The Art Advisor Boosting New + Historically Overlooked Talents

PHOTO: CHARLIE RUBIN

A Brooklynite by way of Haiti, Gardy St. Fleur built his practice showing beginner collectors the ropes—and joys—of the art world. As business grew, he drilled down on introducing emerging, as well as historically overlooked, talents to budding collectors, adding mentorship and management of working artists along the way.

Nightstand companion: Tell Them I Said No by Martin Herbert—a collection of essays by artists, including David Hammons (a hero of mine), who were creating for the purpose of transaction but ultimately retreated from the art world.

Unforgettable institution: Fondation Beyeler in Switzerland, which was started by a Swiss dealer couple with an incredible modern art collection. The building was designed by Renzo Piano—it’s very special.

Artists to watch: Rebecca Ness, Delphine Desane, Cindy Ji Hye Kim, Chibuike Uzoma and Vamba Bility.

Next frontier: Starting a monthly dinner series where artists, clients and board members can discuss changes that need to be made at the institutional level.