Meet Henry Clark: The ultramarathoner turned entrepreneur disrupting the traditional art marketplace with the Apricus Art Collection

The saying, “Change is inevitable,” resonates in life and career, serving as a reminder that transformation is a natural and unavoidable part of existence.

This inevitability is evident through personal growth, shifting circumstances, or pursuing new opportunities, as individuals frequently reassess their paths to align with passions, values, or ambitions.

These changes may be daunting, but they also present opportunities to redefine one’s purpose and embrace new possibilities.

Henry Clark’s journey exemplifies this truth. Clark, a former ultramarathoner who completed a 100-mile race, thrived on pushing limits.

He embraced change by transitioning into entrepreneurship. He founded the Apricus Art Collection, applying his athletic discipline and resilience.

This platform merges a curated art marketplace with a social media app for artists and collectors.

In an interview with GQ South Africa, 24-year-old Henry Clark delves into his career journey.

He shares how he embraced changes and gives insights into what Apricus Art Collection does and solves for its clients—12 ultramarathons, including a 100-mile ultramarathon race in California.

GQ: Mr. Henry Clark, can you tell us about your background and what inspired your journey into the art world?

Henry Clark (HC): From a young age, I was drawn to art the way most people are—by simply engaging with it, whether in books, museums, or historical studies.

My academic background in classical civilizations at the University of Colorado Boulder deepened this fascination as I studied how cultures have been beautifully expressed through their art.

Traveling extensively through Europe and Asia, particularly while living in Florence, Italy, made me realize how many remarkable artists remain underrepresented.

That realization planted the seed for what would eventually become Apricus Art Collection—a way to bridge that gap and bring greater visibility to artists worldwide.

GQ: What motivated you to transition from ultramarathon running to entrepreneurship in the fine art sector? How did you adjust to the difference?

HC: At first glance, ultramarathon running and the fine art industry seem worlds apart, but they share a common thread: perseverance.

Running 100-mile races demands endurance, strategic thinking, and an ability to push through obstacles—all critical in entrepreneurship.

The adjustment wasn’t so much about switching paths as it was about applying that same mindset of grit and determination to building Apricus Art Collection.

The challenge of creating something meaningful in the art world was as compelling to me as crossing a finish line, and I embraced it with the same level of commitment.

GQ: How has your passion for ultramarathons influenced your approach to business and leadership?

HC: Ultramarathons teach you everything about resilience, patience, and adaptability. You quickly learn that success isn’t about instant gratification—it’s about staying the course through ups and downs and trusting in the long-term vision.

In business, I approach challenges the same way I approach a 100-mile race: break them down into manageable sections, adjust when needed, and keep pushing forward no matter how difficult they get.

Leadership, to me, is about leading by example—showing up every day with discipline and inspiring my team and the artists we work with to keep striving for something greater.

GQ: What is the story behind the creation of the Apricus Art Collection? How did the idea come to life?

HC: The idea for Apricus started taking shape while I was living in Florence.

An overwhelming amount of artistic talent surrounded me, yet many artists struggled to gain recognition outside their immediate circles.

Returning to the U.S., I worked in an art gallery and saw firsthand the industry's struggles, particularly post-pandemic.

Traditional galleries weren't filling the gap between artists and collectors. As a senior in college, I launched Apricus to bridge that gap, giving artists and galleries a global stage while creating a more personalized and engaging experience for collectors.

GQ: What challenges in the art industry were you aiming to solve with the Apricus Art Collection?

HC: One of the biggest challenges in the art world is accessibility—so many incredible artists lack the visibility and connections they need to reach collectors.

Traditional galleries, while valuable, can be exclusive and limited in scope. Many online platforms focus solely on transactions rather than fostering real engagement.

Apricus addresses these challenges by offering a comprehensive digital art platform. It combines a marketplace with a virtual gallery experience.

The platform includes artist representation, editorial content, and a dedicated social media app. This ecosystem fosters direct and meaningful connections among artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts.

GQ: How does the platform work? Can you explain how integrating a social media app with a curated marketplace sets Apricus Art Collection apart?

HC: Apricus is a hybrid between a fine art marketplace and a social networking platform designed specifically for creatives. Artists and galleries can showcase their work on our marketplace, where collectors can discover and purchase pieces with a level of personalization that mirrors a traditional gallery experience.

But beyond that, the Apricus app allows artists to share their work, thoughts, and creative journeys in real time. They can build direct connections with their audience in a way that larger social media platforms don’t facilitate. It’s a curated, art-focused community that fosters both commerce and conversation.

GQ: How does the Apricus Art Collection empower artists and galleries to expand their reach and visibility? What benefits do collectors and interior designers gain by using the platform compared to traditional platforms?

HC: The Apricus Art Collection provides international exposure for artists while offering a gallery's personalized representation—something missing from most online art platforms.

Through blogs, podcasts, social media features, and dedicated profile pages, artists aren’t just selling their work; they’re telling their stories.

Galleries also benefit from a broader audience reach and a digital-first approach that extends beyond their physical space.

For collectors and interior designers, the Apricus Art Collection offers access to a diverse and carefully curated selection of artworks they might never have encountered through traditional means.

The platform’s personalization tools help match buyers with artists and styles that align with their aesthetic, making it more than just a shopping experience—it’s an immersive journey into the art world.

GQ: What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a young entrepreneur and in building the Apricus Art Collection?

HC: One of the biggest challenges has been balancing the ambition of our vision with the realities of building a business from the ground up.

Fine art is a deeply traditional industry, and introducing a modernized digital model requires persistence and education—helping artists, galleries, and collectors understand how this perspective benefits them.

Additionally, as a young entrepreneur, securing funding, establishing credibility, and navigating the complexities of tech development were all significant hurdles. But, just like in an ultramarathon, the key is to keep moving forward, one step at a time.

GQ: The Apricus Art Collection currently holds 500 artists from over 50 countries. What’s next for the platform? What are your goals this year?

HC: Growth and innovation are our primary focuses. We’re continually expanding our network of artists and galleries, bringing more diversity and talent to the platform.

We also plan to enhance our app’s functionality, making it more interactive and immersive for artists and collectors.

Another primary goal is forming strategic partnerships with institutions and brands that align with our mission, further solidifying Apricus as a leader in the modern art space. Ultimately, we want to be the go-to digital platform for discovering, engaging with, and collecting art worldwide.

GQ: At just 24 years old, you’ve achieved so much—what drives your ambition and focus?

HC: Passion and purpose. Art has the power to connect people, transcend cultures, and preserve history, and I see the Apricus Art Collection as a means to bring more of that into the world.

My journey—from studying classical civilizations to running ultra marathons to launching a fine art platform—has been fueled by a love for pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities. Knowing that Apricus can make a real impact on artists' lives keeps me motivated every day.

GQ: What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build something new in their respective industries?

HC: Start with a vision that truly matters to you—something you’re willing to dedicate yourself to through all the ups and downs. Entrepreneurship isn’t a straight path; it’s a test of resilience, adaptability, and commitment. Surround yourself with the right people, be willing to learn, and don’t fear taking risks.

Most importantly, believe in what you’re building. If you have the persistence to keep pushing forward, even when it feels impossible, that’s when real breakthroughs happen.

Today, led by Henry Clark, Apricus Art Collection serves a global market, representing more than 500 artists and galleries from over 50 countries and connecting them with collectors and interior designers worldwide.