Sonny Hardman’s love affair with art began a lifetime ago. As a 12-year-old, he began collecting art, using the money he earned cutting grass to buy small pieces, from watercolors to prints.

“I’ve been a very visual person my whole life,” says Hardman, explaining what ultimately led him to pursue pathology as a career path. But even in medical school, Hardman’s passion for art was ever present. “I read numerous biographies of artists, art history, the neurophysiology of color interpretation, how our brain interprets light, depth and color,” he says.

As time went on, Hardman taught himself how to paint with oils, immersing himself in the act of creating as well as the study of it. After taking care of his parents and losing them both during COVID, he was given the reminder that life is short and passion is not to be wasted.

Determined not to wait, he retired from medicine and moved to New York City to pursue a master’s degree in art business at Sotheby’s Institute of Art. The time afforded him occasion to study, observe and attend numerous galleries, art exhibits and museums both in the United States and abroad, in addition to listening to many guest speakers from galleries, financial institutions and auction houses, such as Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Doyle and Bonhams.

After so much immersion and education, Hardman opened his eponymous gallery, Sonny Hardman Fine Arts, in 2023. The gallery currently represents approximately 30 artists, most of whom Hardman has found through word of mouth. “Once you meet one artist, that artist often will recommend another artist,” he explains. “Artists, as a whole, are very supportive of each other’s work and like to help promote one another.”

Hardman’s focus at the gallery is a unique one, driven by what appeals to his eye and captures his interest. “What really draws me to an artist or style is when the artwork can tell a story, at least one that I can imagine,” he says. “There should be a form of movement or action—such as a ballerina warming up for a performance. As far as the period or region, I’m currently focusing in on early to mid-20th-century Eastern European artwork. Many artists drew or painted the difficulties, struggles and harshness of life under communist or socialist rule. Their paintings can depict deep psychological undertones with brutal honesty.”

The gallery is open by by appointment only. Photographs by Anna Rumiantseva Photography.