Insider Tips for Collecting Contemporary Art

Our London guide Marine Tanguy's motto is "don't invest in art, invest in artists". She practices this affirmation as the founder of MTArt: the first artist agency promoting influential visual artists and specialising in talent management.    

Marine with a piece by Ignacio Munoz-Vicuna

What is your personal philosophy when it comes to collecting art for yourself?

I love living surrounded by inspiring artworks. It has to be inspiring visually, something so intricate and complex visually that I never get bored of it and also something with a deeper meaning which adds a reflective mood to my house. 

Can you tell us about one of your favorite pieces you have collected?

I've included images of some of my favorite artworks in this post. The first one is by Ignacio Munoz-Vicuna, Van Gogh used yellow to brighten up his mood and so do I with this artwork. The second picture in my lounge portrays the works of both Francesco de Prezzo and Alexandra Lethbridge, Francesco here had painted theses two paintings for hours and months until he destroyed them with white paint - it illustrates the temporarily of our effort - while Alexandra entertains my guests making them reflects upon their use of the gaze as an emotional content. I.e look at this girl and can you guess if she is surprised, happy or excited? Her gaze, now blocked by the artist, was your emotional context. The last works by Will Thomson are displayed in my spare bedroom often used by my artists, it is meant to be reflective, calm and inspiring with the blue colour he used. 

Marine with works by Francesco de Prezzo and Alexandra Lethbridge

What is your advice for other collectors of contemporary art today?

Buy what you love, meet the artists and support them. We need to support the amazing artists of tomorrow. 

Marine with a work by Will Thomson

Take a tour with Marine in London to learn more about the art she loves and her collecting philosophy! 

The Top Arty Destinations This Fall

With copious art events to choose from this season, we decided to create a handy list of the top five global arty events we recommend.  

I. 

Event: Vienna Contemporary

Dates: September 21st to September 24th

Venue: Marx Halle | Vienna Karl-Farkas-Gasse 19, 1030 Vienna

Vienna insider, Itai Margula has declared Vienna Contemporary, “a must see in the Viennese art calendar”! This year the fair includes 110 galleries and cultural institutions from 27 different countries and will present the art of over 500 artists. It is precisely this international aspect of the fair that makes it a must for Itai. He told us, “offering an intriguing selection of contemporary art in Central and Eastern Europe together with an exquisite set of Austrian and international galleries, the fair has gained the reputation of bridging the East and the West.” 

“A highlight of the program is ZONE1, an established format showcasing the work of young artists” explained Itai. The ten artists selected for ZONE1 are all below the age of 40 and were either born or educated in Austria. Of the artists highlighted this year, Itai recommends seeing the work of Kay Walkowiak (Zeller van Almsick Gallery), “whose sculptural objects open up a choreography of references on the canon of forms of 20th-century painting”, and Samuel Schaab (Unttld Contemporary), “who developed a performative installation especially for ZONE1.” 

Take a private tour with Itai in Vienna to discover more!

© viennacontemporary / A. Murashkin

II.

Event: Fiac (International Contemporary Art Fair)

Dates: October 19th to October 22nd

Venue: Grand Palais | Avenue Winston Churchill 75008 Paris | and other venues

Our Paris insider, Judith Souriau, couldn't be more ready for Fiac and the exciting energy it brings to the city! "The Fiac week is bursting with events and parties", Judith explained, "and both galleries and museums keep their best shows for that time of year. If you’re into modern and contemporary art it’s definitely the best time to visit Paris". This year Fiac will feature around 180 galleries within the Grand Palais which include both established major galleries and the emerging generation. The Lafayette Sector is best for those visitors inclined towards the younger generation of gallerists, as it was created to seek out and promote galleries who have existed for ten years or less. 

The majority of the fair will be held within the Grand Palais however make sure to explore the Hors les murs (outside the walls) programmes free of cost in the Jardin des Tuileries, Place Vendôme, and Musée Delacroix. Judith is also looking forward to going beyond the walls of the Grand Palais, she said, "I can’t wait to put on my sneakers and walk not only the Fiac but smaller fairs such as Paris Internationale and Asia Now that bring to town the very best of international contemporary art galleries."

Take a private tour with Judith to discover more!

Galerie du Secteur Général: Kohn Gallery / Artiste: Lita Albuquerque / Titre de l'oeuvre: Fibonacci Lunar Activation / Année: 2017 / ©the artiste and Kohn Gallery

III. 

Event: Frieze London

Dates: October 5th to October 8th

Venue: Regent's Park 

“Frieze week is my favourite time of year" our London insider, Marine Tanguy gushed, "I am very much looking forward to seeing the stand of Blum & Poe gallery as it's one of my favourite Los Angeles galleries and Frieze is a great opportunity to visit international art galleries on your doorstep." While Frieze London focuses exclusively on contemporary art Frieze Masters, which is running simultaneously to Frieze London, includes international modern and historical galleries.    

