Raphaël Isvy, a 32-year-old entrepreneur and avid collector, is part of a new generation of art enthusiasts who are challenging traditional norms in the art world. With a background in risk management, Isvy has seen firsthand how chaos unfolds when an unregulated system operates without rules.
Isvy's story begins with his childhood love for gaming, anime, and manga. He grew up surrounded by these cultures and saw them as integral to his identity. As he entered adulthood, his passion for collectibles led him to start collecting Pokémon cards, sneakers, and other rare items.
However, it was the art world that caught his attention. Isvy started collecting contemporary art in 2018, and his focus quickly shifted from traditional Western art to a broader understanding of global art practices. He became particularly interested in artists who used gaming and pop culture as inspiration for their work.
For Isvy, the key to change lies in greater liquidity and openness within the art market. He compares the art world to the Pokémon card market, where transparency and liquidity keep everything in motion. He believes that if someone sells a $3,000 work, that person will probably reinvest that money in another artist, creating a ripple effect of opportunity for collectors, dealers, and artists alike.
Isvy also emphasizes the importance of embracing diversity and fluidity within the art world. He sees the current traditional hierarchy as restrictive and believes that younger collectors are more likely to challenge this status quo by incorporating elements from other areas, such as gaming and pop culture, into their collecting practices.
In his own space, Isvy has created a hybrid environment that reflects his eclectic tastes and interests. His home office and private room feel like a cross between a gaming den and a cabinet of curiosities, with vintage pieces, gaming consoles, manga shelves, Pokémon cards, Rubik's cubes, and even miniature paintings on display.
Isvy believes that the art market's rigidity will eventually give way to a more inclusive and open approach. As he said, "If I cared only about money, I would have sold it—I've had offers. But I paid $9,000 for [Robert Nava]'s painting and to me, it's priceless. He's one of the most important artists of our generation. This room reminds me why I started collecting in the first place."
Ultimately, Isvy's story represents a new chapter in the art world, one that values diversity, inclusivity, and openness. His approach may challenge traditional norms, but it also offers a refreshing perspective on what collecting can mean to someone like him—a confluence of gaming, pop culture, and art that has become an integral part of his identity.
Isvy's story begins with his childhood love for gaming, anime, and manga. He grew up surrounded by these cultures and saw them as integral to his identity. As he entered adulthood, his passion for collectibles led him to start collecting Pokémon cards, sneakers, and other rare items.
However, it was the art world that caught his attention. Isvy started collecting contemporary art in 2018, and his focus quickly shifted from traditional Western art to a broader understanding of global art practices. He became particularly interested in artists who used gaming and pop culture as inspiration for their work.
For Isvy, the key to change lies in greater liquidity and openness within the art market. He compares the art world to the Pokémon card market, where transparency and liquidity keep everything in motion. He believes that if someone sells a $3,000 work, that person will probably reinvest that money in another artist, creating a ripple effect of opportunity for collectors, dealers, and artists alike.
Isvy also emphasizes the importance of embracing diversity and fluidity within the art world. He sees the current traditional hierarchy as restrictive and believes that younger collectors are more likely to challenge this status quo by incorporating elements from other areas, such as gaming and pop culture, into their collecting practices.
In his own space, Isvy has created a hybrid environment that reflects his eclectic tastes and interests. His home office and private room feel like a cross between a gaming den and a cabinet of curiosities, with vintage pieces, gaming consoles, manga shelves, Pokémon cards, Rubik's cubes, and even miniature paintings on display.
Isvy believes that the art market's rigidity will eventually give way to a more inclusive and open approach. As he said, "If I cared only about money, I would have sold it—I've had offers. But I paid $9,000 for [Robert Nava]'s painting and to me, it's priceless. He's one of the most important artists of our generation. This room reminds me why I started collecting in the first place."
Ultimately, Isvy's story represents a new chapter in the art world, one that values diversity, inclusivity, and openness. His approach may challenge traditional norms, but it also offers a refreshing perspective on what collecting can mean to someone like him—a confluence of gaming, pop culture, and art that has become an integral part of his identity.
, these traditional norms are so last gen. collectors like him are bringing new energy to the table with their diverse tastes and interests...i mean who says you can only collect "serious" art? 
pokemon cards and miniature paintings in one room? genius! it's about time we saw more of these kinds of innovative spaces popping up 
, maybe this is the start of a new era where collecting isn't just for rich ppl 
! as someone who's always been a fan of gaming and anime, it's cool to see how he's bringing those elements into the art world too 
. and can you imagine a space that blends gaming den + cabinet of curiosities? 
i need to check out his private room ASAP! 
I'm loving how Raphaël Isvy is shaking things up with his unconventional approach! 
The fact that he's not afraid to blend gaming & pop culture into his collecting practice is so refreshing 
. His space looks like a real-life cabinet of curiosities - I'm obsessed with the mini paintings on display 
. It's amazing how his passion for art has become an integral part of who he is! 
#ArtRevolution #GamingMeetsArt #CollectorsUnite
It's awesome to see someone like him who's not afraid to think outside the box and challenge traditional norms #ThinkOutsideTheBox 
. Like, who needs traditional Western art anyway? I mean, what's wrong with collecting Pokémon cards or gaming consoles as much as painting? It's just a matter of personal taste, right? And honestly, I think it's kinda boring how people are talking about "challenging traditional norms" like they're some kind of revolutionaries 