Originally published in Issue #46 of Beautiful Bizarre Magazine, we share with you our exclusive interview with Yasha Young and take a peek at her incredible art collection! Issue #46 has sold out – but you can still get yours hands on a digital copy here.
Yasha Young is a name known throughout the contemporary art world. Blessed with a natural drive and unimaginable energy, she has forged her path as an entrepreneur in the arts, supporting creatives of all ages and cultures to better thrive doing what they love best. Her unique talents often find her at the centre of organisational webs, integrating art and artists within wide-reaching projects and building bridges with other types of businesses. In the broader world where art is often perceived as an afterthought or an indulgence, her role is an important lever to balance the scales.
“I believe that art should be inclusive and accessible to all cultures. Observing gaps in cultural representation and opportunities, I felt a strong need to build something that would include diverse voices in the discourse of art history. My mission has been to offer opportunities regardless of educational background, ensuring that everyone has a chance to contribute to and benefit from the art world.”
Yasha Young
Entrepreneur, curator, collector and mentor, Yasha Young’s love for art has helped to build a significant sense of community through collaboration. From international projects to hosting networking dinners within her own home, her hands-on approach to making things happen is one of the reasons that she has accomplished so much. In this interview, we discuss more about Yasha’s ventures, and the underlying drives which lie at the heart of her passionate career. We delve into the unique dynamic of being an artist and art collector in 2024, and what we can collectively do to support art in such turbulent times.
Because we must remember: keep hope, keep drive, and there is always a way.
Interview with Yasha Young
You have been at the heart of so many creative and curatorial projects over the years, where to begin! I think we’ll start with the latest: what are you currently working on?
I’m immersed in multiple exciting projects. One of them is a global exhibition series focusing on the fusion of technology and traditional art forms. It’s fascinating to see how digital advancements can breathe new life into classic techniques. I’m also collaborating with a group of emerging artists on an installation that explores cultural identity and social justice, topics that feel incredibly relevant and powerful today. I also work for a large civic engineering company merging art and civic structures such as dams and tunnels; not just when they’ve already been built either – I’m included in the development phase to make sure art isn’t an “add on” but a driving central force. I’m also producing the art for Lollapalooza Festival, Orka Festival in Iceland, a private festival Yasha Young Projects is hosting as an artist retreat, and my research for an exciting residency program that I’m leading in South Africa for curators only!
That’s incredible! Additionally, your YOUNG COLLECTOR Program most definitely creates a positive impact for the newest generation of artists.
The YOUNG COLLECTOR Program has been a game-changer for many young artists. By providing mentorship and resources, we’ve helped launch numerous careers. Many of these artists have since secured gallery representation and their works are now part of significant collections. It’s deeply rewarding to see how this program not only nurtures talent but also educates new collectors on the importance of supporting emerging artists. It’s fostering a vibrant and inclusive art community, which is exactly what we aimed for.
Not Afraid, 2024
You also founded Urban Nation in Berlin, where we curated Gaia Reborn in 2019. What was the vision behind projects like Urban Nation, and how did you bring it to life?
Urban Nation was born out of a desire to celebrate and elevate urban contemporary art. The vision was to create a museum that not only showcases street art and graffiti but also acts as a community hub for artistic collaboration and education. Bringing this vision to life involved building strong relationships with artists, curators, and cultural institutions worldwide. I focused on engaging exhibitions, public art installations, and outreach programs that highlight the diversity and vibrancy of urban art. The Beautiful Bizarre Magazine exhibition perfectly captured this vision by exploring environmental sustainability and cultural renewal.
As well as being a project manager, curator and art collector, it feels like you are also a mentor supporting many artists. Do you feel you are on a creative journey alongside them?
Absolutely. I see my role as both a facilitator and a mentor. Being on this creative journey with artists is incredibly rewarding. It allows me to provide guidance, share resources, and open doors that might otherwise remain closed. Supporting artists this way creates a sense of community and collaboration, where we all grow and succeed together. By lifting others, we elevate the entire art world, fostering an environment where creativity can truly flourish and impact our daily lives.
Did you have any mentors when you began forging your own career?
Yes, I was fortunate to have several mentors instrumental in shaping my career. One was a renowned curator who taught me the importance of curatorial integrity and storytelling through exhibitions. Another, a successful art entrepreneur, provided invaluable insights into the business side of the art world and encouraged me to take bold risks. These mentors not only honed my creative vision but also instilled in me the values of perseverance, innovation, and a deep commitment to supporting the arts.
