Each August, the Greek island of Hydra becomes a crossroads for the international art world. But long before its current cultural allure, it was collector and patron Pauline Karpidas who put Hydra on the contemporary art map. For more than 20 years, she hosted summer workshops there, inviting artists and gallerists to “sunbathe, gossip and swim.” The final Hydra Workshop took place in 2017, and in October 2023, #SothebysParis hosted two days of auctions dedicated to works from Pauline’s magical home on the island. ob1london and George Condo reflect on her remarkable patronage, recalling how she shaped a community that would leave an enduring mark on contemporary art. This September, #SothebysLondon presents Pauline Karpidas: The London Collection – the greatest collection of Surrealism to emerge in recent history. It will be exhibited to the public starting 8 September, ahead of the auctions on 17 and 18 September. Discover more on Sothebys.com at the link in our bio.