“Every watch tells a distinct story, every artwork conveys a truth, and every act of giving leaves a legacy,” Isaac Sultan Cohen says when asked about the connection between his three primary passions. Having amassed one of the finest collections of contemporary works over the course of the years he has been collecting, it is apparent that Isaac Sultan Cohen’s energy is drawn from his focus on art, horology and philanthropy, with the threads connecting these passions making for a fascinating conversation.
The journey that Isaac Sultan Cohen has undergone has been deeply influenced by his Latin American origins. Spending his formative years in Venezuela, and growing up in a family steeped in tradition, he describes his childhood as a vibrant mix that left him with an appreciation for artistic works, but particularly those with meaning. “People who grow up in Latin America will tell you how it’s a part of the world which leaves you with a profound appreciation for stories,” Isaac Sultan Cohen, who now resides in Miami, explains. “Venezuela is an incredibly vibrant country; the murals on the walls, the smell of foods, everything has a narrative. Since then, in my collecting, I have always been looking for works that speak to me through the message they have and the story they tell.”
Although Isaac Sultan Cohen began his journey as a contemporary art collector through an inheritance—specifically a collection of works was left to him by his uncle—his own collecting journey has since taken twists and turns that make it distinctly his own. “I don’t think there is a serious collector in the world who will identify themselves as just collecting art. A collection is always more than just art; it is a documentation of resilience and identity, a representation of the issues one cares most about”, says Isaac Sultan Cohen. Over the years, the distinct flavour which he has given the collection has been shaped by his choices in expanding it, gravitating toward contemporary masters like Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat. “If you ask me what drew me to these artists in particular, I have one answer. It’s their bold social commentaries”, continues Sultan Cohen.
When discussing his thoughts on the future trajectory of the art world, and how this might impact the messages he finds in the pieces which he collects, Isaac Sultan Cohen is cautiously optimistic. “To be frank, I see digitalization as both an opportunity and a challenge. On the one hand, it is exciting, art is becoming accessible to more people and the intersection between different disciplines are creating new forms of expression. On the other hand, there are questions that we need to ask about authenticity and value. We need to remember though that no matter the direction in which the field develops, art will always find a way to speak to the human condition. The medium is honestly, much less important.”
Isaac Sultan Cohen’s philanthropic focus is interestingly, one which cannot be entirely disconnected from his interest in collecting and art. As with many philanthropists, his giving stems from his desire to give back to the community and to shape the causes which he feels most passionate about. Sultan Cohen however, sees charitable giving as far more than supporting those less fortunate. “The way I measure successful philanthropy is not by who wrote the greatest number of checks. Rather, it’s about creating opportunities,” he asserts. “As with art, I support the causes which I feel most connected to, either because of my own personal story, or as a result of where I see I can make the most significant impact”.
Isaac Sultan Cohen is quick to counter the notion that philanthropy is a liberty that can only be afforded by the wealthy. “I always say, a person does not need to be rich in order to make an impact. It is about dedicating the resources to which you have access, to others that are less fortunate. It can be as simple as volunteering your time or sharing your expertise. The key is, like with collecting, to find what you care most about and what speaks to you. In philanthropy, you just need to take another step by channelling that energy into helping others.”
Then there are the watches of course. Isaac Sultan Cohen’s impressive collection focuses quite heavily of independent watchmakers, including F.P. Journe, Daniel Roth and of course, Philippe Dufour, all of which are a testament to his love for artisanal craftsmanship. “When people ask me why I love watches, I have a simple answer. Watches are the perfect fusion of design, engineering, and functionality.”
For Isaac Sultan Cohen, his ever-growing collection of watches is not just a hobby; he sees it as a discipline. “The watches which I have in my collection each have a unique story that teaches me something about history, culture, or innovation,” he says
What is it, however, that ties these passions together? Isaac Sultan Cohen, who has obviously given a lot of thought to this question, see it as representative of his ethos of appreciation and intentionality. “To me, it doesn’t matter if it’s a painting, a philanthropy project, or a watch. They are three faces of the same coin, if you will, requiring a high level of care and commitment, while at the same time, preserving the past, enriching the present, and inspiring the future.” Concluding, Sultan Cohen says, “And this is exactly how I approach everything I do, constantly thinking about how actions today might resonate tomorrow. Life is short, but our impact can and should go very far. What I look for is to fill it with meaning—and when possible, to leave a little more beauty behind.”