(in partnership with dotdotdot): Overlords
You have also been the platinum sponsor of the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, Sculpture Award for the past five years, providing a huge cash prize for the Sculpture and Grand Prize winners. I know that your donations have been greatly appreciated by all the winners so far!
Sponsoring the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize Sculpture Award has been incredibly fulfilling. I continue to support this prize because I believe in its mission to celebrate and promote extraordinary artistic talent. Providing a significant cash prize not only offers financial support to the winners but also validates their hard work and dedication. I’m passionate about creating opportunities for artists to thrive and gain recognition. Supporting this prize is a way to give back to the community and ensure that innovative and inspiring art continues to flourish.
As well as donating a cash prize you have also cultivated working relationships with some of our past Sculpture Award winners. By the time our readers read this interview, the winners may already have been announced. Excited to see who will win?
Absolutely, I’m always excited to see the new talent that emerges through the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize. Each year, the competition showcases incredible creativity and skill, making it a privilege to be part of this journey. Cultivating relationships with past winners has been mutually enriching, allowing for ongoing collaboration and support. I eagerly anticipate discovering this year’s winners.
Of course, we can’t not focus on your own art collection! Can you share any highlights?
To name one highlight is impossible! Yet they all have their stories. For example, I bought a little Banksy zine in a store not knowing what it was at first; can you imagine my surprise later? Or getting sketches and mock ups for walls I produced from artists such as Hera (Jasmin Siddiqui), Invader, Fin DAC – priceless moments. Or Sandra Chevrier’s portrait of myself at a time I was reaching burn out.
I collect portraits of myself by artists to see and feel the way they see me. I have a portrait of myself painted a la Prima by Michael Hussar when I visited him in LA 20+ years ago. Or the portrait Maxim, the singer from the PRODIGY took of me which reminds me of an incredible time in my life.
It’s my own Dorian Grey collection. I see myself change and age and discover myself through the artist’s eyes again and again.
Yasha Young
(portrait of Yasha Young)
How does it feel to be an art collector in 2024?
It’s a complex and somewhat bittersweet experience. While the art world remains vibrant, it’s faced significant challenges, especially post-COVID. Financial pressures have changed the dynamics. While high-end art sales have rebounded, driven by established collectors and investment interests, the middle market hasn’t recovered as robustly. Many mid-level galleries, crucial for supporting emerging and mid-career
artists, have struggled to stay afloat. Potential collectors are now more cautious, and economic uncertainty has shifted priorities.
However, these challenges have spurred innovation and a re-evaluation of support for the art community. Online platforms are more prominent, allowing artists to reach global audiences and new collectors. There’s a growing emphasis on supporting local and community-based initiatives, fostering a more resilient and diverse art ecosystem. I myself host dinners at my homes where I invite an ever-changing group of artists, collectors, press and friends to connect and talk. It seems like a small event but in fact, the personal nature of these gatherings fosters longer and deeper conversations that have impact and lead to results.
As a collector, it’s more important than ever to support artists and galleries. Collecting art in 2024 is about personal values and contributing to the sustainability and diversity of the art world. It’s a responsibility and a privilege to be part of this global community.
Yasha Young
How do you think people can support artists even if income is tight?
Supporting artists doesn’t always require financial investment. Support artists by attending exhibitions, sharing their work on social media, and engaging with them through comments and messages. Volunteering at art events, writing reviews, and recommending artists to others are also impactful ways to show support. Additionally, purchasing smaller, more affordable pieces like prints or merch can make a difference. It’s about creating a community that values and promotes artistic endeavours, regardless of financial means.
Conversely, we see artists suffering from imposter syndrome and the pressures of, well, being an artist; often told to be ‘innovative’, while simultaneously being truthful to their vision. Do you have any advice?
My advice to artists struggling with imposter syndrome and the pressure of innovation is to stay true to your passion and vision. Remember that your unique perspective is valuable; it’s important to trust your creative process. Surround yourself with a supportive community, find the joy in creation for creation’s sake. And most of all: slow it down. Don’t be eaten up in the machine that drives us – the internet. Don’t be a slave to likes. Enjoy the interaction, the appreciation, but create when and how you want. You are your own worst critic mostly, but you need to learn to be your No.1 admirer and have fun!
Interview for issue #46 by Natalia Joruk. Photographs of Yasha Young by Andrea Camen Photography.
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