20 march 2020, Oscar van Gelderen & Manuela Klerkx
Wouter's pick...
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 Wouter Goldschmidt (dermatologist at the Amstelland Hospital, age 44)
What does art mean to you?
Art is a break from the rhythm of everyday life, you can dream off for a moment, a smile appears on your face or you are captivated by emotion, by the beauty present.
Sander Reijgers, Untitled, 2019, MPV Gallery.
From an early age my parents took me to exhibitions in galleries and museums, both in the Netherlands and during holidays in France. At home there was a broad interest in (modern) painting, graphic work as well as glass and ceramics. My partner, Martijn Wilcke, is a self-taught collector and bought his first artwork at a social gathering at a friend’s house, who opens his home to a young artist once a year.
Where do you get your information about the ups and downs in the art world from?
Mostly from what I read in newspapers, but also online or on social media. Lately, I've been following various artists and galleries on Instagram.
Where do you prefer to see art?
Art is everywhere, even on the street. We visit many fairs, which gives one a quick and good overview. Although the offer is often immense at these fairs, I can always quickly decide whether something appeals to me or not.
Zaida Oenema, Burnings (variations) variation #6, 2019, Galerie Helder.
How many times a year do you buy art? Do you buy editioned work or do you prefer unique works
On average twice a year. Usually it is unique work, rarely an edition, although that is not a conscious decision I make. At our home there is now a nice mix of painting and graphic work, sculpture and ceramics.
And where do you buy: in the gallery, at an art fair, at an auction or online?
We have bought most of the works at galleries, but also quite often at a fair. Only once after a viewing day at an auction.
Is it important that you and your partner agree on a purchase?
It is not important, but we often agree quickly, which is nice. Within a second Martijn can tell from my face whether I like something, and whether I have already made the decision to purchase it in my mind...
Marinke van Zandwijk, Lazy green glassbubble, 2019, Galerie Franzis Engels.
We like to visit Franzis Engels’s gallery, which is where we have also made our most recent acquisition, a beautiful "slow green bell" by Marinke van Zandwijk. In addition, we regularly visit Galerie Roger Katwijk in Amsterdam and Galerie Helder in The Hague. We also loved to visit Galerie de Witte Voet, which was ran by Annemie Boissevain, for beautiful ceramics or a cup of tea. Unfortunately, she quit after many years.
If you had an unlimited budget, who would you buy a work from?
In that case I’d have a "Skyspace" by James Turrell possibly installed above our bed in the bedroom. If you ever have the chance to experience Turrell’s "Twilight Experience" at Museum Voorlinden you should do that. I loved it! I would also like to own a truly unique work by Jan Schoonhoven. Or a large oil painting by Armando, preferably from the early years. Or an Andre Volten statue for our patio, and herman de vries is also on this list...
Who are your favourite artists?
I already mentioned Marinke van Zandwijk: she makes beautiful works of glass, both as standalone works and in very large compositions.
Johan de Wit creates simple, fragile but very recognizable shapes and objects, moving by the simplicity, but beautiful.
I also like Zaida Oenema, especially the clippings and paperwork. The repetition and rhythm in her works are intriguing.
Johan de Wit, Untitled, 2019, Rutger Brandt Gallery.
