Intelligence Squared Sotheby’s Talks | Custodians of Taste: Pauline Karpidas and the Women who Shape the Art World
Sep 16, 2025
Guests Tiquio Acentio, a celebrated Venezuelan art collector and author, and Helena Newman, Chairman of Sotheby’s Europe, discuss the transformative influence of women like Pauline Karpidas in the art world. They dive into the motivations behind collecting, exploring personal connections with artists and the deep emotional ties that shape collections. The conversation celebrates key female figures, their mentorship roles, and the significance of viewing art beyond its monetary value, reflecting on how these dynamics have evolved over time.
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Collectors Start With Passion
- Collecting often begins from passion rather than planning and becomes apparent only when others recognise it.
- Tiquio Atencio found she was a collector only after people asked to see her collection.
Timing, Passion And Opportunity Aligned
- Pauline Carpidas combined emotional passion with disciplined study and opportunity to build her surrealist collection.
- She benefitted from timing, relationships and resources to acquire works as major collections emerged on the market.
Iolas Came Out Of Retirement
- Pauline persuaded the retired dealer Alexander Iolas to come out of retirement and guide her collecting.
- Iolas insisted she read, travel and immerse herself, making collecting a sustained project.
