Meet our Guest with Cornah Willis
Image: Portrait of Cornah Willis photographed by Duncan Wright.
For this story of Meet our Guest, we interviewed the newest member of the Guest Work Agency team, Cornah Willis. We are thrilled to have Cornah joining us as the Associate Director of the Guest Club, our membership network for emerging collectors and art lovers.
Cornah comes to the Guest Club after seven years of professional practice, working across Europe and North America. Recently returning to Australia after heading up the art department at Quintessentially, a luxury lifestyle management service and holding managerial roles at Christie's, Cornah is well versed in art business and curatorial practices. Prior to these long-standing roles, Cornah worked for Saatchi Gallery and spent weekends teaching young people about art. She has worked with global powerhouses such as Hauser & Wirth, Frieze, Pace, Valentino, Tate, and many more household names. Aside from working with commercial entities and non-profit institutions, Cornah also collaborates with pre-emerging and emerging artists to support their budding practices.
In this interview, Cornah shares with us some of the highlights of her career trajectory to date, her take on the Australian art scene, and her aspirations for the Guest Club.
You have a background in education, so what led you to art?
The roots of my career start in the classroom, I was a secondary school art teacher for three years. However, curriculums that heavily favoured maths and literacy encouraged me to move into the institutional sector. This transition began at Whitechapel Gallery and Saatchi Gallery in London, working on their family and school programs. This quickly developed into continuing education for adults and my full-time occupation. Art has been at the forefront of my mind since I was a child, blossoming as a hobby, then tertiary subject matter, and now my established profession.
Cornah Willis, Artwork by Mary Corse at PACE gallery 2019.
Tell us about your London stint. What were some of your highlights?
London is a phenomenal city, day or night there is an opportunity to indulge in art and culture, working in Mayfair was like being at the beating heart. Christie’s is a rotating museum, in the mornings I would arrive to a display of world-class Old Master Paintings and by the evening the sales would have changed, and the walls would be adorned with Post-War and Contemporary heavy hitters. I particularly enjoyed the Audrey Hepburn and George Michael auctions, and couldn’t possibly forget the Salvator Mundi by Da Vinci. My passion for art is all-encompassing so I’ve spent many weekends at Art Basel Switzerland, the Venice Biennale, and Paris Fashion week.
You’re currently based in Perth – what are your thoughts on the Perth art scene?
Perth has been a radical change from London, as the prized artists and household names are completely different. I have noticed a shift in prominent subject matter, curatorial focus, and popular trends. From a global hub to a hyperlocal community one component runs through both ecosystems – a deep appreciation and respect for art and artists. An artist-run space that I fell immediately in love with is Cool Change Contemporary, which celebrates the work of emerging artists such as Benjamin Bannan, Tyrown Waigana, and Linda Loh.
I am very excited to make my way to Melbourne for 2022! My art hit list includes ACCA, Kings Artist-Run, and [MARS] Gallery.
You’ve decided to go back to your studies while working, what course will you be completing and why now?
Throughout my career, I have continued to study via professional development opportunities and evening courses. In London I studied an Introduction to Curation and Experience Design at Central St Martins and Business Administration at Birkbeck. In 2022 I will be completing my Masters in Business Administration at Deakin. I believe it is an important way to stay fresh and current.
What is the role of an art advisor and why is it relevant in 2021?
Your art journey is unique. It’s driven by specific desires, perspectives, and contexts. An art advisor is there to cultivate experiences, provide an education, and make connections that align with your intentions. Integrity is at the heart of an advisor's practice. One of my favourite books that explores the history of the art dealer, gallerist, and advisor is Rogues' Gallery by Philip Hook.
What can we look forward to for the Guest Club in 2022?
2022 will be dedicated to celebrating the company of our community! Reconnecting with artists, curators, and enthusiasts, and making new connections and discoveries. Guest Club will also strengthen its international ties, embracing the global art scene whilst remaining loyal to our local networks.
Visit the Guest Club here to learn more about our bespoke experiences and membership offerings for art lovers and collectors.