentioned in the episode and that Corina collects:

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Would love to hear your thoughts & feedback!

On social media ⁠⁠@collectors_corner_⁠⁠or via email on the website ⁠⁠thecollectorscornerpodcast.com/⁠

Art Speak and the One Text That Wasn't [Behind The Mic]

Antonia Piersanti — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 05:05:00 GMT

Every gallery show has one: the text on the wall, or the sheet you pick up at the door, that is meant to help you understand the artwork. But how often does it actually do that? In this Behind The Mic episode, I talk about my complicated relationship with show texts, the validation I've been looking for in them, why they so often don't deliver it, and the afternoon at a Berlin gallery when one text finally changed my whole perspective.

Jesse Darling, The Contractor at Galerie Molitor

I hope you enjoy this episode - let me know your thoughts on Instagram @collectors_corner_ or on the podcast website!

Introducing The Collector’s Corner - The insider guide to art collecting

Antonia Piersanti — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:39:09 GMT

Have you ever looked at an artwork and wondered, "Could I own something like that?" Welcome to "The Collector's Corner" – your insider guide to the elusive world of art collecting.

Here, passionate collectors from all walks of life invite you into their journeys, sharing their passion for art and individual approach to collecting. "The Collector's Corner" is for anyone curious about the art world and art collecting, from breaking entry barriers to finding hidden gems and making smart investments.

Whether you're a seasoned or aspiring collector, follow and subscribe to "The Collector's Corner" to discover the personal stories behind the collections, as well as tips and advice for getting started.

I’m your host Antonia Piersanti - an art lover and aspiring collector. Starting in September listen to The Collector’s Corner on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all your favourite podcast platforms.

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Would love to hear your thoughts & feedback!

On social media ⁠⁠@collectors_corner_⁠⁠or via email on the website ⁠⁠thecollectorscornerpodcast.com/⁠

A Collection Without Closed Doors with Manuel Koch

Antonia Piersanti — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Today, I’m back in Berlin to speak with Manuel Koch (@kunstinvestments) - financial journalist, entrepreneur running the financial media platform Inside Wirtschaft, salon host at Salon Schinkelplatz, and one of the most visible figures in Germany’s ultra-contemporary art scene.

Manuel only began collecting around five years ago, but in that short time he has become a real fixture. Alongside his work as a journalist, he devotes almost all of his free time to art - looking, visiting, hosting, sharing. He brings a distinctly journalistic lens to the way he collects, using his highly active Instagram platform to give visibility to artists, galleries, and museum shows he believes deserve attention.

That visibility has also attracted criticism, particularly around the name of his account: Kunstinvestments - literally, “art investment.” In our conversation, Manuel unpacks what he actually means by that, and why the term is far more nuanced than it might initially sound.

While he did enter the art world through the market, in part because of his background, what is most interesting is how far his perspective has evolved since. Manuel talks about the thrill of discovery, with a particular interest in supporting young artists from graduation, complemented by a more analytical approach when acquiring pricier, more established artists.

Art has genuinely changed Manuel’s life. And perhaps most importantly, his public approach to collecting is motivated above all by a desire to make that transformation accessible to others.

References from the episode:

Follow the podcast to see the guests' collections at ⁠@collectors_corner_⁠ !

Empowering Women in Art Collecting with Chimere Cissé

Antonia Piersanti — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:04:03 GMT

In today's episode I am speaking with Chimere Cissé, founder of art consultancy Art Korero, co-founder of Stella Alliance and, of course, contemporary art collector.

Chimere started her career in luxury fashion and media but growing up in a home filled with antiquities, she early on developed an interest in art. She shares insights into her personal journey as a collector, always staying true to her instincts despite often feeling like an outsider.

A few years ago, Chimere decided to direct her focus towards bridging commercial brands with artistic endeavours, combining her art passion and marketing expertise. We talked about her deep commitment to supporting purpose-driven initiatives, especially with her most recent venture, Stella Alliance - a global community of female collectors aiming to influence fundamental structural change at the root of the gender gap in art collecting.

I loved hearing about Chimere's global perspective and how these experiences shaped her collection into a true reflection of her own personal growth. I hope you enjoy this episode!

References mentioned:

From art world outsider to active collector within 5 years with Vanessa Mauz

Antonia Piersanti — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:04:00 GMT

In this episode of The Collector's Corner, I sit down with my friend Vanessa Mauz - a former finance professional turned art collector and co-founder of A.R.C., an art members club aiming to make the art world more accessible.

Vanessa talks openly about why she made this transition, the challenges she encountered as an outsider and why she believes community and relationships is what makes the journey worthwhile. As a young collector, she hopes to grow alongside the artists she supports by focusing on contemporary works from her generation. She also shares her learnings on how to get started while navigating financial constraints. I love how committed Vanessa is to bringing fresh voices into the art scene against perceived elitism and exclusivity - a mission I very much adhere to. I hope you enjoy our conversation!

References mentioned in the episode:

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Would love to hear your thoughts & feedback!