Take a private tour with Marine to discover more!

BIRGIT JÜRGENSSEN, UNTITLED (BODY PROJECTION) (1988/2009) / https://www.galeriewinter.at/en/

IV.

Event: Warsaw Gallery Weekend

Dates: September 22nd to September 24th

Venue: Various Galleries

2017 marks the seventh year of Warsaw Gallery Weekend, a three day activity-packed fair organized by private galleries in the city showcasing contemporary art. The gallery scene in Warsaw is fairly young which makes this fair all the more exciting as the city comes into its own in the art world. Included in the event are two galleries that came to prominence early in the emerging Warsaw scene during the late nineties, Foksal Gallery Foundation and Raster Gallery. Make sure to stop by Raster Gallery on September 22nd for the opening of a show of Mika Tajima’s work called AIR, which coincides with the opening night of Warsaw gallery weekend.   

With 26 galleries throughout the city participating this year we asked our Warsaw insider, Zuzanna Zasacka, to tell us where to start! Zuzanna shared what she’s most excited about, “I am already looking forward to see Wilhelm Sasnal at Foksal Gallery Foundation, Katarzyna Przezwańska at Dawid Radziwszewski Gallery and Odile Bernard Schroeder at Pola Magnetyczne.” 

Take a private tour with Zuzanna to discover more!

V. 

Event: The Jerusalem Biennale

Dates: October 1st to November 16th

Venue: Various Venues 

The 2017 Jerusalem Biennale's title is Watershed, a word which "can be used as a metaphor to help us think about ourselves and the way we split and converge as individuals and groups". The Biennale is primarily interested in exploring the intersections of the Jewish world and contemporary art. We are excited to see how over 200 artists from Israel, Europe, the U.S, Russia and even India explore this theme.  

The juxtaposition of contemporary art within the context of the ancient city of Jerusalem makes this Biennale truly unique. Oh-So-Arty Jerusalem insider, Jenna Romano, said the Biennale "is bigger than ever, and this year features... 27 exhibitions at 8 diverse venues through out the city." One of those unique venues is the Tower of David, a structure dating to the Ottoman Empire.  

Take a private tour with Jenna to discover more!

Dawn/ Hila Ben-Ari /2011

Thumbnail Photo: Gerard & Kelly, State Of © Gerard & Kelly

Art World Insiders Share Which Artists You Need to Follow on Instagram

Anyone who follows us knows we love Instagram. Of course we enjoy being able to connect with our Oh So Arty followers through the app but it also provides an exciting new way to see what goes on behind the scenes in the art world. Just recently the legendary photographer Cindy Sherman made her Instagram public and gifted the world of social media with a whole new dimension of her work. Her feed overflows with quirky selfies that only she would be capable of producing. Our interest in Cindy Sherman’s page made us wonder what other artists working today had cultivated an intriguing Instagram feed. We wanted to find out about artists from all over the world so we turned to our local insiders for their recommendations and compiled a list of our favorites!  

Katarzyna Przezwańska (@przezwa)

This polish artist, recommended by our Warsaw guide Zuzanna Zasacka (@zzzasacka), brings the same luminous imagery to her Instagram as she does to her ethereal works on canvas.  Her feed provides a look at what inspires her art including out of this world manicures, botanical gardens, and quirky postcards.

Broken Fingaz (@brokenfingaz)

Yael Shapira, who runs Alternative Tel Aviv (@alternativetlv), shared her thoughts on one of her favorite artist Instagram pages! “The Broken Fingaz Crew from Haifa, Israel, is the most known Israeli art collective worldwide. They are four men born and raised in Haifa city and today they exhibit their marvelous art pieces at galleries, museums, art fairs and streets all over the world. Be sure to also follow @ghostown04, their independent label based in Haifa, promoting local artists, producing events, a clothing line and merchandise by the BFC."

Oz Barak (@_ozbarak) 

In a world full of constant digital photography it is refreshing to see film photography, even if it’s through the screen of your phone.  That’s exactly what you’ll see in the feed of portrait photographer Oz Barak, recommended by Jenna Romano (@jenna_h_romano).  Barak shares some of his most intimate and romantic works through his Instagram feed and it creates a strong nostalgic sentiment in the viewer.

Jennifer Abessira (@jenniferabessira)

Our London insider, Marine Tanguy (@marinetanguyart), loves the feed of artist Jennifer Abessira.  Jennifer’s feed brought an instant smile to our faces through it’s lively use of primary colors and hashtags.  A few of our favorite hashtags include #bauhausvibes, #SheWantedtoDieButSheAlsoWantedToLiveInParis, and #aGirlsAgunPeowPeow.  With gems like these it’s safe to say the Oh-So-Arty team is #following.    

