10 january 2022, Oscar van Gelderen
Ask an art collector... Tanguy Van Quickenborne
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 Tanguy Van Quickenborne (owner Justastone Group, age 43)
What does art mean to you?
Art is vital, art is food and drink at the same time. Art makes it possible to escape from daily reality, especially in Covid times it is a 'cure for pain'. Art has become an essential part of my being over the years. Art is also an addiction, which makes you feel somewhat lost without it. Art is everything.
Were you exposed to art while growing up?
A bit from home and at school, but for the most part I have found my own path. During my school days, our teachers regularly took us to the opera, the theatre, museums, the movies, etc. That's where the love for beauty certainly originated. Afterwards, I came into contact with a few galleries through an architect friend. Around that time I bought my first 'work'. I vividly remember: €50 for a painted cardboard box, by the Liège artist David Pirotte. If I may give a tip to beginning collectors: only listen to your eyes, gut feeling and don't let yourself be influenced.
Where do you read about the latest developments in the art world?
All kinds of media and social media. From classic art magazines to Instagram. I try not to inform myself too much and too in-depth, so that I can always form an opinion myself first. Collecting is a matter of walking around a lot and, above all, looking very openly.
Where do you prefer to look at art
Doesn't really matter. Even online is fun. Every environment has its charm. Of course, nothing beats conversations with artists about their oeuvre, work, life, plans, etc. So preferably in studios and/or galleries. In addition, museum shows are an enormous source of information and reflection.
How often do you buy art each year?
Very often… sometimes several works a day or a week, sometimes nothing at all. Preferably unique work.
Where do you do your buying: in a gallery, at an art fair, at an auction or online?
Gallery, at the artist’s studio, art fairs, online, but hardly ever at auction.
Is it important that you and your partner always agree on a purchase?
I decide purely on gut feeling, often it’s a coup de coeur. We often agree, sometimes we don't, but it's not that we both have to agree.
Do you have a special relationship with any one gallery?
The former Hoet-Bekaert has meant a lot to me, still a loss to be honest. Also worth mentioning are: Sofie Van De Velde for scouting young artists, PLUS-ONE, Berthold Pott, Mor Charpentier, not always my cup of tea, but if it is, then it's 'wow' . Tatjana Pieters: I have a special bond with the gallery where I have been purchasing art he longest. Maruani Mercier, Clearing, OV Project (Olivier Vrankenne) is a recent 'discovery', Xavier Hufkens is a staple, with a great nose for art. Simon Lee, Barbé-Urbain, Sorry We're Closed, rodolphe janssen.
If you had an unlimited budget, whose work would you buy?
Many! Francis Bacon, Andy Warhol, Jean Michel Basquiat, David Hockney, Mark Rothko, Bruce Nauman, Nam June Paik etc.
Who are your favourite artists?
Indrikis Gelzis: again superbly scouted by Tatjana. His career has definitely taken off with his inclusion in the collection of fashion house Céline.
Jens Kothe: very physical new aesthetics, his works literally attract.
Joost Pauwaert: completely new aesthetics, raw and at the same time extremely poetic.
See the Instagram of Van Den Weghe
See the Website of Justastone Group
See the Website of Van Den Weghe
