15 march 2021, Oscar van Gelderen & Manuela Klerkx
Ask an Art Collector… Jamuna Gouwerok
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 Jamuna Gouwerok (paralegal administrator, age 38)
What does art mean to you?
A lot! Just like with music, I can be completely enraptured with art. By seeing art I start to investigate things, ask questions and use my imagination. That spark of magic and looking at the world differently through seeing art is what I would like to give to my eight-year-old daughter.
Jonat Deelstra, Antrepoceen, 2021, GoMulan Gallery.
Were you exposed to art while growing up?
My parents sometimes took my sister and me to a museum, but it has mainly been my own path. It started with the fact that as a child I always looked at my surroundings, and kept staring at art objects in the street, such as 'De Kus' by Jeroen Henneman in Amsterdam Southeast, or Kees Frans’s large wooden apple by at Schiphol, which I saw every time as we went on a trip. I always looked forward to seeing that apple, that’s where my holiday feeling started.
Where do you read about the latest developments in the art world?
I stopped using social media, so I mainly stay informed by visiting museums, through newsletters and reading articles. Recently, I have been going to art fairs and galleries and I have created a profile at GalleryViewer and Singulart.
Natasha Rijkhoff, Fountain Head II, 2019, Galerie Bart.
Where do you prefer to look at art?
I prefer to view art up close, so in a gallery, a museum or at an art fair. Last year, I went to Big Art in Zaandam for the first time. I couldn't believe my eyes! So many different creative stories and ideas on such large grounds.
How often do you buy art each year?
My budget doesn't allow me to buy art whenever I want. My preference is for unique work, which makes an artwork just that little bit more special for me.
Sjaak Kooij, Enter the Zone, 2019, Galerie Bart.
Where do you do your buying: in a gallery, at an art fair, at an auction or online?
I only started buying art last year. Last year I bought two artworks through a gallery in Amsterdam and an artwork online from a gallery from the South of France.
Is it important that you and your partner always agree on a purchase?
Not relevant, haha! But my daughter also had a say once, because in the end I leave it all to her.
Joris Vanpoucke, Nightfall, 2020, DMW Gallery.
Do you have a special relationship with any one gallery?
That's GoMulan Gallery. When I first entered a gallery last year I always had the idea that the art world was elitist - I found that a very exciting thing to do. Mulan immediately put me at ease and gave a tour, the artists present were also very friendly. I also bought my very first work of art there: "Crotch Vaults" by Jonat Deelstra.
If you had an unlimited budget, who would you buy a work from?
Unlimited budget, right? Then I won't stop at just one, haha. I would certainly like to have a recent work of art by Cui Jie, the "New Taipei City Hall, Xinbei 2020", Gustav Klimt's beautiful "Judith 1", and Salvador Dalí's original "La tentación de San Antonio".
Who are your favourite artists?
I have three works by Jonat Deelstra, and I am a fan. I find his use of colour and style very mysterious. His works are terrifying in a way, but they also offer hope.
I love Natasha Rijkhoff's sculptures and her recurring theme of "a poetic garden". I find "Blue Head II" strange and mysterious, but at the same time, because of the colors blue and white, also very beautiful.
Femke Schaap makes beautiful installations. There is something nostalgic and adventurous about them.
Femke Schaap, Candy Coins, 2019, Kersgallery.
