Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Buying Something That You Truly Love

 


Sabrina Ho
Macau/ Hong Kong/ New York, USA
@xsabrinahox

Sabrina Ho, daughter of the late casino magnate Stanley Ho, has initiated multiple ventures to promote art, from revamping hotels into art destinations to founding the 6075 Hotel Art Fair in Macau in support of emerging local artists, to establishing the Macanese branch of auction house Poly Auction Macau. Besides, as a strategic partner with UNESCO, she launched “You Are Next” initiative which seeks gender equality in digital creative industries in developing nations. Her collection includes works by Matthew Wong, Zao Wou-Ki, and Wu Guanzhong.



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If You Are Buying Something That You Truly Love, You Can’t Lose

Sitting at the vanguard of the art scene in Macau, daughter of late casino magnate Stanley Ho, Sabrina Ho is the driving force behind multiple ventures promoting art and cultural development in the region. From revamping hotels into art destinations to founding the 6075 Hotel Art Fair in support of emerging local artists to establishing the Macanese branch of auction house Poly Auction Macau, Sabrina works tirelessly to develop the scene. Indeed, her efforts coupled with her impressive art collection earned her a spot in our recent listing of the top young art collectors from around the world, The Next Gen Art Collectors Report. On top of all this, Sabrina has signed a strategic partnership agreement with UNESCO that has led to her “You Are Next” initiative which seeks gender equality in digital creative industries in developing nations.
Sabrina shared with LARRY’S LIST exactly what she looks for in an artwork, including what her subconscious draws her towards; her passion for young, emerging artists and how she advocates for them; her hopes and dreams for her daughter’s art education; and three emerging artists we need to know.

Sabrina Ho with Yoshimoto Nara, Sleepless Night, in the White Room (1999). Courtesy of Sabrina Ho.
Sabrina Ho with Yoshimoto Nara, Sleepless Night, in the White Room (1999). Courtesy of Sabrina Ho.

 

Collecting

What made you want to start collecting art? What is the main motivation behind your collecting?
My family cultivated my interest in art at a very young age, and it was very much a part of our everyday lives. We spent a lot of time going to museums, and art was often given as gifts. I’d always loved collecting toys, dolls— surrounding myself with pretty things as girls do. And, as I got older my interest evolved into crystal, table settings, and then art— modern, western, Chinese, and traditional Chinese art. It was less of a decision to start collecting as it was just a natural evolution in my interests.
The story behind the artists is what draws me in, and I spend a lot of time reading, researching and understanding the artist’s motivation behind the work. One of the things I love most is finding a piece in which I can discover something new each time I look at it. I look forward to sharing these pieces, which are so personal and sentimental, with my daughter, as my family once shared them with me.

What is your focus regarding the artists in your collection?
My focus on collecting has changed over the years, with a larger emphasis now on up-and-coming artists. Many of them are at the forefront of trends, and I am fascinated by what motivated them to create what they did and the influence it will have in the art world. I still buy both large and small, traditional and contemporary for a diverse, comprehensive collection. My collection ranges from Zao Wou-Ki and Wu Guanzhong to Nara Yoshimoto and Murakami Takashi, and I have been exploring New York’s emerging artists. But no matter the piece, there has to be something special about it that touches me.

Kwon Kisoo, Layers (2009). Courtesy of Sabrina Ho.
Kwon Kisoo, Layers (2009). Courtesy of Sabrina Ho.

 

Are you more interested in emerging or renowned artists, local or international?
I am interested in artists who create work in which you recognize a piece of yourself. I don’t believe that there is a right or wrong when it comes to collecting. I have the privilege of buying for both my personal collection and purchasing for Poly Auction Macau. When buying for Poly Auction, I have to keep in mind what the buyer might be interested in, ensuring that it is part of a bigger story. Macau is still in the early stages of the auction house, and we have an appeal to the new collectors.
I have long been an advocate for supporting young, emerging artists and providing a platform for gender equality in the arts. Poly Auction Macau creates a space to celebrate new talents and styles. I have more freedom when I am buying for my home collection. But, for both my personal and auction pieces, it is less about how established the artist is, but that the piece has something that makes it special.

What was the first artwork you purchased? What was the latest?
My first major purchase was a Wu Guanzhong. I have long admired his work, and it was an incredibly special piece to begin my journey as an art collector. It was important to have my debut purchase be bold and express my personal interests and my passion. That was also the year I announced that the family collection would aim to open a museum in the future.
My most recent purchase was Mathew Wong’s “Pink Wave.” I missed out on a sale of his other work and felt a strong emotional connection to his story, so I knew I had to have this one. I’ve also found that, almost subconsciously, I am drawn to pink in my personal collection. If you look closely, there are traces of pink, prominent and small, in nearly everything I’ve purchased of late.

