Rachel Lehmann and David Maupin are pleased to announce the appointment of Isabella Kairis Icoz as Partner, based in London.
In her new role as a Partner, Icoz will collaborate closely with the gallery founders and partners Carla Camacho and Jessica Kreps, who are based in New York, to strengthen the gallery’s connections in the UK and Europe and provide a bridge for its artists’ activity in the region. Icoz will drive the gallery's programme, sales, and curatorial initiatives in the UK and Europe, which encompasses active participation in regional art fairs, including Frieze London and Art Basel. Additionally, she will continue to leverage her exemplary network to collaborate with museums, biennials, and institutions in the region to organize exhibitions that showcase its artists’ work and introduce their practices to new audiences and geographies.
Under Icoz’s leadership, next year Lehmann Maupin will launch a new pop-up location on Cork Street, strategically positioned in the heart of Mayfair, which boasts the highest concentration of galleries. This development will enhance Lehmann Maupin's deep-rooted connections to London—a city that serves as a home to many artists in its program, including Billy Childish, Mandy El-Sayegh, Gilbert & George, Shirazeh Houshiary, Chantal Joffe, and Do Ho Suh. This decision comes at a time when the gallery is looking to expand its footprint in London and is exploring new options for its artists. The gallery will continue to operate its space at Cromwell Place with forthcoming solo exhibitions by Tammy Nguyen and Loriel Beltrán, both slated for next year.
“Isabella’s passion for elevating Lehmann Maupin and our artists has contributed significantly to the gallery’s growth in the UK and Europe over the last decade. Her journey with Lehmann Maupin has been one of continued ingenuity and experimentation, always pushing the gallery forward. As we continue to expand in London and beyond, Isabella’s leadership and keen understanding of the gallery business are invaluable to our global success.” shares co- founder, Rachel Lehmann.
For over a decade, Icoz has played a pivotal role in developing Lehmann Maupin’s presence in Europe and the UK, having held the position of Senior Director in London since 2019. Icoz was instrumental in the successful launch of the gallery’s inaugural UK outpost at Cromwell Place in South Kensington in 2020 and has overseen the UK debuts of many of its artists, including Nari Ward (forthcoming), Arcmanoro Niles, and Billie Zangewa. She has also cultivated a very loyal network of clients who have supported the gallery for years and has spearheaded the gallery's participation in several significant regional art fairs. Additionally, Icoz has served as a liaison for gallery artists such as Shirazeh Houshiary, Do Ho Suh, Chantal Joffe, and Klara Kristalova, among others. Icoz has over 17 years of experience, having worked at both Christie’s and Sotheby’s, and as an independent art adviser before her time with Lehmann Maupin. Icoz is also a nominator for The Prix Pictet, and currently sits on the committee of The Art of Wishes, Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“Over the past thirteen years, I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of working with a very international team and roster of artists at Lehmann Maupin,” reflects Icoz. “This global community—which expands beyond our physical spaces in New York, Seoul, and London—is what makes the gallery stand out amongst its peers. As we continue expanding in Europe and the UK, I feel energized to be a part of the gallery’s leadership team and look forward to the next chapter.”
During Frieze Week, the gallery is presenting a two-artist exhibition Disfigurations, featuring the works of London-based artist Mandy El-Sayegh and Berlin-based artist and curator Kader Attia, at its Cromwell Place location. Concurrently, Lehmann Maupin will celebrate its 19th appearance at Frieze London with a presentation that foregrounds its artists' achievements in institutional and gallery settings on both sides of the Atlantic, including works by Nari Ward, whose first solo exhibition in London opens at Lehmann Maupin in November, along with pieces by Erwin Wurm and Nicholas Hlobo, coinciding with their participation in institutional exhibitions in the UK.
Details about the gallery’s 2024 Cork Street programming will be announced in the coming months.
Read more in Artsy.
Portrait by Stephen White & Co