In The Choice of..., we talk to a variety of art enthusiasts – from occasional buyers to art professionals – about their experiences with art and preferences: Where do they prefer to view art? Where do they buy and especially, who do they buy from? For this edition, we interviewed Chris Das (retired nurse) and Ulrich Dingenen (office assistant).
Our collecting journey began 35 years ago. Since then, our collection has grown and we now own around 600 works, including paintings, photos, videos, objects, books and prints. We started indoors and later expanded into the garden. It began with the purchase of a large painting by Barthel Ritzen, which perfectly fit a renovated wall. In every room of our house, we are welcomed by art, making each day a joy to start. We wake up and go to sleep with art.
What does art mean to you?
It is a journey of discovery, familiarisation, letting yourself dream and reflect, appreciating art and the artist, being open to the new, the unknown.
Collecting is something that has grown over the years. We were not raised with it. Our parents did not have the means because ‘art’ was for wealthy! Our first painting was bought at the market, a heath landscape, and we still enjoy it. We also remember how much consideration went into the purchase of our first few works.
For us, it's important to have an emotional connection with the artwork, that it moves us (what does beautiful mean?), not necessarily the name of the artist associated with it. For us, collecting is more than just art; it's the whole package: the artist, the work, the gallery and the friendship.
Over the years, we have made our way through the maze of all possible art forms.
Where do you prefer to view art: at a gallery, museum, fair or online?
We don't have a particular preference; each place has its own unique values and advantages. In a gallery, the interaction with the work, the artist and the gallery owner is more direct, more like a family event, especially when you visit regularly and know a lot of people. At a fair, you see many different art forms, but have less contact with the artist, unless you go to the opening. It's also the perfect place to meet new and known collectors! A museum is unique, especially when it comes to a particular exhibition. The internet is a medium for collecting information, making it easy for research and containing a huge amount of information. Before buying, we like to see the work live. It’s often different in real life than on a computer. We generally prefer galleries and fairs.
How often do you buy art each year? Do you prefer editioned works or unique pieces?
Het verzamelen begon in een rustig tempo en daarna steeds sneller, soms zelfs te snel.
We started collecting at a slow pace and then progressively faster, sometimes too fast. Over 35 years, we have acquired quite a lot of art, most of it purchased with our hearts, respecting the artist and their work. We can't put a frequency on it; sometimes several works in a short time, sometimes with a gap. We often say that it’s time to stop buying, but it's like an addiction, a compulsion. The important thing is the connection with the work, the artist and the gallery owner. We are never looking for a specific piece, but enjoy looking at what is offered, the atmosphere, connection with the artist and gallery owner.
Our collection consists of original works as well as editions. Both for different reasons, depending on our budget at that moment. Artists often release editions at a reasonable rate yet still often original. If possible, we prefer smaller editions. It’s a great way for young people to start collecting art.
Is it important that you and your partner always agree on a purchase? How do you decide?
Each has different preferences: Chris prefers abstract, while Ulrich prefers figurative. This allows us to experience our own art journey. Lately, it happens more often that we share the same passion for a work. We respect each other's choices and Ulrich combines the different works nicely.
Are there any specific galleries you have a special connection with?
In Belgium, especially the galleries Transit, Base Alpha, DMW, Shoobil, De Waele 15, Annie Gentils, Kristof de Clercq, Ibasho, Irene Laub, Hopstreet and Whitehouse. In the Netherlands, Galerie Fleur and Wouter, Dudokdegroot. At these galleries, we feel at home and have developed friendships over the years. It's like coming home without an obligation to buy, but to simply enjoy and have a nice chat with or without a glass of bubbles!
If you had an unlimited budget, whose work would you purchase?
Chris: Gerhard Richter and Antony Gormley are definitely on my wish list!
Ulrich: I would like a large work by Louise Bourgeois!
Who are your favourite artists (on Gallery Viewer) and why?
Gallery Viewer provides us with a lot of information about artists, exhibitions and fairs. The individual interviews are highly valuable. We really enjoy when there's an article about an artist whose work we own or about a gallery we often visit!
Which exhibition is a favourite and why?
The VerzamelARTS exhibition at the official residence of the Governor of East Flanders. Much art in collections remains hidden and should be shown to the world! At the exhibition, collectors showed work by Belgian artists: 11 collectors, 33 artists, 66 works, all displayed in a magnificent building. We chose work by Johan Creten (bronze and ceramic objects), Veronika Pot (photography) and Kristof Van Heeschvelde (painting) from our collection. A beautiful book was also published, serving as a valuable period document.
Private Views: private collections of contemporary art at the La Boverie museum in Liège, where work from 21 private collections was on display. We got the impression that collecting in Wallonia is different than in Flanders. Belgium is a country with a lot of great collectors, something to be proud of!
What is your advice to starting art buyers?
Don't fixate on names because they are often unattainable and unaffordable. Plan lots of visits, both to museums and galleries. With a museum card, you have many possibilities on a limited budget for an entire year. Initiatives like ‘Kunst in Huis’ let you borrow a nice work of art for a small fee. Galleries are easily accessible and you don't have to buy anything. Open your eyes and ears! You don't need a big budget to buy something beautiful. Invitations from exhibitions and galleries are often gems to frame.
Talk to friends, artists and other collectors. Let yourself be guided by what you find beautiful and less by what others think. Shape your own story with what you find beautiful. After all, it’s for your own living environment.