Wu GuanZhong, Hibiscuses (1975). Courtesy of Sabrina Ho.
Wu Guanzhong, Hibiscuses (1975). Courtesy of Sabrina Ho.

 

How many artworks do you own?
I have more than 300 pieces in my collection. Some from auctions, private collections, art fairs, and galleries. Some are from the 6075 Hotel Art Fair that I founded back in 2015 with young emerging artists, and I would collect some pieces of their work to display in my art hotel Regency Macau.

Where do you display your collection?
My work is displayed worldwide. Some of my collection is in Asia and some in the United States.

Have you ever presented your art collection publicly?
No. Or rather, not yet. You never know what could be in store for the future.

Is there any kind of artwork that can make you write a cheque without any consideration?
I haven’t found that piece yet! Whatever it may be, it will have to be related to a good story or have a strong connection to my daughter or family. Something that just feels special to me. I’ll know it when I see it.

What is your most treasured artwork?
After my father passed away, I was given a handmade piece of art that has an image of my daughter’s face covered in thousands of gemstones. It is something so personal and close to my heart that I will cherish it forever. The most powerful art comes from such an intimate place. This is partly why I love working one-on-one with designers or artists to create pieces: the collaborative process taps into something beautiful and moving.

Sabrina Ho with two works by Zao Wou-ki. On the left is 16.5.66 (1966) and on the right 3.4.60-1.2.69 (1960-69). Courtesy of Sabrina Ho.
Sabrina Ho with two works by Zao Wou-Ki. On the left is 16.5.66 (1966) and on the right 3.4.60-1.2.69 (1960-69). Courtesy of Sabrina Ho.

 

What is your biggest regret regarding collecting?
I don’t have any regrets. Everything in life is an opportunity to learn and grow and discover a piece that’s even more personally captivating. And in art, if you missed it, it wasn’t meant to be. There will always be something else waiting for you.

How important is it for you to meet the artists who created the artwork?
If the opportunity presents itself for me to meet the artists, I will jump on it. I love talking to them about their perspectives, finding out if what I think is the meaning of a painting is the same as the artist’s meaning. It is always a privilege to meet the creator and learn the process and history behind the piece, especially when we come from different cultures. There is so much to learn.
Otherwise, I spend a lot of time doing my homework before I buy a piece, discovering more about the artist to try and get to know them even if we can’t meet.

Sabrina Ho with Zao Wou-ki, 16.5.66 (1966). Courtesy of Sabrina Ho.
Sabrina Ho with Zao Wou-Ki, 16.5.66 (1966). Courtesy of Sabrina Ho.

 

Do you rely on art advisors? How do you make your decisions concerning acquisitions?
I don’t work with advisors but spend a lot of time doing the research and reading. I consider this process a fun and rewarding part of collecting.

As director and CEO of Poly Auction Macau, managing director and founder of Chiu Yeng Culture and vice chairperson of Dr. Stanley Ho Foundation, you are heavily involved in promoting and developing the arts scene in Macau. How has this influenced your collecting?
I am focusing on young, emerging artists more than ever. The most powerful art comes from such an intimate place. They bring energy, fresh perspectives, and vital stories, and I am fortunate to be in a position to showcase their talents and creativity. Such a small percentage of women are represented in galleries world-wide and buying for Poly Macau gives me the opportunity to create a stage for their work and to celebrate artists from marginalized communities.

How would you like to see the art collector scene in Macau develop in the next few years?
The potential for the collector scene in Macau is palpable. More young buyers are joining auctions, and it’s an incredibly exciting time to discover new artists and elevate Macau’s presence. The art scene here is exploding, and every day there is something new to see. Macau is dynamic because of its unique blend of cultures, and that is reflected in the innovation of the art.

Hang Benrui, Nini (2015). Courtesy of Sabrina Ho.
Hang Benrui, Nini (2015). Courtesy of Sabrina Ho.
Takashi Murakami, Untitled (2016). Courtesy of Sabrina Ho.
Takashi Murakami, Untitled (2016). Courtesy of Sabrina Ho.

 

Art World

What was your happiest moment being involved in art?
I am happiest when I am creating something myself and am often painting in my free time. It calms me. But simply supporting the arts makes me happy, too. Being involved in it is an integral part of my identity, and it brings me joy to know I can help share this passion and these stories with others.

