5 Questions with Laura Mann of Pearl Rowe Art Advisory

Dec 1, 2024

We are thrilled to have had a chance to sit down and chat with Laura Mann, a dedicated art advisor based in Toronto. Laura has a remarkable talent for connecting with both emerging and established artists and guiding her clients in building collections that reflect their individual tastes and stories. We took the opportunity to discuss her insights into the art world and her approach to helping clients discover meaningful artworks.

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1AN: Laura, with over a decade of experience in the Canadian contemporary art world, how do you approach discovering new Canadian artists and selecting pieces that resonate with your clients?

Laura Mann: Our approach is driven by the notion of connection and the goal of introducing clients to artists and artworks that they wouldn’t have discovered on their own. When it comes to discovering new Canadian artists, the relationships we have built with a range of galleries across the country keep us on top of artists who are just beginning their careers, or more established artists who are innovating in their practice. It’s important to us to regularly see artworks in person, through gallery visits and art fairs (in Toronto, Art Toronto and The Artist Project are two fairs that we always attend), as well as international fairs to broaden our exposure.

When sourcing art for our clients, we tailor the process to their individual interests, providing exposure to concepts behind an artist's work that connect to our clients in a meaningful way. We also have the added layer of considering the placement of artworks into our clients’ homes - we work within the context of their space and design so that there is cohesion in how all the elements come together.

1AN: Yes, that cohesion between space and design. You certainly seem to have a unique ability to blend contemporary art with architecture and design. How do you help clients create a visual story in their spaces through the art they collect?

Laura Mann: I love architecture and interior design and have felt for a long time that there is a disconnect between these creative worlds and contemporary art. I never advocate for matching art to the furniture, but I believe that a design ethos can connect thoughtfully to the art and artists that are showcased in a home. Especially when it comes to contemporary design, there is a real opportunity for art to add to the heart, soul and warmth of a home.

It’s important to us that our clients live with and enjoy art in their daily lives. On a practical level, we start each project with a detailed analysis of the home and the locations that are suitable for artworks. Before we begin sourcing, we often collaborate with architects and interior designers to understand the vision and ethos they have developed with the clients.

1AN: Makes sense, but what do you enjoy most about guiding clients through the process of discovering art that not only fits their space but also offers them a new perspective on what art can mean?

Laura Mann: Most of my clients don’t see themselves as art collectors (especially at the beginning!), but through the process, they learn to navigate the world of collecting in a manageable and un-intimidating way. I enjoy seeing the evolution of their collecting habits and how much more comfortable our clients become with making decisions. This level of comfort often comes with the appreciation of living with meaningful artworks and the concept that goes behind the work. We share details and information about each artist’s background, practice and materials so that our clients are not just evaluating the work in front of them, but gaining an understanding of why and how the work was made.

1AN: I love that! Your background in Art History and Art Business gives you a strong foundation in the art world. How do you combine this academic knowledge with your personal passion for connecting people to contemporary art in meaningful ways?

Laura Mann: Art History is foundational and is the critical context for understanding contemporary art. I didn’t really discover my love for contemporary art until I was completing my MA and had exposure to the art market in London, UK. My undergrad experience was so historical that it took a while for me to fully appreciate the importance of artists alive today, working and contributing to the culture that surrounds us. For me, I took the foundation of Art History, the practical tools from my MA and then immersed myself in experiences that would give me as much exposure to emerging and established artists. I started by focusing on Toronto as that is where I am based, but over time cultivated a knowledge base that extends throughout the country, and also into the US. It’s not as simple as having a database, but I gather images constantly and I am always discovering new artists and galleries.

1AN: The Canadian contemporary art scene is constantly evolving. What exciting trends or emerging artists are you seeing right now that you think collectors should keep an eye on?

Laura Mann: I don’t see the contemporary art scene as having trends - instead I think galleries create well-rounded programs, often balancing the type of artists they are working with and diversifying their roster. I then see my role as curating and selecting from galleries to bring together unique pairings and collections that suit my clients’ collecting objectives and the context of their space.

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