03 may 2021, Oscar van Gelderen
Ask an Art Collector... Anne-Marie Ros
In this section we let a selection of art lovers – from occasional buyers to art professionals – talk about their perception of art and preferences: where do they want to see art? Where do they purchase art, and above all: from which artists do they buy? Below, an interview with Anne-Marie Ros (self-employed, age 57)
Wat betekent kunst voor jou?
Art is my life, life is art.
Maartje Korstanje, Untitled, 2018, RAM.
In my youth I was surrounded by artistic people. It was mainly the punk time that shaped me, until I went to art school and a new world opened up for me. The world of art. It wasn't until around my thirties that the penny dropped that you can also buy art, until then I mainly looked at it.
Niels Post, On Spam, Comment Spam #85, 2020, NL = US Art.
Where do you read about the latest developments in the art world?
I read the Dutch dailies NRC, de Volkskrant and Algemeen Dagblad. I also read a lot online, for example See All This, Lost Painters, Trendbeheer, Art Index Rotterdam, and of course via social media.
Celine Pannetier, The Straw Conspiracy, 2019, Chrysalid Gallery.
Where do you prefer to look at art?
My preference is for physical places, place where the art is being made or making its way to public domain. I like galleries; gallery owners make a targeted pre-selection from the enormous supply of art. A gallery's programme offers vision, context and quality. Visiting an art fair is an inspiring and efficient way for me to discover new galleries, initiatives and artists and to get an impression of the current range.
How often do you buy art each year?
I occasionally buy art, mainly in small format, usually unique works and, of course, photography in editioned prints.
Theis Wendt, Void nr. 3, 2017, CINNNAMON.
Where do you do your buying: in a gallery, at an art fair, at an auction or online?
I buy art through galleries, at art fairs and sometimes directly from the artist. Only online if I have seen the artist's work in real life.
Is it important that you and your partner always agree on a purchase?
We don't have to agree with each other when we buy something. My partner and I have strong preferences which often match. When purchasing art we do not limit each other and we mainly follow our own intuition. A work has to touch you and captivate you for a long time.
Kim van Norren, Arcade, 2021, Cokkie Snoei.
Do you have a special relationship with any one gallery?
There are several galleries with which I have a special bond, which I follow and support with great interest. The first was Ron Mandos gallery, which we followed from Rotterdam to Amsterdam. There are also galleries that physically disappear, such as RAM Foundation, which I now follow online at https://www.ramfoundation.nl/overview.php, for the interviews you can read there.
Saminte Ekeland, Lex Barbarorum II - ‘Blue shade’, 2017, Frank Taal Galerie.
If you had an unlimited budget, whose work would you buy?
Had I been asked this years ago, I would have said Louise Bourgeois. With an unlimited budget, I would not buy art now, but rather support art initiatives that allow writers, curators and artists in all disciplines to develop, show and share work.
Maria Roosen, Bellenrek, 2017, Galerie Fons Welters.
Who are your favourite artists?
I love the work of Celine Pannetier, especially her 2019 photo series "The Straw Conspiracy". I would like to see her view of Barcelona without tourists.
Saminte Ekeland appeals to me because of her technique. She draws with thread and creates special, transparent embroidery drawings.
Maria Roosen's glassware has nice plastic quality and comes in beautiful colours.
The people in Katinka Lampe's paintings invite you to look at them and discover the story behind the work.
Katinka Lampe, 1318204, 2020, Galerie Ron Mandos.
