Inside Isaac Sultan Cohen’s World of Passion-Driven Art Collecting

For Isaac Sultan Cohen, art collecting was always more than just a hobby. In his world, art collecting is an emotional pursuit to which he is intimately connected, reflecting his passion for modern and contemporary art. Based in Miami, a city internationally known for a colourful art scene, and hosting the internationally renowned Art Basel fair, Sultan Cohen has become a central part of the city’s cultural landscape. His distinct approach to collecting, stands in contrast to much of the profit driven approaches prevalent in today’s art world. Sultan Cohen’s collecting is rooted in passion for the art, not financial gain. “Even if you’re wrong on the price,” he says, “what really matters is being right on the piece.”

It was early on in his life that Sultan Cohen began his journey into the world of art, inheriting an uncle’s collection, which included a number of world-famous pieces and influential modern artists. This was the foundation of his passion. “When I was first introduced to my uncle’s collection, it was like opening a window to an entirely new world,” Sultan Cohen recalls. “Those early experiences shaped how I see art today—something that enriches my life, challenges me to think profoundly, and evokes some of my deepest emotions.”

While more often than not, those collecting art are motivated by profit, Sultan Cohen is unconcerned with financial returns. His philosophy is quite straight forward: collect what you love and you will never need to worry about valuation. “I did not get involved in the world of art to make headlines for a big sale or successfully speculate on a new artist. I don’t see myself as an art investor,” Sultan Cohen says candidly. “I buy the works of established names in the art industry because of the intrinsic value they hold to me. I cannot explain the rush you get from being able to own a masterpiece.” For Sultan Cohen, purchasing a piece of art is very obviously far more than simply a transaction.

Isaac Sultan Cohen’s appreciation for masterpieces can be seen through the works which he has collected over the years. His extensive collection includes artworks from some of the most iconic artists of the 20th and 21st centuries—Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Anish Kapoor. Each work represents a milestone in contemporary art history, and each was carefully chosen as a result of both the central role which the respective artist plays in the modern art world, as well as an emotional connection. “A rule of thumb that I collect by is that I only focus on household names,” Sultan Cohen explains. Clarifying the reason, he continues, “Not because of their market value or trends in the art market, but as a result of their legacy. Any true collector will understand what I mean.”

Being based in Miami, Sultan Cohen reflects both on the city’s character and its unique position in the art world. The city, which is known to be a hub for art, draws a mix of traditional and contemporary art forms. “Miami is a great city. One of my favourite dimensions of the city is the way in which it merges various influences—from Latin American modernists to the multiple contemporary art installations which art lovers can find on display at almost any given time” Sultan Cohen says. “The art scene here is super exciting.”

For art lovers looking to start their own collections, Sultan Cohen offers some advice on the basis of his own personal journey. “Don’t be blinded by the potential for profit. Collect what moves you,” he advises. “Never worry if the piece will appreciate or depreciate in value. What matters is your connection. Trust your instincts, trust your heart. It is the same with a job. Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”