07 march 2024, Wouter van den Eijkel
The Choice of... Filip & Lavinia
In the section The Choice of..., we interview a variety of art enthusiasts – from occasional buyers to art professionals – about their experiences with art and ask them about their preferences: Where do they prefer to see art? Where do they buy it? And especially, who do they buy from? This time around, we talked to Filip & Lavinia (Antwerp & Ghent).
What does art mean to you?
First and foremost, we find it exciting to step into an artist's world and view certain subjects and themes from different perspectives. Art prompts us to reflect, sometimes to doubt, and often sparks a strong curiosity for more. We're grateful to have the privilege to occasionally add to our ‘modest’ collection, which focuses mainly on diversity.
Ritsart Gobyn – Untitled (K.D. Friedrich III) (2021) – PLUS-ONE Gallery
Did you inherit an appreciation for art or discover it on your own?
Lavinia did, whereas I did not. From a young age, she had the opportunity to explore various exhibitions and biennials across Europe. Our home also hosted visits from different artists and while art was occasionally purchased from friends, it wasn't a prominent aspect of our upbringing. Personally, I discovered art through Ghent's S.M.A.K. and more specifically, through Jan Hoet, who I met when I was 20. Together, we organised my first major event at ‘his’ museum. But it wasn't until 2021 that we made our first purchase – a piece by Joseph Beuys during Coppejans Gallery's 100th anniversary celebration in Antwerp. Again, our connection with Jan Hoet, who was a fervent Beuys admirer, played a pivotal role. We’ll never forget the adrenaline of buying our first piece. Subsequent purchases were characterised by a combination of excitement, contemplation and the pressure to decide within a short timeframe. Yet, the euphoria on finalising a purchase continues with each new addition to our collection.
Where do you prefer to view art: galleries, museums, art fairs or online?
We appreciate art everywhere except online. Over the years, we've frequented museums, both domestically and internationally, including renowned events like the Venice Biennale and Documenta. We also enjoy exploring private collections like Cloud 7 and Vanhaerents in Brussels. In recent years, we’ve been visiting galleries more often, not only in Belgium but also in cities like Berlin, Düsseldorf, Denmark and Barcelona, where ‘speed visits’ allow us to explore up to 20 galleries in a single weekend. Our city trips are often planned around art exhibitions and culinary experiences, sometimes to an extravagant extent.
How often do you purchase art every year? Do you prefer limited editions or unique pieces?
Our purchasing frequency varies, ranging from twice a month to as long as three months without buying anything. We only buy pieces that resonate deeply with us, both aesthetically and personally, and that offer insights into the artist's story. Establishing a personal connection with the artist is vital, often through studio visits before or after acquiring their work. Although we mainly buy unique pieces, our collection also includes notable editions by established artists like Koen van den Broek and Bernd Lohaus.
Is mutual agreement on a purchase important to you? How do you reach a decision?
Although we engage in intensive discussions, our tastes generally align, facilitating fast decisions in most cases. Sometimes, we reach a consensus within minutes, while other acquisitions involve weeks of deliberation. We prioritise ensuring our continued enthusiasm for a piece, even after a few days, while considering factors like price.
Is there a gallery with which you share a special bond?
Our journey began with Stijn Coppejans, to whom we remain deeply grateful. Following our initial purchase, Stijn expressed gratitude for our trust, a sentiment we thought about at length and eventually acknowledged its validity. Trust in a gallery's expertise is pivotal and Stijn exemplifies this impeccably. We also frequent Barbé in Ghent due to its selection of young Belgian artists and familial atmosphere during events. Plus One in Antwerp is another favourite, along with the dynamic offerings of Kiki & Hans at Joey Ramone in Rotterdam. Our international travels include visits to galleries like Galería Alegría in Barcelona, etHall or BomBon projects and Kant in Copenhagen, where we always feel warmly welcomed, in stark contrast to some less hospitable establishments.
Adelheid De Witte – On the way home (2023) – BARBÉ
If you had an unlimited budget, whose work would you buy?
Lavinia would undoubtedly select a piece by Giacometti or Sol LeWitt, while I tend to lean towards Rothko. Dreaming extravagantly, but acknowledging spatial limitations, we'd also consider acquiring works by Kiefer, Richter or Anish Kapoor. Visiting Anish's studios in London, with its array of disciplines showcased in separate studios, left a lasting impression. A limitless budget would afford us the opportunity to indulge in such acquisitions.
Who are your favourite artists (on Gallery Viewer) and why?
Our favorites include a multitude of Belgian artists, each celebrated for their unique contributions: Ritsart Gobyn's mesmerising trompe l'oeil technique, Adelheid De Witte's dreamlike compositions and Thomas Renwart's intricate weaving. Rinus Van de Velde's mastery of charcoal and oil pastel, Laurens Legiers' captivating depictions of asparagus and Thierry De Cordier's evocative darkness further enrich our collection.
From the Netherlands, we particularly enjoy Tomáš Libertíny's exploration of bees and bluescapes, Asmund Havsteen-Mikkelsen's painted architectural marvels and Elmgreen & Dragset's thought-provoking installations and sculptures. And Bosnian Radenko Milak's captivating photography paintings and Argentine Tomas Saraceno's intricate webs, alongside Ai Wei Wei's profound body of work, definitely have our attention.
Which exhibition stands out most in your memory and why?
Although a cliché, major retrospective exhibitions often surpass our expectations. The monumental Kiefer exhibition at KMSK in Antwerp in 2010 left an indelible mark with its grandiosity and dark allure. Damien Hirst's Tate Modern exhibition, featuring preserved animals alongside a butterfly garden, captivated us a few years later. Gerhard Richter's powerful showcase at Fondation Beyeler in Basel in 2014 and the 50 Years of Marina Abramović retrospective at the Bundeskunsthalle in Bonn in 2018, replete with reenactments of her performances, were equally memorable. The recent Rothko exhibition in Paris impressed us with its comprehensive display and insightful audio guide commentary by his son. Elmgreen & Dragset's transformative renovation of Centre Pompidou in Metz also stands out as a testament to their ingenuity. Over the years, exhibitions at S.M.A.K, Voorlinden and Louisiana have left a lasting impression on us.
What advice would you give to novice art buyers?
Enter galleries with confidence and don't hesitate to ask questions. Participating in gallery weekends and exploring numerous galleries helps to develop your personal taste. The more you explore, the better you understand your preferences. Also try to attend art fairs because they offer the opportunity to view a wide range of work all at once.
Thomas Renwart – ShouldICareOrShouldIGo (2023)- BARBÉ
