Let Live, Let Art Speak: Jeanne Masel’s Vision for Social Change
Jeanne Masel in front of the work of Summer Wheat. Photo by Javier Romero. Courtesy of Jeanne Masel.
“I value pieces that are not only aesthetically compelling but also carry an embedded critique or message, prompting reflection and dialogue.”
—Jeanne Masel
With a deep belief in art's transformative power, Jeanne Masel is creating a vivid legacy for herself. The founder of ART FOR CHANGE liaises with artists and collectors to present exhibitions, raising funds for select charities. But there’s way more to it.
A Sotheby’s alumnus, Masel founded ART FOR CHANGE to intersect her philanthropic pursuits and her profound passion for art. “The initiative aims to amplify the voices of artists who are passionate about social causes, providing them with a platform to reach a broader audience. By creating editions of impactful artworks, we can spread important messages and engage collectors in meaningful conversations about contemporary issues,” Masel explained.
Jeanne Masel in front of Jean-Pierre Villafañe's Rear Window (2022). Photo by Javier Romero. Courtesy of Jeanne Masel.
Since 2018, ART FOR CHANGE has worked with over 100 artists, supported planting 6,000 trees, and dedicated time and funds toward environmental sustainability. This year, during Frieze Los Angeles, ART FOR CHANGE hosted a reception party with Phillips Los Angeles for Fully Bloomed, a group exhibition featuring 12 artists to address environmentalism and climate change. Most recently, ART FOR CHANGE teamed up with former First Lady Michelle Obama to curate the “When We All Vote” collection, seeking to spur greater voter turnout. The collection is not overly political; instead, it presents American nuances to convey what happens when people don’t vote. Masel said, “What I love about this collection is how varied and multivalent it is, which I think can also be read as reflecting our country’s diversity.”
In the fast-paced art market, art advisors and curators sometimes struggle to balance maintaining authenticity and the need to meet clients' demands. “The proliferation of digital platforms and the increasing commercialization of art can sometimes overshadow the intrinsic value of artworks,” Masel admitted. “Balancing the demands of the market with a commitment to supporting emerging and socially conscious artists remains a delicate task.” Both personally and professionally, Masel takes on this challenge with grace and poise, building genuine connections with all the artists she works with.
Jeanne Masel in front of Pedro Pedro's Pile of Fruit with Grapes, Tomatoes, Peeled Lemon and Orange. Photo by Javier Romero. Courtesy of Jeanne Masel.
From studio visits to art fairs, Masel is a first-hand witness to many artists' evolving practices. She is constantly on the radar for new emerging artists. Luckily for Masel, she’s lived in one of the art capitals of the world, continuously growing her talent roster. “New York has been instrumental in shaping my curatorial taste, offering a vibrant and diverse art scene that continually inspires and challenges me,” Masel said. “The city’s rich cultural landscape and its array of galleries, museums, and art institutions provide endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.”
Emphasizing informed art collecting, the works that resonate with Masel are the ones that contribute to broader cultural conversations. Hanging on the walls in her Brooklyn home are pieces such as Joel Mesler's painting Let Live, Katherine Bernhardt’s Three Sharks, and Gina Beavers' large-scale work Passo a Passo. Beavers’ sculptural painting uses thick layers of paint to create a multidimensional view. Much of her work encompasses society’s online obsession with beauty trends. “I tend to gravitate towards works that confront socio-cultural concerns in their subject matter and question conventional notions of beauty or craftsmanship,” Masel explained. “Ultimately, my collection is a testament to my belief in the transformative power of art and its ability to address and illuminate the complexities of our world.”
Masel, like the socially conscious business that she created, sees art as a progressive form of expression that encourages dialogues on the realities of the human condition. Art changed Masel, and she’s paying it forward.
Jeanne Masel in front of Danielle Orchard's Headlights (2022). Photo by Javier Romero. Courtesy of Jeanne Masel.
