04 october 2021, Oscar van Gelderen
Ask an art collector… Lieselot Vandecappelle
What do art lovers like? Where do they buy their art and, most importantly, what do they buy? Every Monday an enthusiast tells about his love for art in this section. This week it’s Lieselot Vandecappelle (age 40, graphic designer)
What does art mean to you?
Art to me means wonder in the broadest sense of the word. I can be amazed by the aesthetic qualities of a work, it’s essence, but also by humour, the association/link that a work of art creates with society or by true craftsmanship.
Were you exposed to art while growing up?
I have always been very creative person myself and at a young age I was already interested in architecture, fashion, interior and culture. The creative aspect was also present at our place, because there were two cooks there and mom was also good with her hands.
Where do you read about the latest developments in the art world?
I get most of my info from friends; they praise which exhibition, show or gallery I should see. With DiscoverDD and WE Club I am in two whatsapp groups in which there is massive posting about cool must-sees!
Where do you prefer to look at art?
I prefer to admire art in someone's home. I like to see on the basis of someone's personal collection or how someone has a view on art. Of course, it is in the museums, galleries and fairs where you get to know those pieces, and here too I am most amused when there are social activities to attend.
How often do you buy art each year?
I prefer to buy a unique work, but my budget does not always allow for this. Many works I purchased are linked to a story or have a personal touch.
Where do you do your buying: in a gallery, at an art fair, at an auction or online?
This really depends on the work itself. You have to know the work to be able to buy it online. During the pandemic, for example, I bought work from Thomas Bogaert and Fleur De Roeck at Sophie Van de Velde's Wunderwall.
Is it important that you and your partner always agree on a purchase?
I always buy on my own! It's my decision, my experience, my amazement. I will only consult if it concerns really very large sums of money.
Do you have a special relationship with any one gallery?
I am a big fan of Kristof de Clercq and I occasionally send friends there, because he sells mostly affordable works. Many of the gallerists have become friends over the years: I regularly visit Samuel Vanhoegaerden, Edouard Simoens, Brocky (aka Patrick De Brock).
If you had an unlimited budget, whose work would you buy?
In that case, I’d like twelve of Franz West’s 'Uncle Chair' (Patinated Tubular Steel & Textile Bands) for my kitchen table please!
Who are your favourite artists?
David Claerbout's work ¬ makes me really quiet (and usually I can't sit still with video art).
I like D.D. Trans and Peter Morrens very much because of the humour (I myself am a graphic designer and often work out texts/images with a wink).
