31 august 2020, Oscar van Gelderen & Manuela Klerkx
Maartje'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 Maartje de Roy van Zuydewijn (art historian and founder of MDRVZ Art Consultancy, age 30)
What does art mean to you?
Art occupies a significant part of my life and is very important to me. In addition to being a passion, as an art historian I work professionally on it every day. The great thing about art is that it can make you think, move, cheer up, make you shudder or have a deterrent effect.
Elspeth Diederix, Grassland, 2015, Galerie Stigter Van Doesburg.
Were you exposed to art while growing up?
In our home there was always a focus on art and culture, both for looking at it as for making it. Beautiful works of art were also to be found at my grandparents. Their eclectic collections included a bit of everything: antiques, modern art and design.
Where do you read about the latest developments in the art world?
At home I have a huge bookcase full of catalogues, monographs and reference works. I love my books, but of course they don't keep you up to date. You really have to go online for that.
Where do you prefer to look at art?
I prefer to visit artist studios and collectors. I also enjoy going to museums. The Young Collectors Circle is a must for anyone who loves art. They organize inspiring and accessible meetings with artists, galleries, collectors and other art lovers.
Joana Schneider, Blitz, 2020, Rademakers Gallery.
How often do you buy art each year?
I am a starting collector and received part of my collection from family. When I buy a work of art, I prefer to buy unique work, or work in a small edition. In addition to buying art, I also borrow works of art from SBK Kunstuitleen & Galerie. Renting is great for novice collectors, because you can experiment to find out what suits you.
Where do you do your buying: in a gallery, at an art fair, at an auction or online?
I prefer buying in peace at a gallery or from an artist. I thought buying at auction was very special, the adrenaline I felt while bidding on a work by Suze Robertson was enormous.
Alexandra Roozen, Plain Dust #09, 2018, Galerie Roger Katwijk.
Is it important that you and your partner always agree on a purchase?
Until now I have made all purchases on my own. I would like my partner to be happy with the art in our house. After all, he should also look at it and preferably start loving it.
Do you have a special relationship with any one gallery?
With Galerie Ramakers. During my studies in art history, I did an internship at Catalijn Ramakers and helped a lot at fairs. I have learned an awful lot from her - and her passion for the profession.
Michael Johansson, Flip shelf I, 2017, Galerie Ramakers.
If you had an unlimited budget, who would you buy a work from?
With an unlimited budget, availability and large walls, I would go for the water lilies from Monet, or a cut out from Matisse. A series of earth tones by herman de vries or a mural by Thomas Trum are perhaps a bit more feasible.
Who are your favourite artists?
I love Elspeth Diederix's "The Miracle Series". These floral wonders are a great combination of nature and art. Chancing upon them in the streets (in Amsterdam) is always great.
Alexandra Roozen’s pencil drawings are something completely different and super precise and delicate. I can look at this endlessly. What patience she must have.
Popel Coumou makes collages which she illuminates from behind and then photographs with an analogue camera. The photos are mysterious, and I find the lighting effect and the interplay of lines exciting.
Popel Coumou, Untitled, 2007, TORCH Gallery.
