|
historical notes
|
Kay Saatchi, a pioneering curator and collector, played a significant role in the London contemporary art scene, particularly in the emergence and development of the Young British Artists (YBA) in the 1990s. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and with a background in advertising at Condé Nast in New York, Saatchi moved to London in the 1980s, where she established herself as a curator and gallerist, co-founding Mayor Rowan gallery. Later, working at Mayfair's Waddington Galleries, she organized successful exhibitions, including one featuring Julian Schnabel's plate paintings. Saatchi met Charles Saatchi at the Royal Academy's “Modern British” show in 1987. During their 11-year marriage, the Saatchi’s scouted young talent and played pivotal roles in promoting artists such as Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, and the Chapman brothers, shaping the contemporary art landscape in Britain. Kay played a distinct role in this partnership, sometimes identifying talent before Charles did, and her commitment to nurturing artists continued even after their well-publicized divorce in 2001. Kay's dedication to young artists culminated in her involvement in “Anticipation,” an exhibition showcasing art school graduates at Selfridge’s department store in London. Her personal art collection includes remarkable works by artists such as Lucian Freud, Ron Mueck, and Paula Rego. |
