25 june 2020, Oscar van Gelderen & Manuela Klerkx
Hilly'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 Hilly Buyne (coordinating Policy Advisor at the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, age 48)
What does art mean to you?
Art really enriches my life. It gives me a lot of energy to watch, learn and talk about it with others. Were you exposed to art while growing up?
Boris Tellegen, Gosub, 2018, Galerie Ron Mandos.
Were you exposed to art while growing up?
My parents and I moved to the Netherlands from Suriname when I was three years old. Art was not prominent in our home, but occasionally the subject of conversation. Then it was often about Surinamese art and artists. We were encouraged to be creative. My father loves to draw, and took classes from the renown artist Nola Hatterman back in in Suriname.
Where do you read about the latest developments in the art world?
I read a lot online and follow all kinds of artists, galleries, designers, art critics, theater makers and art institutions via Instagram. In addition to newspapers, I read the print version of Metropolis M, See All This, Beelden magazine and Boekman.
Raquel van Haver, Zonder titel, 2020, Kersgallery.
Where do you prefer to look at art?
I prefer to view art in museums and at fairs. Every now and then, I go to a gallery. I also like to visit all kinds of exhibitions in museums throughout the country, and sometimes abroad. For example, the Christo exhibition at the Centre Pompidou is on my list to visit soon.
How often do you buy art each year?
Of course, I prefer to buy a unique work, although an editioned print is often more affordable. Fortunately, I still have enough white walls.
Sigrid Calon, Wandobject, 2014, galerie dudokdegroot.
Where do you do your buying: in a gallery, at an art fair, at an auction or online?
At a gallery or at the artist's studio. More and more often I buy online.
Is it important that you always agree on a purchase?
If I have something in mind, we discuss it. We do not necessarily have to agree on a purchase, but it is nice if we both think it is a beautiful work. If not, it doesn't have to be a showstopper.
Remy Jungerman, Pimba BUSIKI, 2019, Galerie Ron Mandos.
The art at Kersgallery makes me happy. Annelien Kers always talks enthusiastically about the work of her artists. Joris Montens of Galerie Fontana has a nice, stimulating offer. In addition, there are a few other galleries that have my attention: Galerie Ron Mandos, Galerie Gerhard Hofland and Galerie Martin van Zomeren.
If you had an unlimited budget, who would you buy a work from?
In that case, I’d choose a work many people can enjoy in public space. A piece by Anthony Gormley near the Dutch coastline seems appropriate to me. I think that would be a great addition to his work "Exposure" in Lelystad.
Who are your favourite artists?
I find Sigrid Calon’s grids fascinating. Her colourful and clear visual language invites you to take a closer look and follow the different forms. The unique riso print I have from her is a joy to watch every day.
Remy Jungerman made a great impression on me with his presentation at the 2019 Venice Biennale. His use of the graphic fabrics of Surinamese Maroons particularly appeals to me because of my background. The use of materials from the winti rituals gives Jungerman's work a spiritual character.
In 2015, I curated the exhibition "Transparent, in contact" with Gijs van Lith in the ARTtrium of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. The dynamics of building and dismantling are clearly visible in Van Lith's work.
Gijs van Lith, Tracing Traces, no.4, 2020, MPV Gallery.