Laurie Simmons (@lauriesimmons)

As the mother of one of the most provocative personalities of our time, Lena Dunham, it’s expected that Laurie Simmons would have an interesting Instagram.  Simmons is an important cultural figure in her own right and her feed provides a glimpse into her exciting life as a member of the New York art world, which is why our Paris insider Judith Souriau (@untitled_consulting) recommends giving her a follow.   

Elad Rosen (@eladrosen)

Shani Werner (@talkingarttlv) who runs the blog, Talking Art, suggests following artist, Elad Rosen.  Shani told us, "Elad is a painter and ceramics artist based in Tel Aviv and represented by the Rosenfeld gallery. His works are full of dark humor and stretch the boundaries between what is considered raw and aesthetic."

Marian Tubbs (@mariantubbs)

Our new Melbourne insider, Charlotte Cornish (@thehoneymoonsuite_) is a loyal follower of Marian Tubbs quirky feed.  If you like what you see on Tubbs feed be sure to check out her comprehensive website for more of her interesting work.   

The Photo House (@thephotohousetlv)

Venture back in time with the monochromatic feed of late master photographer Rudi Weissenstein, whose work is posted through the platform, The Photo House.  Shani Werner (@talkingarttlv) explained, "The Photo House maintains the archive and heritage of photographer Rudi Weissenstein who worked in Tel Aviv in the early 30s. This is a real delight for all you “oldies” fans out there."

Pipilotti Rist (@pipilottirist)

Our new Zurich insider, Diana Poole (@diana_poole_photography), recomends Pipilotti Rist.  Poole told us, "A pioneer of video art, since the mid-eighties, Pipilotti Rist’s film installations have taken on many guises. She has likened them to handbags: "because there is room in them for everything: painting, technology, language, music, flowing pictures, poetry, commotion, premonitions of death, sex and friendliness.’ Rist draws together inner and outer worlds of kaleidoscopic colour and wonderment."

Samira Yamin (@samirayamin)

LA guide, Sharón Zoldan (@sharonzoldan), says Samira Yamin is an LA based artist on the rise, who has "an incredible eye for details, and her Instagram feed is a perfect extension of the beautiful symmetry she finds in the every day."

Matthew Griffin (@contemporaryary)

Our veteran Melbourne guide, Melissa Loughnan (@utopianmel) recommends New York based Australian artist Matthew Griffin.  This artist's feed is full of tongue in cheek photoshopped works that poke fun at contemporary culture. 

David aiu Servan-Schreiber (@davidaiu)

In 2017 some artists feel that they have a responsibility to be political with their work. David aiu Servan-Schreiber promotes his message to protect the earth from climate change through his art and instagram, which is why he’s a favorite of London guide Marine Tanguy (@marinetanguyart).  His Instagram bio reads, “I am an Artist who cares about the climate change”.  Go beyond his bio for images of his art, inspiration, and personal life.

Tschabalala Self (@tschabalalaself)

Tschabalala Self’s Instagram is as colorful and eye-catching as her artwork.  Our Parisian art guide Judith Souriau (@untitled_consulting) said about Self, “I like her humour and energy.”  That humour and energy both come across in Self’s feed and it’s definitely worth a follow.  

Nitzan Mintz (@nitzanmintz)

Yael Shapira (@alternativetlv) also recommends Nitzan Mintz for some street art inspiration.  Shapira told us, “Nitzan Mintz is a street poet or ‘visual poet’ as she puts it. Her art is a very unique work with letters but it doesn't really fit in the classic category of ‘graffiti’, even though it could be considered as ‘street art’. Her distinct signature fonts cover walls all over the world and she also exhibit studio pieces in various art spaces. Be sure to also follow the artist Dede, her studio mate and life partner (@dedebandaid)”

Max Maslansky (@bathos_country)

LA based guide, Sharón Zoldan (@sharonzoldan) love the feed of artist Max Maslansky.  Zoldan said, “his work is sexy and funny. His figurative painting of 1970s porn stills are instantly recognizable. Following his feed on Instagram is a total kick. He mines the internet to post random photos of outrageous memes and hilarious moments forever preserved on the internet for all to see. His current obsession: crabs.”

Douglas Mandry (@douglasmandry)

Diana Poole (@diana_poole_photography), our Zurich insider, recommends emerging artist, Douglas Mandry. Poole told us, “his focus is on manipulating and distorting the materiality of the photographic medium in order to examine our representations of, and relation with, the natural world. He reworks prints through retouching, puncturing, rubbing, disintegrating, adding light, smoke and texture - often allowing an element of chance, the results are always mesmerizing.”

Jessica Tamar Deutsch (@jessica_tamar_deutsch) 

Jenna Romano (@jenna_h_romano) loves the adorable illustrations that fill Jessica Deutsch's Instagram feed.  Her colorful sketches of street scenes and flowers stand out against the millions of photos on the app.  If you want to see more of her work check out her new book 'The Illustrated Pirkei Avot: A Graphic Novel of Jewish Ethics'.