What is your art-world pet peeve?
I don’t understand the judgement that many people have against the less traditional forms of art. When I started out as a collector, I thought that the art world would be less judgmental. But, there are two ways to think about art — there are the classics, which include painting and sculpture, and there are the non-traditional approaches: graphic design, animation, interior design. These are all considered art in my opinion. Look at the creation of a logo— you don’t just make a logo out of nothing. The logo is a badge of a brand, and the psychology behind it is based on creativity, the use of color and shape all working in concert. It is really quite incredible when you think about it. All of that is art.

Who inspires you in the art world?
I was so inspired the first time I set foot inside MoMA when I was a girl. It was magical, and I can still recall that feeling when I am visiting museums around the world. I am also inspired by, and constantly in awe, of my daughter. To say that she is my inspiration is an understatement.

How are you discovering new artists these days?
I spend a lot of time attending art fairs, reading blogs, art trends and news sites. I work a lot with art students and emerging designers and learn a lot from them. I also travel frequently and am always keeping my eyes open to what’s going on around the world. There is so much to absorb when you travel, and there is a lot of cultural crossover in the art world.

What events in the art world are you most looking forward to in the next 12 months?
I cannot wait for my daughter to attend her first art class, and I can start collecting her original works!

Sabrina Ho with WuGuanzhong, Bamboos. Courtesy of Sabrina Ho.
Sabrina Ho with Wu Guanzhong, Bamboos. Courtesy of Sabrina Ho.

 

What is your advice to young and fresh collectors?
You don’t have to collect because others are doing it — do it because you love it. Do what you want, and buy what you love. Collecting is such a personal thing and, while there is a risk, if you are buying something that you truly love, you can’t lose.

Can you name three emerging artists which should be on our watchlist?
I could name 50 artists, but I am particularly excited about Mr. Doodle and Ziping Wang out of New York. She is young, and I am excited to see where her work will take her! And I was recently taken by the artwork and collectable furniture of Mark De La Vega of De La Vega Designs. The Brooklyn, NY-based artist blends refined design qualities, like delicate eggshell mosaics, with incredible gravitas.

 

Instagram@xsabrinahox

A selection of artists Sabrina collects:
Mark De La Vega
Ziping Wang
Matthew Wong
Wu Guanzhong
Zao Wou-Ki


golf mobility



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INSTRUCTION

TIP OF THE DAY
Golf mobility
FITNESS
Get golf-fit
Check the functionality of your golf muscles with these three physical screening tests.





 

FITNESS

Fitness Friday: 3 ways to check your 'golf mobility'

By Ron Kaspriske Illustrations by Brown Bird Design
February 26, 2021

If you're looking to identify the cause of your golf struggles, it's natural to think the cause is a fault in your swing. "But sometimes the fault isn't the cause, it's a symptom," says Golf Digest fitness advisor Ben Shear. Sometimes poor shots are the result of a physical dysfunction that causes poor swing mechanics. The symptoms: poor contact with the ball even when you're consciously trying to hit it solid; struggling to swing the club through the impact zone without straightening up; and routinely pulling shots left of your target or slicing them right of it—or both. If any of these describe the state of your game, stand with your back to a wall and take these three physical screening tests to see if you lack the muscle function necessary to hit great shots.


TEST NO. 1
Stand with your upper body against a wall and your feet angled about 12 inches from it. Make sure your pelvis is tucked under your torso. Extend one arm so it's perpendicular to the wall, and raise it over your head without bending it. The goal is to touch the wall while maintaining the body's other contact points. Repeat the test with the other arm.

IF YOU FAILED: The inverted triangular-shaped muscle of your upper back, known as the latissimus dorsi or "lat," is too tight. This causes your swing to be short and narrow, resulting in thin and fat shots and/or slices. To improve mobility, lie on your side, leaning back slightly on a foam roller. Roll from hips to armpits for three minutes a few times a week. Also, stretch your upper-back muscles before you play.

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TEST NO. 2

Stand against the wall just like you did in Test No. 1 and extend both arms at the same time, pressing the palms together. Raise both arms over your head. The goal is to touch the wall with your two thumbs without arching your lower back or losing any of the contact points created when you began the test.

IF YOU FAILED: The muscles around the thoracic spine (mid-back) aren't functioning properly. This causes a loss of posture and limits your ability to rotate when you swing. Lie on a foam roller, and move it up and down your back. Stop in the middle and let your shoulders gently sink toward the floor while keeping your butt on the ground. Also, strengthen your oblique muscles with exercises like side planks and seated torso rotations.


TEST NO. 3
Stand with the majority of your body—from heels to head—against the wall. Bend one arm 90 degrees, and place the upper portion of the arm against the wall at shoulder height. Now raise the lower portion of the arm, maintaining the 90-degree angle. Your goal is to touch the wall with the back of your hand while keeping the bottom part of your back from arching or pressing into the wall.

