Since her appointment at one of the world’s renowned auction houses, Christie’s, in 1999, Charmie Hamami has been instrumental in connecting Indonesia’s art patrons to the international art market. As Christie’s Deputy Chairman of Asia Pacific and Managing Director, she works closely with the historied auction house’s top clients, advising on all aspects of buying and consigning at auctions around the world.

While most of Christie’s Asian auctions take place in Hong Kong, Hamami also goes to auctions and exhibits in other countries to survey emerging talents, movements, and trends in the market. It is her dream to usher Indonesian talent into the mainstream, as she believes the market has so much untapped potential.

Other than the arts, Hamami is also involved in humanitarian work as a committee and executive member of Rachel House, a pediatric home-based palliative service nursing children with terminal and serious illnesses.

Hamami earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Interior Architecture in the UK, where she was classmates with renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Her love affair with art started during her university days while taking a course on the history of arts. It was also during her walks past Christie’s London headquarters as a student when she would realize her dream to become part of the institution.

Christie’s, which specializes in on-site auctions and online special auctions of art and luxury goods, was founded in 1766. It has over 40 offices worldwide, including in Jakarta which opened in the 1990s.