In a world increasingly defined by cultural intersections and global narratives, Ivy Song triumphs as a curator of both art and human connection. With a life journey that spans continents—beginning in Beijing and weaving through Paris, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and now New York—Ivy has cultivated a unique perspective on identity and belonging. Her work is a celebration of diversity, bringing together artists and communities from disparate backgrounds to explore the universal themes of self-discovery and shared humanity. As a bridge between worlds, Ivy uses art not only as a medium of expression but as a powerful tool to foster understanding, challenge perceptions, and build lasting connections.
The Urban Executive: Can you introduce yourself?
Ivy: My background is Chinese, and I’m originally from Beijing. I grew up in a political family—my grandfather was a general and governor of an entire province in northwest China. This meant I spent my early years in a very multinational environment. When I was five, we moved to Beijing, where I lived in diplomatic compounds surrounded by a multicultural community. This upbringing cultivated my curiosity about different cultures, backgrounds, and the world at large.
At 19, I moved to Paris to attend business school, spending two years immersing myself in French culture. Afterward, I spent three years in Copenhagen, working on independent film projects. I’ve lived in Texas as an exchange student and travelled extensively through South America, parts of Africa, and Europe. For the past five years, I was based in Amsterdam before deciding to pursue further studies in New York at Sotheby’s art institute. Recently, I’ve curated several successful exhibitions, including a collaboration with an Italian artist we discovered in Genoa.
My background has deeply influenced my passion for merging artists from different continents and exploring the chemistry of their interactions. For instance, one of the exhibitions I curated featured a Peruvian-Japanese artist whose work delves into the complexities of her identity—growing up in Peru, looking Japanese, and studying in Paris. Her story resonated with me because it’s a profound exploration of self-identity, which mirrors my own journey of understanding who I am amidst diverse cultures, religions, and experiences.
I’ve come to realize that finding oneself is a long journey. My identity transcends being solely Chinese; it’s more international. Wherever I go, I build communities of open-minded people—individuals who don’t let their backgrounds define them but instead embrace diverse cultural experiences and seek personal growth.
The Urban Executive: Why art?
Ivy: While I started in business school and spent years in corporate roles, I’ve always had a deep passion for art. Over the years, I’ve attended countless art festivals, visited museums in every country I’ve travelled to—56 countries so far—and immersed myself in local art scenes. Art communities are incredibly welcoming and offer unique insights into the local culture. Through art, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the places I visit and the people I meet.
Eventually, I decided to leave the corporate world to pursue my true passion. I wanted to break free from the safety net of a 9-to-5 job and explore what truly fulfills me: connecting people, questioning identity, and immersing myself in vibrant cultures. Art provides a perfect medium for these pursuits.
The Urban Executive: When did you realize you enjoyed connecting people?
Ivy: Since childhood. As an only child, I hated being alone and always sought human connection. Moving frequently and adapting to new cultures taught me the importance of rebuilding and reconnecting. Some might see constant relocation as a lack of security, but I view it as an opportunity for adventure and growth. I thrive on meeting new people, understanding their stories, and challenging myself to expand my network beyond familiar circles.
The Urban Executive: How long have you been in New York?
Ivy: Just five months, but I’ve already built a strong community here. I’m naturally drawn to bringing people together because I believe in the power of community. Many people keep separate friend groups, worrying they won’t get along. I don’t think that way. I’m the bridge, introducing people and letting them explore connections on their own. This confidence in relationships allows me to bring together diverse groups of artists, curators, musicians, and even finance professionals who share a passion for art. Our common ground is a shared love of beauty—whether in art, music, or the human spirit.
The Urban Executive: What makes you say yes to a piece of art?
Ivy: With so much art in the world, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. When curating, I focus on the artist’s story and intention. Art is more than a visual experience; it’s a channel for expressing one’s understanding of life and the world. If an artist doesn’t have depth or something meaningful to say, their work feels superficial to me—a decorative piece at best.
I’m drawn to art that challenges, provokes thought, and connects people with beauty on a deeper level. Beauty itself takes many forms, and it isn’t always aesthetically pleasing in the conventional sense. For me, true beauty lies in authenticity and the ability to inspire meaningful reflection.
That’s why I gravitate toward high-value collectibles with rich histories and layers of meaning. Picasso’s Blue Period, for example, captures raw emotion and the fragility of the human condition—there’s an undeniable soul in every brushstroke. Renoir’s works, with their luminous warmth, evoke a timeless joy that feels deeply human. I’ve also acquired treasures like a Fabergé egg, whose craftsmanship tells a story of luxury and legacy, and vehicles like Ayrton Senna’s F1 McLaren and the Ferrari 330 LMB, which represent both engineering brilliance and the spirit of relentless ambition.
Each piece I collect is more than an object—it’s a narrative, a connection to a moment in time, or a reflection of a universal truth. Whether it’s a painting, a sculpture, or a machine, it must resonate with something deeper within me, sparking inspiration and fostering a sense of wonder.
The Urban Executive: What are your long-term goals?
Ivy: My dream is to become a world-class art dealer and curator. I’m continuing my training, focusing on secondary masterpieces like Picasso. But more than building a career, my ultimate goal is to bring more beauty into the world. In a world filled with conflict and ugliness, I want to create spaces that inspire hope and remind people that beauty still exists. It’s about offering a vision of something better—a glimpse of sunshine beyond the clouds.
Through art, I hope to help people imagine a brighter future and find the courage to build it.
Comments