29 march 2021, Oscar van Gelderen & Manuela Klerkx
Ask an Art Collector... Milan Josepa
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 Milan Josepa (Psychomotor therapist, age 29)
What does art mean to you?
Art is a very broad concept for me. It is an excursion from reality; allowing you leave your train of thought for a while and experience physically, from the heart.
Sanlé Sory, SS 008, 1978, Galerie Wouter van Leeuwen.
Were you exposed to art while growing up?
The short answer is yes. My mother always took me to museums. We also often went to theatre performances and to the National Ballet. My mother is a History teacher and was always a special sight, because of her asymmetrical haircut and the striking and colourful designer clothes she wore. She certainly influenced my sensitivity to beautiful things (art, clothing, design). From my father taught me how to be myself, but also the values of art.
Where do you read about the latest developments in the art world?
Especially online, which is the fastest. I mainly use Instagram to follow artists and musicians. I also read the FOAM magazine and ID, and I subscribe to the newsletters from Magnum, Aperture, Loose Joints, in short: everything I find interesting. I am always searching the internet, for photographers of colour, and especially for female artists.
Isabelle Wenzel, It_reminds_me_of_the_wind, 2020, Galerie Bart.
Where do you prefer to look at art?
In a museum. I prefer places where everything is right in terms of vibe and energy: the way the art is installed, the way you are addressed, the cup of coffee. In a gallery it is more focused on selling work.
How often do you buy art each year?
I buy quite often, three or four times a year. When I have seen a work that I would like to buy, I sometimes take on additional shifts or clients, including on weekends. It feels extra special to save for the artwork in this way, and as a well-deserved and conscious purchase.
Lisandro Suriel, Black Magic, 2013, Chrysalid Gallery.
Where do you do your buying: in a gallery, at an art fair, at an auction or online?
Preferably physically. For the time being at FOAM Editions and print sales at Magnum. I am a fan of fundraisers, that way I can buy photos and support a good cause at the same time.
Is it important that you and your partner always agree on a purchase?
I don't have a partner at the moment. I started collecting after a long relationship. I hope a future partner understands my story; I don't need approval, but I do hope that the other person can see through my eyes and understand me.
Sebastian Hosu, Bathing II, 2020, Rutger Brandt Gallery.
Do you have a special relationship with any one gallery?
I feel at home at FOAM, you can buy work and see right away. FOAM Editions is located in the attic, and the nice thing is that the range is very wide: from my favourite, William Klein, who is 92 years old, to very young artists.
If you had an unlimited budget, who would you buy a work from?
Then I’d choose a work by Hieronymus Bosch, Picasso, Goya or Basquiat, a masterpiece of one of these classics. Or even better: a work by Toyin Ojih Odutola, a contemporary legend.
Ed van der Elksen, Kathmandu, Nepal, 1966, Annet Gelink Gallery.
Who are your favourite artists?
I recognize myself in Lisandro Suriel's search for his roots. Like him, part of my roots are in the Caribbean.
Looking at Sanlé Sory’s work makes me very happy! The images are playful, energetic and pure.
Finally, I am also an admirer of Ed van der Elsken (real Dutch pride). His colour photography appeals to me in particular. He is a great source of inspiration to me.
Natacha Mankowski, Le serpent qui se glisse (The snake that slips), 2020, Everyday Gallery.
