11 march 2020, Oscar van Gelderen & Manuela Klerkx
Eduard'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 Eduard van Valkenburg (Solution Architect at Microsoft, 35)
What does art mean to you?
For me, art is an enrichment of my home and my surroundings on the one hand, and an interest and a hobby on the other.
#Albarrán Cabrera, #501, "The Mouth of Krishna", 2015, Kahmann Gallery.
I certainly got introduced to art by my parents, especially in the form of visits to museums and churches. I am primarily interested in modern art, so I had to find my way in that, which led me to the Young Stedelijk and the Young Collectors Circle.
Where do you get your information about the ups and downs in the art world from?
Mostly online, but I do always check the art reviews in the newspaper. I tend to follow artists that I have come across on Instagram: the artist’s account often leads to their gallery’s account and from there to other artists.
Where do you prefer to see art?
I prefer art fairs, as they give you the chance see many different things in a compact setting. Occasionally also directly at galleries if they happen to show something very specific I want to see, and then I usually combine a few galleries.
Sarah van Sonsbeeck, Failed Ideas Aeroplane #1,, 2019, Annet Gelink Gallery.
How many times a year do you buy art? Do you buy editioned work or do you prefer unique works
In recent years I have bought several works a year, often a number of smaller works and then one or two larger pieces.
And where do you buy: in the gallery, at an art fair, at an auction or online?
Until now I always buy larger works through the gallery. Sometimes after seeing it at an art fair first. I came across a work by Laurence Aëgerter at Photo Basel last year, which I liked very much. Since Aëgerter is represented by the Dutch gallery Caroline O’Brien I was able to take it easy and have a look at her work back in Amsterdam.
Is it important that you and your partner agree on a purchase?
Ideally, we buy works we both like, and we certainly decide together on larger works.
Jan Dibbets, Cupolas - II Dublin, Four Courts 1983, 1999, Livingstone gallery.
There are certainly galleries with which I have more connections than others, usually after buying something there, or because I know the owner. Examples include Caroline O'Breen, where we recently bought work by Laurence. We also know the founders of Albada Jelgersma, so we follow them closely, especially since they represent Misha de Ridder.
If you had an unlimited budget, who would you buy a work from?
Jean-Michel Basquiat is just great: I take every chance I have to see his works. So if I had the chance to buy one of them: yes, please!
Who are your favourite artists?
My favorite is Misha de Ridder, I now have two large works, a smaller print and a photo book. Also, my first real work of art that I bought by him ("Bergwald", 2009), which makes De Ridder a special artist to me.
I have just bought a work by Laurence Aëgerter and I find several of her works very special, because there is always a very nice concept behind it.
Marie-Jose Jongerius is a landscape photographer who I think makes very beautiful work. Like Laurence, Jongerius’s work is based on a concept. Her work often deals with the relationship of man with the environment, both built and unbuilt.
Laurence Aëgerter, Cathédrale 1h55', 2014, Caroline O'Breen.
