The Eye Behind The Art

From Emerging to Established Artists, Curating a Collection

Art represents many things to people: decoration, political statement, visual pleasure, investment, personal expression, and sometimes, just a pretty picture that matches the couch. Hamptons homeowners deeply appreciate art and also have a rare commodity: wall space. How they choose pieces of art and how to display them becomes an art in itself. In this quest, an experienced art advisor can be a valued asset.

Sag Harbor-based art advisor and curator Heidi Lee-Komaromi, AAA, relies on her over twenty years of professional experience specializing in Post-War and Contemporary art. Her art advisory was established on her comprehensive understanding of the art market, her solid reputation in the industry, and her history of providing trustworthy art services with unwavering integrity. This is a bonus in a world with headlines of art fraud. With her firm HLK Art Group, she serves a diverse clientele, including individual art collectors, multinational businesses, interior designers, and estates worldwide.

“The most gratifying part of being an art advisor, apart from making my clients happy when I help them find the perfect artwork, has always been the studio visits,” Lee-Komaromi says. While she is well-versed in established artists, the thrill of the hunt for new talent is also paramount. “Whether climbing rickety stairs or traveling to reclaimed barns to discover an artist’s lair, I am always transported into an enchanted world of creativity and inspiration. It is great to be a champion of their work.” When asked what she sees as a key to an artist’s success, she responds, “When you’ve been in this business long enough, you see stars rising. “While the factors that define a rising star in the art world can vary, I’ve observed a consistent thread: they show unwavering commitment to their practice and continually evolve in ways that keep their work relevant and resonant.”

Even at prominent galleries and art fairs, there is still the thrill of discovery. “Every acquisition carries a story.” She recounts the time of walking around the Armory Fair with an art collector client, when they discovered a striking painting by the British-Guyanese artist, Frank Bowling, who at the time, was largely under-recognized in the U.S.  “We acquired it on instinct. A few years later, Bowling was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, signed with mega-gallery, Hauser & Wirth, and celebrated at international museums. That’s the magic of trusting your eye—and the moment.” 

For her Fortune 100 corporate client, she is currently expanding their permanent collection and curating the art throughout all the offices of their global headquarters in Manhattan. The curation aligns not only with the firm’s core values but also with the architecture and design of the space itself. The art must reflect the company’s goals, but also harmonize with the surrounding space. Interior finishes, furniture placement, and lighting all inform the selection of each work of art.

For her private clients, it is more personal and emotive: “They ask, ‘Will I still appreciate this artwork in the future, and will I be able to live with it day in and day out?” It may be just finding some art to meet a beach house vibe or something that connects with them profoundly, regardless of size and color.

She says of her process, “I always begin with an engaged dialogue and attuned listening—truly understanding what the client hopes to achieve, whether that’s aesthetic fulfillment, cultural alignment, or strategic investment.” For her high-end Hamptons clients, Lee-Komaromi also understands, “some are drawn to what pleases the eye, while others approach art as an investment asset. In both cases, my role includes guiding them through mitigating risk when making meaningful acquisitions.” She adds, “What many overlook is that collecting art is not just about the artwork itself—it’s about long-term stewardship: insurance, maintenance, appraisals, and ensuring the piece is protected as part of a lasting legacy.”

Patience can also be a virtue. “I placed a beautiful 15-foot sculpture by Annie Morris in a gorgeous house in Wainscott, and it will take a year to fabricate in Europe. There’s the thrill of the hunt and then the long waiting game.”

Lee-Komaromi prides herself on her long-term relationships with art collectors, helping them curate and then evolve their collections over time. “I have the privilege of working with clients as they build and evolve their collections. Each new acquisition adds a layer to the story, reflecting shifting tastes, life experiences, and personal growth. Collections aren’t static; they’re living, breathing entities that mirror the rhythms of their collectors’ lives.”

“At its core, art is an affair of the heart,” says Lee-Komaromi. “The true power of art lies in experiencing it freely, without the noise of market trends or external expectations. When you engage with a work authentically, you open the door to transformation. Suddenly, you’re in dialogue with the piece, the artist, and yourself. And if you’re lucky, you walk away changed.”

Many Hamptonites will recognize the name Karyn Mannix, known as an artist, curator, advisor, rebel and amazing community connector. The shows she curates at Ashawagh Hall for local artists are a huge draw, and her vast knowledge of established and upcoming artists puts her firmly in the mix for clients looking to create their collections and decorate their homes.

Mannix has honed her eye through diverse experiences in the arts and the roles she has played, “I began creating as a child and never stopped,” she explains, “My artistic journey has taken me through various realms, including a successful stint as a fashion and costume designer. By the age of 21, I had established my own clothing line, K. Mannix, which garnered attention by making the cover of Women’s Wear Daily, and has been in feature films, Vogue Magazine, Cyndi Lauper’s HBO Tour, and Michael Mann’s “Crime Stories.” I worked with Patricia Field (Sex and The City fame) and showed alongside Donna Karan in Bloomingdales, NYC.”

She earned a second degree in Museum Studies: Postmodern Art Theory & Criticism, which led to stints as curator, critic, columnist, gallerist, and educator, short hand for a mover and shaker. Previously owning four brick-and-mortar galleries on the East End, Mannix decided to simplify her career, focusing as a private Agent of Art, representing artists from around the globe as well as her own work. She is also deeply committed to the next generation. “I am currently working as the arts educator at Wainscott School for kindergarten through third grade, where I have the privilege of nurturing young talent and fostering a love for art.”

When asked how she develops her curatorial skills and discovers artists Mannix replies, “Truly, there isn’t a trick to it or something you can learn in school. Either you have the eye, or you don’t.” She adds, “When selecting artists to work with, I prioritize not only their skill but also their professionalism and ease of collaboration. This ensures that the exhibitions we produce are of the highest quality.”

After twenty years in the art business and working with hundreds of artists, Mannix has seen it all, “I have concluded that herding artists is harder than herding cats. Last year, I published a book titled ‘If You’re An Artist…101 Tips’ for the working artist who is breaking into the art world, sharing my insights and experiences on how to navigate the industry appropriately.”

Working with private clients as an art advisor has a similar collaborative approach, “Every client has unique needs, and I value individuality in every project. Together, we create inspiring spaces, for living or business, that leave a lasting impression by adding to a collection or curating it properly.”

The process is also a personal one for Mannix who is also an artist, “I am a text-based artist who uses words to create thought-provoking, interactive art. Currently, I am working on the Book Stack series, where I photograph a stack of books and make comments about each one.”

Proof positive that art is so much more than just a pretty picture over the couch.