Elena Soboleva (@elenasoboleva)
Sarah Andelman (@sarahandelman)
Jasmin Hernandez (@gallerygurls)
Jeffrey Deitch (@jeffreydeitch)
Art has always been a significant part of New York City’s DNA, from graffiti adoring its urban landscape to the world-class galleries and museums that dot its avenues. It has now paved its way with NYC influencers.
In today’s digital age, this artistic pulse has found a new home on social media, particularly Instagram, where creative minds share their works, inspirations, and artistic journeys.
Among these are the NYC influencers – individuals who have harnessed the power of social media to influence and inspire their vast online communities.
In this article, we delve into the world of NYC influencers who love art, sharing a comprehensive background of the top 10 profiles you should be following.
Yusaku Maezawa (@yusaku2020)
Yusaku Maezawa, a Japanese billionaire and art enthusiast, is a prominent figure in the international art scene. Known for purchasing a Jean-Michel Basquiat painting for a whopping $110.5 million in 2017. Maezawa regularly shares art-related news on his Instagram. His ambitious plans, such as sending his prize Basquiat on a museum tour and even planning to travel to the moon with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, make him one of the most intriguing NYC influencers to follow.
Elena Soboleva (@elenasoboleva)
Elena Soboleva, an NYC influencer and veteran Artsy specialist. She was chosen by the mega-gallery David Zwirner to be its first-ever online sales director. Her Instagram feed is a treasure trove of art events, covering everything from Sterling Ruby at Xavier Hufkens to Dan Flavin at Dia Bridgehampton. If you’re into contemporary art, Soboleva’s profile is a must-follow.
Gucci Beauty (@guccibeauty)
While not a person, the Gucci Beauty Instagram account deserves a mention. This brand account, guided by creative director Alessandro Michele, navigates the intersection of fashion and art. Each post, featuring guest writers and critics, explores various art pieces’ historical and artistic significance. This artistic exploration makes Gucci Beauty one of the most unique NYC influencers in the fashion and beauty industry.
Benny Or (@bennyor)
Hong Kong-born and Canada-raised Benny Or is an NYC influencer and artist who trained as an architect before delving into environmental design. His feed features art expeditions at museums and galleries, plus cameos from artists like Daniel Arsham and Takashi Murakami. If you’re interested in the intersection of art and architecture, Benny Or is one of the NYC influencers you should check out.
Lil Miquela (@lilmiquela)
Lil Miquela is not your typical NYC influencer. She’s a digital avatar created in 2016 by Trevor McFedries and Sara Decou. Despite her virtual existence, Miquela has a significant influence, with over a million followers and collaborations with luxe brands like Off White, Moncler, Prada, and Chanel. Following Lil Miquela offers a unique perspective on where art and technology intersect.
Sarah Andelman (@sarahandelman)
Sarah Andelman is the creative mind behind Colette, a concept store that mainstreamed collaborations between art and fashion brands. Her Instagram reflects her creative pursuits, featuring images from art galleries and retail showrooms worldwide.
Andrew Kuo (@earlboykins2)
NYC influencer and artist Andrew Kuo delights his followers with a mix of art, furry animals, and other meme-friendly visual treats. After a brief hiatus, he returned to Instagram under the new moniker “earlboykins2,” continuing his visual antics with a more cautious approach to attribution.
Jasmin Hernandez (@gallerygurls)
Jasmin Hernandez, the founder of Gallery Gurls, is an NYC influencer with a keen eye for photography and style. A vocal supporter of the Latinx community, Hernandez uses her platform to promote diversity and inclusivity in the art world.
Gary Yeh (@artdrunk)
Gary Yeh, the founder of ArtDrunk and one of the most dedicated NYC influencers, makes it a point to attend as many art shows as possible. His Instagram is a visual diary of his art adventures. From gallery openings on the Lower East Side to Museum Mile.
Jeffrey Deitch (@jeffreydeitch)
Well-known art critic and former director of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, Jeffrey Deitch provides an insider’s view of the art world. His Instagram account is a vibrant showcase of contemporary art, art events, and exhibitions that will inspire any art lover.
Follow for Inspiration and Change
In conclusion, these NYC influencers are shaking up the art scene, one post at a time. Their profiles are not just platforms for self-expression but also platforms for dialogue, inspiration, and change. So, whether you’re an artist, a curator, a critic, or simply an art enthusiast, these are the New York-based influencers you should start following today.
