Sophie Neuendorf: Unveiling the Artistic Force Blending Art, Fashion, and Sustainability
Get ready for an exclusive interview with the captivating and multi-talented Sophie: As the Vice President at Artnet, a company founded by her art-savvy father, Hans Neuendorf, Sophie has deep-rooted connections in the art world. But wait, there's more! She's not just a corporate powerhouse - Sophie is part of an extraordinary family of art dealers, artists, and industry experts, making her a true artistic force. With a home base in Madrid, Sophie's jet-setting lifestyle takes her on exciting adventures between the artistic hotspots of Berlin, London, Munich, and New York. This globetrotting wonder woman is always on the move, constantly soaking in inspiration from different cultures and scenes. Stay tuned for our interview with Sophie in L'Officiel Austria magazine, where she will share her extraordinary journey, artistic connections, and how she effortlessly blends the worlds of art, fashion, and sustainability. It's going to be a captivating and enlightening conversation you won't want to miss.
Can you tell us about your role as Vice President at Artnet and your experience within the art world?
What I love about the art world is that it’s so multifaceted, open-minded, as well as arbiters of positive change. However, it’s also an industry that faces tough competition, market fluctuations, as well as hard bottom lines; these are aspects if the industry that aren’t always talked about the way record-breaking multi-million auction prices are. In the past, I’ve worked at Christie’s, Jablonka Gallery, as well as Art Cologne Art Fair and have thus experienced the industry from several different perspectives. The importance of (artnet’s) market data became especially apparent to me during those experiences. The data opens up the market and drives trust and transparency in an industry that’s famously opaque. Today, my focus at artnet is data-driven decision making, the development of fine art as an asset class as well as online transactions and experiences, and ESG reporting.
How does your family background in art dealing and expertise influence your work and perspective within the industry?
To be honest, my whole life has been revolved around art and the art world. As a child, I used to attend my father’s gallery openings (he was a gallerist before founding Artnet). I’d chat with Leo Castelli, Dennis Hopper or Robert Graham at these openings. My father has been mentor to me all my life and his values have governed the way I work today: to support artists and affect positive change in the industry. As my grandfather was an artists who represented Germany in the 1970 Biennale di Venezia, supporting artists is especially close to my heart.
As someone who bridges the creative industries of art and fashion, how do you see these two worlds intersecting and collaborating?
It’s marvellous how these two industries are collaborating more and more. I especially love how Saint Laurent is working with both emerging and established artists in a really engaged and authentic way. The Thyssen museum also recently showed several exciting exhibitions highlighting the art’s enduring influence on designers and fashion houses such as Chanel or Balenciaga.
As a speaker and moderator, what topics do you typically address and what insights do you aim to provide to your audience?
I speak about those subjects where I hope I can add value and that I’m passionate about. For example, the development of ESG/Sustainability within the art industry. Hauser & Wirth, for example, is very engaged and addresses it very well. Also the development of fine art as an asset class, specifically, buying for passion but with an investment view. How does an artist such as Picasso compare to Kusama or Richter in terms of value appreciation, for example? And how do they, thus, compare to other assets such as stocks or Gold.
Living in Madrid and traveling extensively, how do these diverse locations inspire and influence your work and creative endeavors?
It’s excellent to have Madrid as a base as its so accessible. Spain is an immensely culturally rich country, claiming many of art history’s most important artists, such as Velazquez, Goya, Picasso, or Sorolla. However, there’s a higher culture of supporting the arts and collecting in countries such as Germany, France, and the UK. I’m already looking forward to London’s Frieze Week this autumn and its fabulous gallery and museum shows.
Can you talk about the architectural significance of the Neuendorf House and its role as an international icon in the minimalist design realm?
Our family home, Neuendorf House is one of those unique places that leaves a lasting impression on everyone that visits. Built in 1989, it was utterly radical for its time. It was the first house designed by now-famous architects John Pawson and Claudio Silvestrin, and was strongly driven by the aesthetic and philosophic vision of my parents. They wanted to create a house where the walls themselves – and the play of light across them – were the artwork; a house that made space for stillness, contemplation and clarity. Minimalism wasn’t a phenomenon or well known aesthetic over 30 years ago. Today, the house is renowned in the architectural, cultural and fashion industries. For my family and I, it will always be home and a place of peace, laughter, and love.
What are your career goals for next 5 years?
Ideally, I’d like to look back on my life and feel that I’ve added value to the lives of others. Both in my career and in my personal life. Within the next 5 years, I’d would very much like to give back by joining a museum board and, hopefully, affecting positive change for the next generation.
What’s the best part about your job?
Meeting so many incredible, fascinating people in an industry that not only reflects the zeitgeist, but will be of historical importance for generations to come. But also, I feel very privileged to do what I love together with my brothers and father.