On social media ⁠⁠@collectors_corner_⁠⁠or via email on the website ⁠⁠thecollectorscornerpodcast.com/⁠

Collecting Art for the Next Century with Sonia Borrell

Antonia Piersanti — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 06:01:04 GMT

Today I am speaking with long time ultra-contemporary art collector, curator, author and entrepreneur Sonia Borrell (@soniabblondon). Originally from Barcelona, Sonia was drawn to art since childhood but trained to become a lawyer to meet family expectations. Upon moving to London after graduation, she immersed herself in the local art scene and quickly left law behind.

She started her collection in 2008 and has since dedicated her life to discovering, nurturing championing and uplifting artists through her own acquisitions and by acting as a bridge between the creative and business sides of the art world. She wrote Art in Real Time, full of advice for artists and collectors and recently she launched StudioToGallery, a platform where she mentors artists at scale and which has seen hundreds of applicants within the first few weeks of launching.

With Sonia we talked about the way art has become a shared family passion, how she thinks about legacy and why collectors must embrace their custodial responsibility to artists and to the ecosystem — a point that resonates deeply in a changing art world where artists increasingly treat their practice as equal parts business and art.

Sonia’s journey is very rich and layered, and we could have talked for much longer but I will leave you to discover her story!

References mentioned in the episode:

Follow the podcast to see the guests' collections at ⁠@collectors_corner_⁠ !

When Buying What You Love Isn't Enough with Prisca Pan

Antonia Piersanti — Wed, 27 May 2026 05:03:01 GMT

In this episode, I continue my exploration of art advisory with Prisca Pan, founder of Unframd. Based in the US, Prisca works with clients from tech, law, and finance and puts strategy and financial thinking explicitly at the centre of her practice, which I hadn't come across yet and therefore truly caught my attention. Her mission is to get more people collecting while understanding art as an asset class, which she directly compares to venture capital.

That last part is where things get complicated for me. My day job is in finance and alternative assets, so I understand the framework. But I've always believed art serves a role in our civilisation that's hard to price: it transcends individuals and generations, captures cultural relevance in real time, functions almost like a public good. When art gets repackaged as an investment vehicle, the market starts selecting for financial value, and I worry that slowly erodes the conditions that make culturally meaningful work possible in the first place. I'm not naive about it: artists need to make a living, and markets exist for a reason. I just feel like a line should be drawn somewhere. I can't fully articulate where yet.

Ultimately I do agree with Prisca that it's not about throwing away the old art world, but building on it as our broader world changes. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

References mentioned in the episode:

Follow the podcast to see the guests' collections at ⁠@collectors_corner_⁠ !

Collecting as a Couple in a Shifting Art Market with Julia Lammer and Nico Epstein

Antonia Piersanti — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 06:03:00 GMT

Today I’m speaking with collector couple Julia Lammer (@julammer) and Nico Epstein (@nicoknowsart_). Together they run arbulu studio, working with art world stakeholders across the spectrum to help them achieve positive and lasting impact. They come from complementary sides of the art world: Julia from museums, strategic planning and philanthropy, and Nico from art advisory, curatorial and education through his platform Collector Connoisseur.

They started collecting individually and have carried on together, navigating rare disagreements with a few guiding principles whilst avoiding boxing themselves into any hard and fast rules.

Julia and Nico bring an incredibly valuable perspective to both aspiring and seasoned collectors. We talk about developing nuanced judgement and guiding principles for collecting over time, but what I love most from our conversation is the very tangible and practical insights they share both through examples from their personal collecting journey and their client work over the last 15 years.

I definitely recommend you check out Collector Connoisseur if you’re ready to start collecting. And with the code CCORNER15 listeners get 15% off until March 4th. That’s CCORNER15 on www.collectorconnoisseur.com

I’ll stop here for now and let you enjoy our conversation!

References from the episode:

Follow the podcast to see the guests' collections at ⁠@collectors_corner_⁠ !

What Art Is Really For with Carrie Scott

Antonia Piersanti — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 06:02:00 GMT

In this first episode of 2026 I am speaking with the wonderful Carrie Scott (@carriescottcurates). Carrie is an American/English curator and art historian who started her career in Seattle 16 years ago, and has worked with many galleries, businesses, collectors and artists worldwide through her practice, Carrie Scott & Partners.

In 2024, Carrie also launched Seen - a next generation art consultancy and amazing platform that helps collectors, artists, and all art lovers to understand and navigate the art world with confidence. And of course Carrie’s own wonderful collection fills her entire home.

I normally highlight collectors who are not art world professionals but I wanted to make an exception with Carrie. Her dedication to breaking down barriers and working from inside the system to pull more people in deeply resonated.

Together we talk about how hyper financialisation broke the value exchange in the art world, the importance of protecting our creative health especially in today’s polarised society, and pro tips on what people should know before they start collecting.

I hope you enjoy our conversation!

References mentioned by Carrie:

Follow the podcast to see the guests' collections and let me know your feedback at ⁠@collectors_corner_⁠ !