Simon de Pury: Who are you?

TL;DR

Simon discusses his early passion for the arts, his failed attempts at becoming an artist, and his eventual entry into the art world.

Transcript

Simon the chairman of Philips the purean company my family comes from Noel in the French part of Switzerland but I actually grew up in Basel in the German part of Switzerland and that definitely had an influence on my very early interest for the Arts because Basel is a city which has a fantastic museums uh has a great art fair which is the main art... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥰 Basel, Switzerland, with its museums and art fair, played a significant role in shaping Simon's early interest in the arts.
• 🌍 Simon's parents, with their own passion for the arts, influenced his upbringing and exposure to the art world.
• 🧑‍🎨 Simon's failed attempt at becoming an artist led him to explore other avenues within the art world.
• 🥰 The rejection he faced from galleries in New York served as a turning point in Simon's career, pushing him to find alternative ways to enter the art industry.
• 🌍 Simon's consultation with Ernst Berer provided him with valuable guidance and ultimately solidified his decision to pursue a career in the art world.
• 😀 Simon's journey highlights the competitiveness and challenges aspiring artists face in gaining recognition and success.
• 🧑‍🎨 The art world offers various career paths beyond being an artist, including roles in art curation, dealing, and management.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Simon's upbringing in Basel influence his interest in the arts?

Growing up in Basel, which had excellent museums and art dealers like Mr Baer, Simon was exposed to a vibrant art scene from a young age, fueling his early passion for the arts.

Q: What inspired Simon to pursue a career in the art world?

After realizing that there were countless talented artists in Japan, where he studied art, Simon decided to visit galleries in New York with the hope of showcasing his work. Although unsuccessful, this experience sparked his desire to work in the art world.

Q: Why did Simon initially decide to study law?

Simon initially told his parents that he planned to study law after his failed attempt at becoming an artist. However, he quickly realized that law was not his true passion and felt compelled to enter the art world instead.

Q: How did Simon's consultation with Ernst Berer shape his career path?

Ernst Berer, an art historian, advised Simon on how to enter the art world. Simon implemented Berer's advice and never looked back, solidifying his decision to pursue a career in the art industry.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Simon grew up in Basel, Switzerland, which influenced his early interest in the arts due to its vibrant art scene.

• His parents, who had a passion for the arts, exposed him to museums and galleries from a young age.

• After a failed attempt at becoming an artist, Simon decided to pursue a career in the art world.