In the space in which philanthropist and art collector Isaac Sultan Cohen is positioned, the connection between his two passions, art and philanthropy, and the sense of purpose which both create, are evident. Born in Latin America, Isaac Sultan Cohen has been collecting art for as long as he can remember. After inheriting an impressive art collection from his uncle, he expanded this to include some of his favourite contemporary artists, among which Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol can be counted. Isaac Sultan Cohen firmly believes that his dual identity as both a philanthropist and an art collector has informed his approach to life and leadership. “Although they seem to be quite different pursuits, art and philanthropy are about forging connections” he says. “To give and to create are in essence, both about delving into human needs and being able to respond to these in creative, impactful ways.”
This nuanced connection between art and giving is not just a metaphor. Understood correctly, this synergy is a roadmap of sorts that modern business leaders who want to leverage passions for personal and professional success can employ. In Isaac Sultan Cohen’s eyes, his draw to contemporary art was a product of the lessons he gathered from the artists who he appreciates most. Contemporary art—its immediacy, and its capacity for social commentary, along with a call for active engagement—should be viewed by those looking to do good as a guidebook for philanthropy which is both effective and impactful.
The work of the artists who Isaac Sultan Cohen follows most closely, Warhol and Basquiat, which is very telling in this regard. Warhol, who is known for his pop art, both embraced consumer culture, while at the same time, inviting viewers to perceive everyday objects in a new light. “Warhol had this uncanny ability to make ordinary everyday objects, extraordinary object d’art,” Isaac Sultan Cohen reflects. “This shouldn’t be unique to art though. Rather it’s a mindset that philanthropists can learn a lot from as well. Those looking to make a difference should look outside the box, if they want to be impactful, they need to see overlooked issues in society, and instead of doing more of the same, find the extraordinary potential in solutions that others might not yet have found.”
Basquiat’s work, can also provide a lesson for those looking to make a difference, considering the manner in which it engages with complex social themes. The focus of his works includes societal subjects which are as relevant today as they were when he painted, touching on issues such as inequality and racism, while encouraging those who appreciate his works to think critically about societal structures.
“What I love about Jean-Michel’s art is how it challenges us to tackle the uncomfortable head on,” Isaac Sultan Cohen says. “That reminds me of what we also expect of a dedicated philanthropist. It never is about simply writing a check; If we want to truly make a difference, it is incumbent upon us to address root causes.”
Isaac Sultan Cohen credits the time that he has spent dedicated to the art world with sharpening his ability to identify needs and subsequently, work on creative solutions. “My time spent with art has provided me with the tools I need to see beyond the canvas, so to speak,” he explains. “When I talk about philanthropy, what that means is not only being able to see the problem, but also, the ecosystem that created it, and subsequently, what we need to be able to effectively fix it.”
Unlike Isaac Sultan Cohen, many business executives struggle with the prospects of engaging in extracurricular activities, be these hobbies or philanthropy, as they find it impossible to balance it with their demanding careers. Isaac Sultan Cohen faces similar challenge but believes that the solution that is required is what he calls “integration rather than separation”. Reiterating his previous point, Isaac Sultan Cohen states, “Collecting, and art more broadly, define my way of thinking and inform how I approach challenges in life.” The holistic perspective promoted by Isaac Sultan Cohen, becomes ever more relevant in the business environment of today, where those that lead companies, are also expected to lead with purpose.
For those that still struggle with such balance, Isaac Sultan Cohen advises to look at passions not as diversions from time in the office, but rather as tools for personal growth. Such pursuits, of course, do not need to only be art of philanthropy. He insists that sports, music, or really any pursuit, can deepen one’s understanding of the human experience and subsequently, enhance leadership. As a final thought, Isaac Sultan Cohen shares, “We need to view extracurriculars not as distractions, because for busy people, distractions are a waste of time. Instead, they are ecosystems for generating creativity and empathy. These are essential tools in business, creating standard daily practice, and shaping not only how we live, but also how we give.”
Author: Trevor Stevenson
