AVANT-GARDE

Art and travel have long enjoyed a symbiotic relationship — forming an interwoven tapestry of inspiration and intention. They both can act as a catalyst for change, foster new ways of thinking, and encourage compassion and connection.

Perhaps no one understands this better than Olivia Davis, the founder of Art of Choice, an art advisory firm that is equal parts, matchmaker, and talent discoverer. Davis launched a career — if not a movement — centered around the creativity and community that stems from collecting art and usually includes those who accumulate passport stamps too.

“My clients will often travel somewhere magical and later want a piece that evokes memories of that destination,” Davis says. It might seem like a daunting request, but she’s earned a reputation as a highly sought-after creative cupid of sorts, with a keen ability to find the exact right piece — created by the exact right artist—to enhance her client’s collection.

This knack largely stems from her belief that great artists aren’t bound by geography. She frequently travels across continents to uncover the most exciting artists working today. While she admits she doesn’t have a crystal ball, Davis does have a reputation for discovering the next big “it person” in the creative world. Since founding her business in 2018, she has consistently added value to her clients’ collections by introducing them to creators on the cusp of fame, though she’s quick to point out her goal is to ensure each piece deeply resonates with the buyer before considering its potential to appreciate.

“Art is only a good investment if it stirs your soul,” she confirms. “I don’t look for pieces that someone might only sort of like just because the artist’s work is likely to double in value. I find pieces that inspire, connect, and move the collector.”

One way Davis can consistently identify emerging artists and find impeccably suited pieces for collectors is by frequenting some of the world’s premier art shows and exhibitions. Her handpicked list of upcoming must-see shows include:

Hauser & Wirth Gallery | Menorca, Spain

Renowned contemporary American artist Rashid Johnson’s exhibition, Sodade, can be viewed through November 13. His work embraces a wide range of media to symbolize human longing, shared cultural identities, and personal narratives.

Gagosian | New York City, NY

Richard Prince: Hoods will be on display at Gagosian’s West Chelsea location through June 25 and will feature more than 30 of his personally selected works, many of which will be on loan from both public and private collections.

Galerie Derouillon | Paris, France

Anastasia Bay’s solo show The Awakening of the Cariatids pays homage to Bay’s well-known, often over-exaggerated style—mixing periods and genres without hierarchy and giving new life to classic scenes.

White Cube | London, England

In a yet-to-be-named show, the work of British artist Louise Giovanelli will be on display through September 11 at White Cube Bermondsey. Giovanelli’s practice explores the tension between representation and materiality, plus figuration and abstraction.

Venice Biennial | Venice, Italy

This major, city-wide exhibition is put on every two years and “The Milk of Dreams” is currently on view through November 27. Curated by Cecilia Alemani, the optimistic, “post-humanism” show fosters art with the capacity to celebrate new conditions of existence.

For more information on Olivia Davis’ Art of Choice, visit artofchoice.co or follow @artofchoiceadvisory.