Michel Cohen is the art collector behind @collection_montparnasse, an Instagram account that has attracted over 48K followers. His colorful Instagram profile showcases his contemporary art collection with over 300 paintings and sculptures by various artists, such as KAWS, Mr., Javier Calleja, Rafa Macarrón, as well as contemporary art shows he has visited.
Michel shares with LARRY’S LIST about how his first visit to the Louvre was an enlightenment to him; how the focus of his art collection has evolved from Impressionist and Post-Impressionist to contemporary art; why his most treasured artwork is a Donald Duck painting by Joyce Pensato; why it is important for him to meet the artists behind the artworks he collects; and last but not least, how social media has remarkably transformed his art collecting experience.

Collecting

How did you start collecting art? What is the main motivation behind your collecting?
I would say, my collection skills started at an early age collecting coins, stamps, baseball and hockey memorabilia and the sorts. I would always go to the respective fairs and events, meeting people, exchanging ideas, and loved being part of a niche culture. When I was 13 years old, my grandparents,who were based in Paris, invited my parents, my sister and myself to the Louvre. As we were Walking through this cavernous structure, I was in complete awe of the massive canvases, larger-than-life sculptures, I started to imagine what it must be like to live with art — I didn’t realize it then, but the bug had been planted. It was in early 90s that I started collecting Impressionist/ Post-Impressionist Art, had kids, discovered street art, sold my entire impressionist/ Post-Impressionist collection. My oldest Son, who was 9, introduced me to an up-and-coming artist named KAWS; from there I discovered Haring and so on… I have always been redefining my taste as my collection evolves and matures.

When did you fall in love with a piece of art? What was it?
The first time I fell in love with a work of art, was a work by Post Impressionist artist Henri Le Sidaner,  entitled “Bassin de Trianon a L’Automne”,  Le Sidaner had pointillism/ impressionist influence. Referred to as an “intimist”, his unique small brushstrokes enabled him to evoke and diffuse light, the colours, the composition— everything about that painting was perfect.

What is your focus regarding the artists in your collection? What is the proportion of emerging artists to established ones in your collection?
My focus is what I consider to be great art. I have a tendency to go more figurative than abstract, the majority of my purchases today are definitely young emerging artists. There is a certain thrill I get in discovering a new artist and watching them evolve. Being part of their journey and developing friendships and bonds with these artists is an incredible experience, especially when you have “the bug”.
Of course, more established artists form part of my collection. However, today, with the velocity at which some of the emerging artist are progressing, suddenly 3-5 years later, they have become established artists. So the ratio of established vs. emerging artists in the collection is constantly changing.

What were the latest artworks you purchased?
The latest works I purchased were by Todd Bienvenue, Gary Simmons, Eddie Martinez, Geneviève Figgis, Mark Ryden, and Jason Boyd Kinsella.

How many artworks do you own?
Over 300 works, ranging from works on paper, ceramics, canvases, and sculptures.

Have you ever presented your art collection publicly?
I have never presented my collection publicly besides Instagram, which showcases parts of my collection. I have been recently approached by an institution and toying with the thought of having some parts of the collection displayed publicly, but the ultimate goal is to one day take the plunge and create a foundation and building that will house the entire collection. My inspiration is the Rubell Museum.

What is your most treasured artwork?
It would be very hard to define any one piece of art as the most treasured, so many incredible works. However, one atop the list would be a large work by Joyce Pensato, entitled “London Donald”. It’s her take on Donald Duck,  her use of black enamel paint, her unique brushstrokes, and that drip, just “Wow!” You feel her presence emanate from the canvas, a true masterpiece.

How important is it for you to meet the artists who created the artwork?
I think any serious collector who is passionate in their journey always looks forward to meeting the artists they collect. I believe it to be an integral part of the experience, especially if you have been collecting those artists from early on in their careers or early on in the collection process. Forming that friendship-connection with an artist enables one to understand what motivates them, what inspiresthem, their methodology, and brings another level of appreciation for their work.
At the opening of MOCA Detroit’s exhibitions of Eddie Martinez and KAWS, my wife and I had the pleasure of meeting Eddie, who was so approachable, warm, and kind enough to take the time to give us a mini-guided tour of his works at the Exhibit, letting us know what was happening in “that moment” he was creating the artwork, right down to his child’s newborn footprint that accidentally became part of one of his masterpieces. Those little anecdotes make the journey even more special.

How does being active on social media help you in collecting or acquiring the artworks you want?
Social media, Instagram more specifically, is truly a very powerful tool. Prior to starting my IG page, it was always very difficult contacting galleries around the world by email or telephone, more times than not, I would not even get a response; and on the occasions I would get a response, it was always, “Who are you ? What are your interests? What artists do you have in your collection?” etc. Then, if you get a PDF, it was “we are taking interest” at this time, please let us know which you are interested in, I would then let the gallery know which I was interested in, and typically 3-4 days later, the response: “Sorry, we were not able to allocate anything to you, better luck next time. Thanks!!!”
So my Sons suggested I start an Instagram account and start sharing my collection. Having no previous experience, my social-media-savvy sons coached me on #hashtags and @, and how stories work, and I slowly started sharing. As a result, my Instagram page enabled me to reach out to galleries, museums, and  fellow collectors, and get responses, enabling me to open many doors. I would tell you, it was a game changer for me. As a result, it has helped me forge tremendous friendships with artists, galleries, and fellow collectors from around the world.

How often do you purchase artworks through galleries, art fairs and auction houses respectively?
In that order, the majority comes from galleries and the fairs they exhibit at, and occasionally at auction.

What was your happiest moment being involved in art?
One of the happiest and most memorable moments being involved in art was on our last trip to Japan in January 2020. I have a deep love for everything Japanese.
We were fortunate to spend close to a month travelling around the country, visiting museums and cultural landmarks, especially The Hakone Outdoor Museum, spending time in artist studios, and breaking bread with En Iwamura, Mr., and (Hajime) Sorayama, and one of Japan’s top gallerists, Shinji Nanzuka. A month-long art moment in one of my favourite places in the world — I still pinch myself!

Instagram: @collection_montparnasse

A selection of artists Michel collects:
Alison Zuckerman
Eddie Martinez
Geneviève Figgis
Joyce Pensato
Nicolas Party

By Ricko Leung