02 january 2022, Oscar van Gelderen
Ask an art collector... Didier Van der Linden
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 love for art in this section. This week it’s Didier Van der Linden (63), independent entrepreneur.
What does art mean to you?
When I come home, I want to be instantly happy with the art I've amassed over the years. Art gives me a kind of zen moment, relaxation and above all: a satisfied feeling. Sometimes I take a glass of wine and take a closer look at a work and discover details I hadn’t noticed them before, even if they are sometimes very impulsive works.
Were you exposed to art while growing up?
My parents were busy decorating our house and regularly bought classical or antique works. Contemporary art was not really their thing. When I was fifteen I bought my first (classical) painting in England, by J.W. Morris, for £99. At times I take it back from the attic and hang it between the modern works, because that was a nice memory after all.
Where do you read about the latest developments in the art world?
My first information came from gallery Szwajcer, and later I went regularly to vernissages in Antwerp and Brussels. I also get information from auction house De Vuyst in Lokeren, where a great range of contemporary art passes through.
Where do you prefer to look at art?
The galleries are the best place for sourcing new things, but aren’t the decisive place for me. I prefer to view the works with the artist himself, in his studio.
How often do you buy art each year?
It happens that I don't buy anything for a few years and that's because of the answer to the following question.
Where do you do your buying: in a gallery, at an art fair, at an auction or online?
Sometimes I buy a painting in a gallery or at an art fair, but the artist who made the work is decisive for me. Therefore my choice is more limited. I only want to buy paintings from people I personally know and appreciate.
Is it important that you and your partner always agree on a purchase?
It's great if we both like the same work. Also, our common choices often arouse strong emotional reactions from others. Sofie has very good taste, and if she goes along with it, it's always the right choice.
Do you have a special relationship with any one gallery?
Schönfeld's three galleries have become like our living room. Young, often unknown, but interesting artists are featured there, thanks to Greet Umans and Elie Schönfeld. Also, the Rivoli Building has become a mecca of contemporary art, with its many galleries of contemporary art.
If you had an unlimited budget, whose work would you buy?
The earlier works of Walter Swennen, Albert Pepermans, Pierre Alechinsky, Mark Rothko, Yves Klein and his mother Marie Raymond, and the CoBrA movement. So mainly expressive works, full of colour.
Who are your favourite artists?
My favorites are Albert Pepermans and Eliza Pepermans. Albert has been a pop-rock artist since the 1970s and is addicted to making art. A waterfall of spontaneity, with an inimitable recognizability. It just makes you happy. Eliza's works are again playful representations of everyday scenes. Browsing GalleryViewer, I spotted Evi Vingerling without hesitation. Oddly enough, she has made a lot of works that remind me of those of Fik Van Gestel.
