One of the most significant collections of modern art in the area has been curated by Elie Khouri over the past 15 years. His enthusiasm for real estate and his profession in advertising set him on the path to collecting. His work and the works he buys have all been impacted by notions about storytelling, the language used in communication, and the influence of ideas on human behavior.
According to Elie Khouri, these works of art “are crucial components in beautifying life and making life much more fascinating and polished.”
Four main themes can be identified in his vast collection of artwork, which includes hundreds of pieces: figuration, defying geometry or geometric abstraction, new technologies and media, and language and communication.
Lebanese-American artist Nabil Nahas’s work was the first significant collection. “The piece’s vibrant colors and quality craftsmanship caught my eye. But perhaps the title, So Happy To See You, is more significant. It seemed warm, new, and lively to me. I was captivated to it right away and bought it since it had such a bright take on life,” he expressed.
The acquisition of rare works is more of an “addiction” for Khouri, chairman of Omnicom Media Group and CEO of Vivium Holding, than it is an investment.
“You initially consider it to be something you love, not as an investment. When you fall in love with something, want to own it, and plan to live with it, you ideally hope it turns into an investment. If so, that’s fantastic. If it doesn’t, you are simply accepting it and enjoying it. Therefore, the motivating factor must be a love of the work,” he continued.
Khouri often purchases 30 to 35 pieces a year, and while he cannot choose a certain work as his all-time favorite, he can discuss what is currently on the list. As he develops his collection, Khouri keeps in touch with devoted advisers and gallery owners.
He further explains, “Everyone can find something. You can invest in art by purchasing a poster, a print, or something else for under $1,000. There are numerous up-and-coming talents. Consequently, the purpose matters more than the amount of the budget. A gorgeously crafted vase can be purchased for a few hundred dollars. So never let the budget intimidate you.”
A collector’s collection may reveal a lot about their personality, and Khouri is no exception. “It implies that I am quite eclectic, that I value brightness, boldness, thought-provoking, challenging thoughts, and interesting stuff. Whether it be in the art or the design, those are the unifying themes.”