07 may 2020, Oscar van Gelderen & Manuela Klerkx
Hans'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 Hans Gieles (Former owner of the Vous Etes Ici gallery, and former organizer of Amsterdam Drawing)
What does art mean to you?
My parents respected art forms, but there was no appreciation, let alone commitment or passion. We did go to the Kröller-Müller Museum, where I found sources of inspiration that stayed with me the rest of my life, plus we got the park as an added bonus.
Lieven Hendriks, Untitled #8 (Cracks series), 2019, 2019, Galerie Ron Mandos.
My parents respected art forms, but there was no appreciation, let alone commitment or passion. We did go to the Kröller-Müller Museum, where I found sources of inspiration that stayed with me the rest of my life, plus we got the park as an added bonus.
Where do you read about the latest developments in the art world?
Since I am no longer active as a gallerist and art event organizer, I have withdrawn myself from the artworld and mainly inform myself digitally, so online.
Where do you prefer to see art?
I sometimes sneak into a gallery, but I can often be found in the Stedelijk Museum, especially with new friends who I can tell something about the collection or about specific artists or movements.
Andrei Roiter, Prank, 2020, AKINCI.
How often do you buy art each year?
I used to buy four or five times a year, but these days I don’t buy anything as my benefits do not allow me to do that.
Where do you do your buying: in a gallery, at an art fair, at an auction or online?
Always at galleries. At a fair you also buy at a gallery, by the way! Never at auction though.
Klaas Kloosterboer, 18173, 2018, Ellen de Bruijne Projects.
Is it important that you and your partner always agree on a purchase?
I think it is important that partners agree. We never bought anything without unanimity. Although I am alone now, buying a work of art together has almost something sexual, a common orgasm, after which the framing and installing comes as an aftermath. You find each other by the agreement on a kind of meta level. The risk that lonely, one-sided purchases become a sticker in is very real, although there are of course exceptions to this.
Is there a gallery with which you have a special bond?
For many years, Lumen Travo’s Marianne van Tilborg has been pursuing a policy that commands respect, against the odds and steering entirely by her own compass. At Galerie Van Gelder, the art - and occasionally by the gallery owner himself - always manages to give you a proper thrashing.
John M Armleder, Untitled, Furniture Sculpture, 1988, Galerie van Gelder.
Even though I no longer have a large garden, I would still like to own a huge Spider by Louise Bourgeois. In addition, I would like one of John De Andrea’s beautiful nudes. And, well then, the Piano Lesson by Henri Matisse, because I have been crying about it all my life, but that is part of the collection of the MOMA.
Who are your favourite artists?
Lieven Hendriks is a shockingly great artist, unfortunately there are hardly any social or anecdotal qualities to his work. Many art lovers often think that his paintings are aloof, but they are so delicate, so human, so intelligent, and so sweet and funny.
Klaas Kloosterboer is the maestro of Dutch painting. His work is of unapproachable honesty, and the latter in particular towards his artistic self, which is also reflected in his paintings or spatial linen constructions. A distinguished installation of any kind by the unruly Swiss artist John M Armleder - who is doing quite well in the art market, but is still underestimated - would be most welcome.
Stephen Willats, Buildings and Vases No.5, 2018, Lumen Travo Galerie.
