‘I rely heavily on instinct’: entertainment mogul Hassan Smith on the art he collects and why

In addition to working as a manager for the singer John Legend, Hassan Smith serves on the advisory board for the Atlanta Art Fair Chip Moody
A longtime entertainment-industry executive, Hassan Smith is also a passionate collector and a regular at exhibitions in his hometown of Atlanta, as well as in Los Angeles and beyond. In addition to working as a manager for the singer John Legend, he serves on the advisory board for the Atlanta Art Fair. His personal collection includes works by many giants of Black post-war and contemporary art—from Frank Bowling, Sam Gilliam, Gordon Parks and Richard Mayhew to Rashid Johnson, Hank Willis Thomas, Deborah Roberts and Patrick Eugène. Smith is a devotee of art history as well; he counts works by Pablo Picasso and Rembrandt in his collection. As he prepared for Frieze Los Angeles, Smith told The Art Newspaper about his most recent acquisition, his favourite place to eat in town and his picks for the upcoming Oscars.
The Art Newspaper: What are you looking forward to during Frieze Los Angeles this year?
Hassan Smith: I’m looking forward to fellowshipping with fellow art enthusiasts and seeing ambitious work from galleries around the world. I’m especially excited for the Collector X Dinner, which always brings together some of the most thoughtful voices in the art and business community.
Where do you like to eat and drink near Santa Monica?
One of my favourite dining experiences during Frieze Los Angeles is at Somerville, a Black-owned supper club that honours its South Central roots.
In the Form Of (2023), by the Los Angeles-based artist Mario Joyce, is a recent addition to Smith’s collection Walker Bankson
What was the first work you ever bought?
The first substantial works I brought into my collection were photographs by Gordon Parks in 2010. That acquisition really shaped how I think about storytelling in art.
What was the most recent work you bought?
The most recent work I acquired was a large-scale painting by Patrick Eugène. He’s an artist who was recently selected by Dior for the Lady Art bag collaboration, and his work is incredibly transcendent.
How quickly do you decide to buy a work of art?
I tend to decide quickly. I rely heavily on instinct, supported by conversations within my network, to guide me towards decisions that feel both intuitive and informed.
Untitled (2024) by Esther Mahlangu; in 2024, Smith co-curated an exhibition of the South African artist’s work at ZuCot Gallery in his hometown of Atlanta Walker Bankson
What do you regret not buying when you had the chance?
I have a few regrets about not acquiring works earlier on! Particularly by Titus Kaphar, Amy Sherald and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye—artists whose practices have only grown more resonant over time.
If you could have any work from any museum in the world, what would it be?
It would be a large-scale painting by Kerry James Marshall from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. His work operates on both a monumental and deeply intimate level.
Who do you hope will win at the Oscars this year?
I’m rooting for Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler! I’m excited to see their continued impact recognised on a global stage.
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