Conversation with Burcu Yuksel
Art consultant and freelance writer
Which female artist, living or dead, would you invite to a fantasy dinner party and why?
I would invite Artemisia Gentileschi, an amazingly inspiring, talented Baroque painter who was able to establish herself as a highly successful artist in early 17th century Italy when the art world was dominated only by men. Her paintings are powerful and she had a unique female perspective with innovative compositions and focus on Biblical heroines. She counted Galileo among her friends.
What advice would you give to women starting in the art world?
It is important to find mentors, inspiring figures you can look up to and learn from. I have been lucky to have found my mentors and continue to seek their advice and support. Over the years, these relationships turned into friendships and I value and cherish that.
What are you excited about right now? After working in the commercial side of Old Masters and contemporary art, I’m excited to be director of an art foundation, supporting creatives and forming collaborations in the cultural world. It’s a position where I can be more involved in the process and keep learning!
Tell us about a woman, well-known or not whom you admire and why.
RoseLee Goldberg, founding director and curator at PERFORMA. I was her student and assistant in New York and we continue our good relationship. I admire her strength, energy, focus and how much she is happy to share her knowledge and experience. She is an inspiring teacher who would never cease to push you to be better and does that in an encouraging way.