The Chilling Polarities of Louise Bourgeois

“It is not an image I am seeking. It’s not an idea. It is an emotion you want to recreate, an emotion of wanting, of giving and of destroying” - Louise Bourgeois

What is the essential link between mother and child, between self and other, between independence and interdependence, between copulation and creation, between the literal and the figurative? These are just some of the questions posed in the inaugural show of French-American artist Louise Bourgeois's work in Israel, at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. The exhibition “Twosome”, jointly curated by Jerry Gorovoy and Suzanne Landau, emphasizes the duality in Louise Bourgeois's work. Bourgeois struggled with bouts of depression throughout her life which is reflected in the pieces selected for the show. The exhibition contains themes of displacement, abandonment, and anxiety, sentiments that permeated her powerful, and at times, chilling oeuvre.  

Twosome, which features over 50 works, presents a highly personal connection between the artist and her work. The art of Bourgeois is autobiographical and cannot be separated from her lived experiences. She, herself, said “my sculpture is my body”. Louise Bourgeois's somatic fascination is a strong motif throughout the exhibition. The human body, and primarily the female form, is used as a catalyst with which to explore motherhood, abandonment, love, and fear.      

Louise Bourgeois with a fabric sculpture in progress in 2009.
Photo: © Alex Van Gelder / Art: © The Easton Foundation

Louise Bourgeois’s had an acute awareness of the relationship between the self and others. In her consideration of relationships the artist created dialogues between contradictory concepts, such as; the conscious and unconscious, mother and child, male and female. Filial relationships are considered in both small and large scale works. Intimate pieces such as Umbilical Cord (2003) and The Birth (2007) portray the intense vulnerability Bourgeois experienced throughout her life.  A display of 17 of these smaller works, in a variety of mediums, is expertly juxtaposed with a series of installations meant to serve as confessionals.  

The exhibition's namesake piece, Twosome (1991) is a unique work for Louise Bourgeois because of its scale and industrial aesthetic. Despite its hulking presence, Twosome maintains the alluring intimacy of her smaller works. This sculptural installation is a powerful culmination of Louise Bourgeois's exploration of the complex relationship between mother and child. While the work is up for interpretation it is near impossible not to feel a maternal bond existing between the the two tanks as one perpetually moves in and out of the other, with a metal chain serving as an umbilical cord to connect them and a red light pulsing from within the steel sculpture, giving it a sense of life.    

Louise Bourgeois
SPIDER COUPLE, 2003
Steel
228.6 x 360.7 x 365.8 cm.
Private Collection
Photo: Christopher Burke, (c) The Easton Foundation/Licensed by VAGA, NY

While Twosome is predominantly concerned with Louise Bourgeois's relationship with her parents (Spider Couple, 2003) and then her own children, it does not neglect her reflections on romantic relationships. There is a morbid romanticism to her work that is best embodied by Couples (2003). This large sculpture fabricated in cast aluminum is perilously suspended from the gallery’s ceiling by a single string, leaving the warped lovers in a tragic free fall. The shiny exterior of Couple belies its darker purpose as a cathartic exploration of the artist’s lifelong fear of abandonment.     

Louise Bourgeois
THE COUPLE, 2003
Aluminum, hanging piece
365.1 x 200 x 109.9 cm.
Collection The Easton Foundation
Photo: Christopher Burke, (c) The Easton Foundation/Licensed by VAGA, NY

The figurative language used by Louise Bourgeois explores the darker side of human existence through psychoanalysis, metaphor, confession, and more. An overarching theme of duality defines this psychologically charged exhibition which will challenge viewers perception of relationships, while using polarities, to remind them that even from despair can come great beauty. The strongest element of this exhibition lies within its perceptive curatorial team and specifically, Jerry Gorovoy, who worked as an assistant to Bourgeois from the 1980s until her death in 2010. Gorovoy has conceded that working with Bourgeois could be pathological; nevertheless he remains adamant about her prowess and dexterity both as an artist and human being. 
  
Twosome is open at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art from September 7, 2017 to January 8, 2018, while a complimentary exhibition of Louise Bourgeois prints Pink Days / Blue Days is on view at Gordon Gallery from through October 28, 2017.  We highly recommend checking out both shows during this exciting moment in the Tel Aviv art scene. 

Louise Bourgeois in her home studio in 1974.
Photo: Mark Setteducati, © The Easton Foundation

Header Image: 
Louise Bourgeois
TWOSOME, 1991
Steel, paint and electric light
190.5 x 193 x 1244.6 cm.
Collection The Easton Foundation
Photo: Peter Bellamy, © The Easton Foundation/ Licensed by VAGA, NY