07 march 2022, Oscar van Gelderen
Ask an art collector... Nathalie Van Houte
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 Nathalie Van Houte (54), executive at MasterCard.
What does art mean to you?
For me, art means a creation that calms me, makes me happy and that I can look at for hours without getting bored.
Were you exposed to art while growing up?
My father collected antique paintings, furniture and old photo equipment. He could get up at 5 am on a Sunday morning to go to the flea markets and be the first to rummage through the trunks of cars, making unique finds. Perhaps I have that passion to discover unique pieces from him.
Where do you read about the latest developments in the art world?
I have a circle of friends, which we dubbed 'strong ladies and art', with whom I visited Rinus Van de Velde or the works of David Hockney in Bozar in Brussels. Also, we got a personal tour in the studio of Albert Pepermans. I get my information from my art-loving friends, online or through the newspaper.
Where do you prefer to look at art?
I prefer to look at art online or in galleries. On city trips I like to visit museums such as the MoMA and the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
How often do you buy art each year?
In 2020, I impulsively bought three paintings by Albert Pepermans, because I like them all and couldn't choose – despite the fact that I don't have enough space to hang them. Online I bought work by Zélie Rouby, ceramic objects from the 'Organique' series.
Where do you do your buying: in a gallery, at an art fair, at an auction or online?
I prefer to buy a painting at an art fair or in a gallery. For unique finds I go to 2ehands.be or via online auctions such as Catawiki./p>
Is it important that you and your partner always agree on a purchase?
Of course, I check my purchases with my partner. Usually there is no discussion, our tastes are fortunately similar.
Do you have a special relationship with any one gallery?
Do you have a special relationship with any one gallery? Since I became a fan of Albert Pepermans, I like to be informed about the exhibitions at Galerie Schönfeld. Absolute Art Gallery in Knokke is also a favourite, I purchased Marc Lagrange's 'White Nanou' there.
If you had an unlimited budget, whose work would you buy?
Claude Monet’s water lilies are a joy to watch: almost more beautiful than nature!
Who are your favourite artists?
Albert Pepermans, because of the rock 'n roll content of his work, the colour combinations and the cheerfulness his works radiate.
Marc Lagrange because of the subtle refinement, the beauty and the beautiful black and white shades.
I’d like to mention Marielou Van Lierop here as she consciously uses geometric formulas in her creations and I always discover something new in them.
Albert Pepermans, Friend II, 1998, Schönfeld Gallery
