After immersing herself in a world of creativity, culture, and business, led by art world experts at Sotheby's Institute of Art, Jessica Courtney ventured into launching a contemporary gallery. We spoke to Jessica about her collegiate studies in London and how In-Between Ibiza adapts the gallery model to resonate with the rich traditions of Ibiza.
What inspired you to study with Sotheby’s Institute of Art?
I am, and always have been, very interested in art. I wanted to learn more about the business side of the art world, and Sotheby’s Institute of Art looked like a great place to gain insight. The Institute has an impressive alumni network and offers numerous opportunities to meet important people within the art world who share my passion.
How would you describe the overall learning environment and interaction with your fellow students?
Our learning environment was the entirety of the city of London. The Sotheby’s Institute of Art staff and course leaders were experts in their fields, guiding us through exhibition openings, special parties, and crucial aspects of the London art scene.
There was a distinctly multicultural environment which felt incredibly inspiring. I learned new perspectives and ideas from my fellow students, who had come from all over the world.
How did studying at Sotheby’s Institute expand your knowledge and appreciation of the art world?
The Institute is fantastic for introducing a world that, from the outside, can appear obtuse. Learning about the art business was a key tenet of the course, from institutes to galleries and fairs. Sotheby’s Institute imparted its knowledge of how these layers of the art world interact, de-mystifying its processes and setting us up for a career working within these fields.
Moreover, Sotheby's Institute invited key speakers and project leaders whose expertise ranged from artistic communication to bespoke tailoring. I never felt my options were limited, and I was constantly excited and engaged. Additionally, being introduced every day to people who are so passionate about their work was extremely motivating.
In what ways did Sotheby’s Institute of Art prepare you for a future career in the art world?
Having access to guiding and mentoring relationships allowed me to feel confident in my ambition. Once I finished studying, I was able to apply for jobs and internships as I was taught about how to put skills into practice.
What advice would you give to young adults looking to enrich their knowledge of the art world?
I worked as many jobs as I could, and I made the most of meeting many people!
When starting to work in the art world, fairs are especially important. They are fun and intense, and you learn a lot in a short period of time. You practice just about every skill you need to succeed in the art world including organization, PR, dealing, and socializing.
How did your experience at Sotheby’s Institute of Art help you establish In-Between Ibiza, a community-oriented venture with artists at the core of the gallery’s mission?
Studying at Sotheby’s Institute was intrinsically connected to London and its multi-cultural identity. When I established In-Between Ibiza, I felt I had the right resources to connect artists from around the world with Ibiza, but from a community-oriented approach rather than one that was purely commercial.
The auction house itself is a global company and there is a big difference between a global auction house and a community-driven gallery. However, my studies taught me the importance of art history in producing, promoting, and communicating to the public through art histories. From our lectures and gallery visits, I learned the importance of focusing on the artist as an individual rather than a profit-producing entity.
In-Between Ibiza is more than a commercial gallery, our aim is to inspire and bring joy. Ibiza used to be a place where creatives would come to be inspired and motivated, our gallery will speak to this aspect of Ibizan history. In-Between Ibiza will be a hub of inspiration, enriching the Ibizan and artistic community through exhibitions, literature, music, people, events, and collaborations. Our artists' work will also transcend the gallery space, being exhibited at locations across the island.
How did Ibiza's unique identity and creative energy influence the artists and artworks featured in your gallery?
Art is a binding factor. It is essential in bringing people together and provoking conversations. At In-Between, I want to get to know each artist personally. One artist I have been particularly inspired by is Kamirah Hassan, who has a relationship with the gallery. A quote by her that I particularly admire is, “Art won’t change the world; people will, but it’s a good place to start.” The gallery advocates for art as a way to connect with community, nature, and oneself in a manner reminiscent of the early hippie days of Ibizan life in the '70s and '80s, when the island was a retreat away from the corporatization of daily life.
Ibiza is a synergy of cultures. It is a high-energy, magnetic place with a rich, vibrant, and welcoming community. Ibiza has always been about peaceful coexistence and embracing the differences between us all, which is especially important in light of the world today. Furthermore, considering the state of the world—politically, ecologically, and socially—I feel that art is ever more important in bringing joy and happiness, which is a massive motivation for me.
Ibiza influences everyone differently and I look forward to seeing this reflected in each exhibition at In-Between Ibiza. Furthermore, for every exhibition, we will be releasing an in-depth article about the artist, which will answer how Ibiza has influenced them and their practice. So, follow us to learn more!
Can you share some examples of how In-Between Ibiza will bridge the gap between tradition and modernity in its upcoming season of exhibitions?
In-Between Ibiza takes the gallery model and transforms it to fit within the Ibizan tradition. The island has always been a special place for creatives, as I mentioned previously it operates outside the regimes of a society predicated on profit. This sentiment has existed on the island since the 1960s when it became an oasis for artists, musicians, and free lovers. We will be open and accessible to all, breaking the stereotype that art galleries are highly exclusive.
We are located in Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, so it makes sense that our approach engages with the island's rich history. In this way, our exhibitions do not purely look toward commercial sales but in the manner of a local museum or community center, promote collaboration, communication, connectivity, and inspiration through art.
Images: Sofia Gomez Fonzo