30 november 2020, Oscar van Gelderen & Manuela Klerx
Ask an Art Collector... Cathelijne Blok
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 Cathelijne Blok (Art Historian and owner of feminist platform & creative agency The Tittymag, age 31)
What does art mean to you?
Art means a lot to me. For me art is something connecting and present everywhere. It's so versatile. By looking at art you can explain great historical, social and political moments. It is a either reaction or a counter-reaction to the past or the present.
Melanie Bonajo, Cuddle Coven, 2019, AKINCI.
Were you exposed to art while growing up?
Yes! We used to go to museums often, and both my mother and I both studied Art History in Leiden. In the end, I opted for a different specialization. Mine focuses on the representation of women in modern art, film and photography, while my mother focused on that topic from the 17th century onwards.
Where do you read about the latest developments in the art world?
I get my information from everywhere really, from traditional media and online. Of course walking around a gallery and museum is fantastic, but online is an additional playing field. It can offer you even more information and inspiration. Accounts like @artgirlrising, @curatedbygirls and @dekartmeisjes are a lot of fun to keep an eye on. I also enjoy listening to art podcasts such as "Bow Down: Women in Art" and "Naakt op een kleedje".
Dagmar Stap, YumYum, 2019, Galerie Fleur & Wouter.
Where do you prefer to look at art?
hanging side by side. I also like to visit galleries, because you can actually purchase the works. I see fairs mainly as social gatherings. I also visit the studios of the artists. Since the Covid pandemic, I have been increasingly looking at art online.
Martine Johanna, Accompanied by Strangers, 2016, Koch x Bos Gallery.
How often do you buy art each year?
For the past few years I have tried to buy art whenever my budget allowed me to. I also find it important to keep an eye on and keep following female artists. I try to browse Instagram for artists who appeal to me.
Raquel van Haver, Zonder titel, 2020, Kersgallery.
Where do you do your buying: in a gallery, at an art fair, at an auction or online?
I always keep an eye on galleries such as Fleur & Wouter, Melkweg Expo, Het Hem, Nest Den Haag and online platform Patty Morgan, as they have a huge range of different artists there. I also like to look and walk around art fairs like Affordable Art Fair, but online I mainly spot artists themselves.
Is it important that you and your partner always agree on a purchase?
I live on my own, so fortunately I don't have to take anyone into account and, should live with someone, I think it’s unlikely I’ll ever do that, haha.
Lonneke van der Palen, Glove Filed With Water South Korea, 2017, Galerie Fleur & Wouter.
Do you have a special relationship with any one gallery?
Yes, with various galleries, such as the Melkweg Expo, but also the aforementioned Fleur & Wouter gallery. In this gallery we often have our offline / online Titty Talks, which we live stream on our Instagram channel @thetittymag
If you had an unlimited budget, who would you buy a work from?
I love Kara Walker's work, but the likes of Lina Iris Viktor, Tyler Mitchell, Vivian Maier, Kennedi Carter, Iris Kensmil, Hajar Benjida, Airich, Lara Favaretto, Alec Soth, Dustin Thierry, Jordan Casteel and Raquel van Haver immediately come to mind.
Maria Roosen, Pink Breasts (Forwards), 2017, Galerie Fons Welters.
Who are your favourite artists?
I really love Melanie Bonajo’s work. Every time I see her work, it really touches me, as she makes me think about the theme of contact.
When I first saw the work of Dagmar Stap in gallery Fleur & Wouter, it immediately appealed to me. I love the colourful embroidered sculptures, because they are full of contrast.
The beautiful paintings by Raquel van Haver, of course!
Esiri Erheriene-Essi, Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before, 2015, Galerie Ron Mandos.