IF YOU FAILED: Shoulder mobility is an issue for you, and this likely causes you to hit shots fat, thin or your path into the ball is noticeably out-to-in (slices/pulls). Work on stretching the pectoral muscles (chest) and exercises that improve the external rotation of the shoulder joint. Even repeating this test can improve mobility.






unusual questions to make job candidates think

 Three questions that get job candidates talking

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Featured article

Three unusual questions to make job candidates think

Interviews often default to predictable questions that lead to equally predictable answers. Here’s how to get some meaningful insights into what makes people tick.

by Adam Bryant



ORGANIZATIONS & PEOPLE

Three unusual questions to make job candidates think

Interviews often default to predictable questions that lead to equally predictable answers. Here’s how to get some meaningful insights into what makes people tick.

For the last dozen years, in hundreds of interviews, I’ve tried to better understand how CEOs hire by asking them: if you could ask a candidate only one question in a job interview, and you had to decide based on their answer whether to hire them, what would that question be?

Yes, I heard familiar questions, such as, “What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?” and “What are you passionate about?” But my line of inquiry also led to some surprising replies:

On a scale of 1 to 10, how weird are you?

If you were a beverage, what would be your defining characteristics?

How would you describe yourself in one word?

Because people interviewing for senior jobs have faced questions so often as they climb the corporate ladder, most have had practice delivering polished answers to the more predictable ones. You can bet that a lot of people will respond, “I care too much,” when asked their biggest weakness.

And so, almost out of necessity, interviewers have to come up with what I call “bank-shot questions” to peek behind the facades that people present in interviews, so it’s easier to find out what really makes them tick. What’s great about this type of question is that there are no right or wrong answers, and people can’t try to game the system, especially when they explain why they answered the way they did. This led me to wonder: what would be the best single question? Here are my top three from the many I’ve heard.

What’s great about this type of question is that there are no right or wrong answers, and people can’t try to game the system.

“What are the qualities you like least and most in your parents?” This came from Bob Brennan, who was CEO of the data storage company Iron Mountain when I interviewed him years ago. The reason I think it’s such an effective question is that, despite what we may tell ourselves, we can’t really escape our parents (or whoever raised us). There may be things they do that we like, and we probably do them, too. And there likely are a few things they do that we find crazy-making, and we probably go out of our way to not do those things.

For Brennan, the goal in asking this question was to see whether the candidate was willing to be vulnerable. “The body language changes when you ask those questions, and people have to make a decision,” he said. “‘Am I going to open up to this guy?’ Because it’s clear to them that I’m not going to go down a path of asking them why they chose Wharton. I don’t much care. I want to know what makes you go. And how willing are you to tell me that?”

A job interview is intended to be a kind of crystal ball, one that gives the employer a sense of what somebody is going to be like not only the first day but also after six months, when the honeymoon period is over and they’re facing a few challenges. I can’t think of a better question for ascertaining how an employee will behave over time.

Of course, the thought of asking such a personal question may understandably make interviewers uncomfortable (although I’ve been assured by many HR professionals that the question is fair game). If so, simply focus on the positive by asking, “What qualities do you like the most in your parents?”

Here’s the question that Clara Lippert Glenn, then CEO of the energy-industry training company Oxford Princeton Programme, told me she poses to candidates: “If you woke up tomorrow morning, and there were no humans left on the earth—just animals—what kind of animal are you?”

I’ve used this question many times as an icebreaker with small groups, and added a second beat to the question, which is to ask people to explain why they chose that particular animal. I have found it to be consistently revealing about people (as well as quite an education on the animal kingdom). By the way, Lippert Glenn added that a good salesperson is likely to say they would be a predator, such as a lion. And when I asked her what animal she would be, she said a great white shark—“I’m scared to death of them, so why not be one? You’re the top of the food chain.”

Finally, I really like this interview question that I heard from Jacqueline Novogratz, founder and CEO of Acumen, which invests in businesses that serve the poor in developing countries: “What are you doing when you feel most beautiful?”

Novogratz told me that some people might be confused at first by that question. But others understand the intent. “If people are honest with themselves, they know what I’m talking about,” she said. “What are you doing when you are shining, when you’re in the zone, when you’re on fire?”

In an ideal world, the work you are hiring someone to do is the very same work that provides that state of flow, that sweet spot in which a person’s skills and talents are in tune with the task at hand. And if the job is far afield from what the person wants to do, then that is an important insight to factor into your hiring decisions.

Now it’s time to turn the tables. If you were in a job interview, how would you answer the three questions above?



Adam Bryant
Adam Bryant is a managing director of the ExCo Group, a senior-leadership development firm. He is the author, with Kevin Sharer, of The CEO Test: Master the Challenges That Make or Break All Leaders.