So much of the art world orbits around questions of value, not only in terms of appraisals and price tags, but also: What is worthy of your time in These Times, as well as your energy, your attention, and yes, your hard-earned cash?
What is the math that you do to determine something’s meaning and worth? What moves you? What enriches your life? In this new series, we’re asking individuals from the art world and beyond about the valuations that they make at a personal level.
Josephine Nash brings her own flair to the family business.
Nash is now a senior director and partner at Mitchell-Innes & Nash, the New York gallery founded by her parents, Lucy Mitchell-Innes and David Nash, two former Sotheby’s specialists, back in 1996. It’s no exaggeration to say Nash grew up in the gallery, playing alongside her sister Isobel, as their parents carved out what was then a niche in the market—working with artist estates.
Over the years, the gallery began to pivot toward the contemporary markets and, Nash, who joined as a gallery assistant in 2011, has focused her energies on bringing new and dynamic voices to their roster. Those efforts are paying dividends today. As summer winds down, Nash is gearing up for a busy fall showcasing these contemporary voices.
This September, Mitchell-Innes Nash will open “X-ing” an exhibition of work by artist Gerasimos Floratos (b. 1986). Floratos, a native New Yorker who lives and works in Times Square, is known for his gestural canvases shaped by the artist’s own experiences of synesthesia. This anticipated exhibition will be followed by solo shows of artists Keltie Ferris and Marcus Leslie Singleton at the gallery.
While Nash’s familial and professional lives truly revolve around the gallery, when she does take a day off, she can almost certainly be found palling around her beloved dog Arthur, or relaxing at home with an Epsom salt bath.
Recently we caught up with Nash, who told us what she values in art and life—and why.
Yirui Jia, Earful of Rumbles (2023). Courtesy of Josephine Nash.
What is the last thing that you splurged on?
A small painting of an alien-esque skeleton by Yirui Jia.
What is something that you’re saving up for?
My art wish list includes: an Imi Knoebel from the “Anima Mundi” series, a Melvin Edwards Lynch Fragment, a Katherine Bradford painting, and I’d love to buy a work by Heidi Hahn who we just started to represent. We have our first show in 2024.
What would you buy if you found $100?
A pair of Reebok Club C sneakers.
What makes you feel like a million bucks?
An Epsom salt bath.
What do you think is your greatest asset?
Patience.
What do you most value in a work of art?
That it becomes more interesting over time.
Installation view of “Rafael Delacruz: Healing Finger Clean Drawings” at Mitchell-Innes & Nash, New York, 2023. © Rafael Delacruz. Courtesy of the artist and Mitchell-Innes & Nash, New York.
Who is an emerging artist worthy of everyone’s attention?
Rafael Delacruz. We had our first show with Rafael in June. I was sad to see it come down.
Who is an overlooked artist who hasn’t yet gotten their due?
Artist and filmmaker Pat O’Neill.
What, in your estimation, is the most overrated thing in the art world?
A couple of years ago I would easily have said art fairs. But post-COVID, I am reminded of the value of being able to introduce new clients to artwork in person.
What is your most treasured possession?
Two pieces of jewelry: my engagement ring and a charm necklace that my friend made for me to commemorate someone I lost.
What’s been your best investment?
Too soon to tell!
Arthur, Nash’s beloved pooch.
What is something small that means the world to you?
Arthur.
What’s not worth the hype?
Hype culture in general.
What do you believe is a worthy cause?
Storeybrook Farm Sanctuary in Vermont—they’ve saved over 200 horses and counting from neglect or slaughter.
What do you aspire to?
Inbox zero.