21 june 2021, Oscar van Gelderen
Ask an Art Collector... Jan Segers
What do art lovers like? Where do they buy their art and, most importantly, what do they buy? Every Monday an enthusiast tells about his or her bond with art in this section. This week it’s Jan Segers (age 52), co-owner/creative at Lecter Media.
What does art mean to you?
I like to be taken out of time when strolling through a museum or an exhibition. Your perception of time changes, this is called Kairos; the delayed time that surrounds you like a large coat. I also keep looking for that wonderful moment when you are touched by an image, an idea, a creation of someone else.
Johan Tahon, Mondlicht 1, 2021, Galerie Gerhard Hofland.
It has gradually developed since my student days in Leuven. I have great contacts with great artists, inspiring gallerists and connoisseurs/collectors who educated me, taught me how to look, constantly brought new artists to my attention, which sent me in new directions.
Flip Vervaet, Waiting for the sun, 2019, CINNNAMON.
Where do you read about the latest developments in the art world?
Through all media, but the most fascinating and relevant information I get from gallerists and collectors, and from the artists themselves. I also ask a lot of questions. That is the shortest route to the correct information.
Luc Tuymans, The Stage, 2020, Zeno X Gallery.
I often discover art and/or artists online, but afterwards I have a huge need to see the art 'live'. In recent years I visited a lot of museums, exhibitions, galleries and art fairs to learn and discover, which was great.
Bendt Eyckermans, De constructie, 2020, Gallery Sofie Van de Velde.
How often do you buy art each year?
In recent years I bought twenty works. Almost exclusively unique pieces. I continue to collect, albeit at a slower pace.
Michael Borremans, Horse Hunting: the Game, 2005, Zeno X Gallery.
Where do you do your buying: in a gallery, at an art fair, at an auction or online?
I bought all my art in galleries. I only bought a unique piece online once; however I do buy editions online.
Is it important that you and your partner always agree on a purchase?
I hardly consider others when I buy art, including my partner. Taste and appetite do not benefit from consultation, let alone compromises.
Otobong Nkanga, Alterscapes: Playground D, 2015, Lumen Travo Galerie.
Do you have a special relationship with any one gallery?
Tim Van Laere of the eponymous gallery helped me on my journey of discovery in contemporary art. He let me read and watch a lot. He also taught me to look differently, beyond your own taste – perhaps my most useful lesson, for which I am immensely grateful. But there are so many good galleries and so many fine gallerists. A walk along the galleries in Belgian cities is always a joy.
Flexboj & L.A., Landloper op Batterijen, 2020, Barbé-Urbain.
If you had an unlimited budget, whose work would you buy?
That’s an impossible question to answer. There is so much fantastic art, every day a different answer. Today: Willem de Kooning, a work from the 'Woman' series. Tomorrow: Tracey Emin and the day after tomorrow Gerhard Richter, Adrian Ghenie, Luc Tuymans, Olafur Eliasson, Cy Twombly…
Amber Adrews, Mind is on the midnicht, 2021, Gallery Sofie Van de Velde.
Who are your favourite artists?
Right now I am under the spell of Johan Tahon, after I visited his magnificent expo in Oudenaarde. Also Kati Heck, Michael Borremans, Luc Tuymans, Otobong Nkanga, Filip Vervaet, Sofie Muller, Lara Gasparotto. Young local heros: Bendt Eyckermans, Amber Andrews, Bram De Munter, Flexboj & L.A.
Sofie Muller, Untitled, 2021, Geukens & De Vil.
See the website of Lecter Media
Gallery Viewer and De Morgen became media partners in March 2021. The collaboration consists of an exchange of content.
