Mixing genres is not uncommon in this current art collecting scene. This means collectors are purchasing works from a broad spectrum from the Renaissance period, right up to Jeff Koons style pieces. Leading collectors believe cross-category collecting is the best way to collect, which Wietse Drent also believes. After a major accident made him realise the finer things in life, Amsterdam-based collector turned to art. Having collected art for eight years, he and his wife have developed an appreciation for Modern and Impressionist art, with a touch of contemporary. Their new focus is now to purchase contemporary works from their region. Read on to discover Drent’s eclectic collection as he shares with Larry’s List crucial pieces of advice about collecting and why trends can be harmful.
The Collection
What made you want to start collecting contemporary art?
When I began collecting art, the range was quite diverse, but I only bought items I admired. This created a diverse collection with various techniques and mediums ranging from photos and sculptures to paintings and drawings. What prompted me to start collecting contemporary art was the interaction with the artist himself and the ability to follow his motivations and developments.
How long have you been collecting for?
About 8 years.
What is the main motivation behind your collecting?
Almost eleven years ago, I was involved in a major accident. Because of this event I have short-term memory loss and have limitations with work. This resulted in saying “good bye” to my biggest dream, which was becoming a realtor. This was a turning point in my life. I then started to really appreciate the nice and beautiful things in life. And it wasn’t until I bought my first painting that I realized a painting is more than just a mere piece of work. There is a person and their own unique story behind each work.
How did you make the leap to enjoying art to actually buying it?
I took the leap quite easily. After I had bought my first piece, the enjoyment and appreciation for art grew exponentially. From that moment on, I continued to surround myself around beautiful things and collect art.
What is the focus in terms of the artists in your collection?
Currently, I am working on a focus as I have a big variety of works. Maybe you can call it cross-collecting. I would like to focus more on Dutch impressionism and contemporary art.
What was the first artwork you purchased?
This was a moment in my life I will never forget. That first painting I bought made me into the person I am today. It was about 9 years ago on a sunny day in Chicago. I found myself in front of a local gallery staring at a painting that continued to pull me in deeper and deeper. So I went inside and met the artist himself, Costel Iarca. He explained how and why he paints with such an extreme amount of passion. This motivation inspired me and made me look differently at art. That day, I not only bought my first painting but invested in the start of my intriguing and exciting journey.
Is there any particular type of art that has consistently attracted you, or anything that unites all the works you have acquired?
I think what unites my art is the story behind it. It is absolutely crucial that the story attracts me.
How many artworks do you own?
Currently 70 pieces from various artists.
Where do you display your collection?
In every corner and wall in my home there is a piece of art.
What is your most treasured artwork?
That is quite a difficult question but if I have to choose one piece, it would be the sculpture by Fernandez Arman. I first saw this type of sculpture 3 years ago. After 2 years of research and searching, I acquired the one I have today. I treasure this work the most because of all of the effort and time that went into it.
Is there one particular artist or artwork you haven’t acquired yet?
An artwork by Jeff Koons.
Where do you look for and purchase artworks?
For art I look and buy all over the world. I prefer to purchase it directly from the artist and if not, most of the time I buy from auctions.
How much time do you dedicate to researching art?
About 15 hours a week.
How do you make your decisions concerning purchases?
I first think, “will it fit into my collection?” If it does, I research the artist and his market value. I also ask my wife what she thinks about it.
How do you feel about trends in the market in general? Are they ever helpful, or generally harmful?
This of course depends how you look at it. Personally I am not really crazy about trends because the values fluctuate a lot. I do think trends are interesting to invest short term but not on the long term as they say “Trends come and go”. My investments and collection are generally for the long term.
Have you made any mistakes along the way?
Yes I have made mistakes as probably most collectors have. Thankfully, I had an advisor who I could trust. One of the first pieces of advice I received was to start collecting low value artworks. See and learn from what you buy. So if you make a mistake, you make one with a small financial impact.
Thoughts on collecting
What are your thoughts on your local art scene?
I just moved about 6 months ago to the Amsterdam area where the art scene is hot. I am still discovering that myself.
What are the most challenging aspects and/or rewarding aspects about collecting in your opinion?
The most challenging aspect I am having at the moment is staying focused within my collection. I enjoy so many types of art! The most rewarding part of collecting is seeing others enjoy the artwork. Sitting on the couch with friends and family over a glass of wine and watching them admire the work on the wall — that feels good.
Who inspires you in the art world?
There are a lot of people that inspire me. One person I recently met is Stephan Wrobel, he is also an art collector. I met him last summer in London and his passion and craving for art really inspired me.
What is your advice to young and fresh collectors?
Research everything about the artwork and artist and find an advisor you can trust and learn from.
Can you name (three) emerging artists who should be on our radar?
Three artists I currently follow are:
What are you especially excited about in regard to art in the next 12 months?
The Venice Biennale that I will be attending this summer.
Read more about
The artists he collects:
Claire Bouchara
