The Most Powerful Woman in the Room... Lydia Fenet
Thank you for your support and feedback on our newsletter with Carolyn Bess! This week we are talking with Sewanee celebrity, Lydia Fenet (C’99). See the links to her new book and podcast, too! Enjoy!
Did you have any internships during your time at Sewanee? If so, what were they?
“I interned at Christie’s Auction House during my junior year in college which ultimately became a full-time role for over two decades.”
What made you decide to major in Art History?
“I went on European Studies my junior year and fell in love with art history. I was a history major but decided to declare a second major in art history. I comped in both majors - a lot of reading and a whole lot of writing!”
What was your favorite art history course you took at Sewanee?
“I really enjoyed learning about contemporary art during my senior year. Prior to the class, I was definitely one of those people who would see Contemporary Art in a museum and think “I could do that.” Understanding the social and political climate that the artist was working in, how their personal story led them to create that piece, and where it fell in the arc of their career made such a difference.
“After I left college to work at Christie’s, I had the opportunity to meet a number of artists and hear from them firsthand. It is always such an exciting part of working in the art world.”
Where did you go after graduating? What’s your story postgrad?
“I moved to New York to do a second internship at Christie’s after I graduated. I was hired out of that internship into the Client Advisory department but quickly switched back to Special Events where I had interned during the summer.
“I absolutely loved everything about it and never wanted to leave. I was there full-time for over 21 years and am now an ambassador for the company.
“I have now written two books. The first, The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is You, and my second, coming out tomorrow (March 21st) is Claim Your Confidence, which is also the name of my new podcast!”
What’s your favorite museum/ gallery/ exhibit/ work of art you’ve seen recently?
“Alex Katz at the Guggenheim. The show has so many subtle nods to New York City which, as a New Yorker for the past 22 years, fills me with such love.”
How has your art history major helped you in your daily life?
“It was such an important foundation for my decades-long career at Christie’s. It’s amazing to be able to walk into a museum or gallery at work and immediately know the artist and how they fit into the broader movement of their time.”
Thank you so much, Lydia for sharing your experiences with us. Be on the lookout for our conversation next week with Kay Tasian Woods (C’01)!