Meeting of Minds
As the saying goes, success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it
Bringing Larry Gagosian and Zeng Fanzhi together for our cover story was a Herculean effort—and why wouldn’t it be? Both are heavyweights of the art world, both are trailblazers in their fields and, predictably, both are incredibly busy people. William Zhao, our new editor-at-large for art and design, wasted no time in setting this momentous meeting in motion. The interview happened on a Friday, then the shoot, by photographer Chris Sorensen, the next day. Fanzhi had just flown in, Larry was flying out that evening—as we said, pretty busy people. We shot the cover in the library of Gagosian Gallery at 980 Madison Avenue, with the duo placed against a hefty wooden bookcase. Larry came straight from his office—turns out he works on Saturdays—and met us there. “I’m truly honoured Larry accepted our interview request despite his intense work schedule,” says William of the collaboration. “I’ve known him for a few years, well enough to know that he has given very few interviews in the past. As for Zeng, he’s been a friend for nearly two decades. We enjoyed visiting galleries and museums together over the few days we were in New York. One has a strong persona but incredible charisma, while the other is exceptionally creative and focused.”
For the full story, turn to p.158
“ONE HAS A STRONG PERSONA BUT INCREDIBLE CHARISMA, WHILE THE OTHER IS EXCEPTIONALLY CREATIVE AND FOCUSED”