When Lukas Jakob was a teenager, he purchased a work by Katharina Grosse with his first pay check, which became the first work in his collection. Now in his mid-20s and already owning an art collection of over a hundred works, he deeply believes in the notion of being a patron rather than a possessor. Conceptual themes with a futuristic aesthetic define his art collection, which has an emphasis on installation-based artworks.
LARRY’S LIST spoke to the Gen-Z collector, who explains his art collecting philosophy, the common thread that unites his collection, the challenges and advantages faced by a Gen-Z art collector, his view of the art-world pet peeve, as well as the people who have inspired him the most in the art world.
Collecting
What made you want to start collecting art? What is the main motivation behind your collecting?
My desire to embark on the journey of art collecting was driven by a fascination for encapsulating the essence of my generation’s inquiries within our contemporary era. If art were a visual representation of music, I’d liken it to the cyberpunk genre. The Jakob Collection aspires to curate a diverse array of viewpoints on conceptual themes, all underpinned by a futuristic aesthetic. The impetus for this passion was undoubtedly my proximity to the bustling art scene during the Basel fair week, and the culturally rich environment in the tri-border region connecting France, Switzerland, and Germany where I was raised. I’ve always aimed to embody the notion of being a patron rather than a possessor, embracing the poetic idea of safeguarding and nurturing art. What truly captivates me on this journey are the remarkable individuals I encounter, each with their unique perspectives and attitudes.
When did you fall in love with a piece of art? What was it?
My love affair with art ignited at an early age when I encountered the captivating creations of Katharina Grosse. Her avant-garde exploration of painting and space through her color interventions was truly spellbinding. The notion that a painting was not confined solely to the canvas but could extend beyond, even outside the confines of a room, using a spray gun, left me utterly enthralled. So, as a teenager, with my very first paycheck, I invested in a piece of art – a work of hers on a tie, to be precise.
What is your focus regarding the artists in your collection? Are you more interested in emerging or renowned artists, international or European artists?
In my collection, I maintain a focus on both emerging talents and established artists, cherishing the opportunity to grow alongside young, dynamic galleries and their artists. It’s this sense of shared journey in the art world that truly captivates me. Among the artists featured in my collection, you’ll find a mix of emerging talents and personal rediscoveries, such as Marina Faust. I take great pleasure in building close connections with the artists I collect. Whether it’s a chance encounter at a vernissage, a studio visit, or even a meeting with a gallery representative, being in proximity to the artists is essential for me. It’s a dynamic field, and artists often traverse continents throughout their careers, so these connections are ever-evolving. For a work to find its place in my collection, it must provoke and challenge me, much like Gabriella Torres-Ferrer’s “We Are All Under the Same Sky,” a floating cloud installation. This piece is equipped with a programmed motion sensor, which responds to visitors in the exhibition space by emitting sound fragments derived from the storage and registration of data from the Internet. Such innovation continually pique my interest.
What is the theme that unites all the works you have acquired?
At the heart of my collection lies a common thread: the present moment. I’m deeply intrigued by art that grapples with the dynamics of existence, emotions, and coexistence, both in the tangible and digital realms of our contemporary world.
What were the first and the latest artworks you purchased?
The first were by Katharina Grosse and Rindon Johnson and the latest were by Jasmine Gregory and Jaime Welsh.
How many artworks do you own? Where do you display your collection?
My collection comprises over a hundred artworks, and I consider it my duty as a collector to provide artists with a platform for their work. I’m dedicated to promoting art, and to achieve this, I ensure that the collection is accessible in various ways through recurring presentations. As a member of Generation Z, I also leverage social media and online platforms to expand the reach and accessibility of the collection.
The artworks have found their place in various settings, including a former church and an old butcher’s shop, among other unconventional spaces, demonstrating my commitment to giving art the exposure it deserves.
Have you ever presented/ Would you wish to present your art collection publicly?
Indeed, this year marked a significant milestone for the Jakob Collection, as it was showcased in its inaugural institutional exhibition at the Galerie für Gegenwartskunst of E-Werk in Freiburg, Germany. The exhibition featured thought-provoking installations by artists such as Neckar Doll, Evgenij Gottfried, Karla Zipfel, Gabriella Torres-Ferrer, and Constantin Hartenstein. To my delight, the exhibition drew immense interest from numerous visitors, and the accompanying events, including performances, concerts, visits, and dinners, added a dynamic layer to the experience.
Additionally, the process of curating and producing the exhibition brochure was a highly rewarding endeavor, which I personally enjoyed.
What considerations guide you to make a purchase?
When making acquisitions, I take various factors into account. My primary passion lies in the realm of conceptual art. To make informed choices, I delve into an artist’s biography and assess whether their work encapsulates the essence of their entire body of work. The role of gallery owners in facilitating this process is crucial, as they bridge the gap between artist and collector.
During art fairs, I pay close attention to sections showcasing emerging artists and new perspectives in the art world. My research also extends to reading art reviews, such as those by critics like Anna Meinecke at Gallerytalk. Naturally, my budget influences my choices. If an artist has already reached a certain level of recognition with a prominent gallery, it might be beyond my means.
In moments of uncertainty, it’s often the gallery owners who surprise me with engaging anecdotes or insightful background stories about the artwork, helping me connect on a deeper level with the pieces I consider adding to my collection.
What is your most treasured artwork?
Undoubtedly, my most cherished artwork is the enigmatic “Shion” by artist Thomas Liu Le Lann. This 7-meter-long superhero donning a glamorous fetish outfit captivated my heart when I encountered it at the LISTE art fair in Basel. “Shion” is a sad and somewhat forlorn anti-hero, shrouded in a harlequin mask, leaving us to wonder whether he’s headed to his next bank heist or an underground techno party. This overwhelmed superhero has evolved into a poignant emblem of our tumultuous times. In this artwork, I appreciate how Thomas Liu Le Lann skillfully brings qualities like vulnerability, fragility, and even his own insecurities to the forefront. Alongside my deep connection to the piece, I’ve also confronted the unique challenges of transporting and storing such a substantial work, a valuable lesson for a young collector like myself.
How important is it for you to meet the artists who created the artwork?
For me, it’s not about acquiring art solely for the living room. Many of the pieces in my collection are either too large or possess textures that make them unsuitable for domestic settings. They tend to be less conventional, often leaning towards installation-based artworks. What draws me to this kind of art is the opportunity for ongoing collaboration with the artist. It’s the ability to reconfigure these pieces for site-specific exhibitions that makes them particularly enticing. This is why I maintain close and continuous contact with the artists I collect.
The Art World
What are the challenges and advantages as a Next-Generation art collector?
As a Next-Generation art collector, I find that we enjoy significant advantages through digital connectivity and online commerce. Contemporary online art blogs and platforms serve as vital interfaces within the digital infrastructure, playing a pivotal role in documenting and shaping the visual spirit of our era.
However, these advantages come with their own set of challenges. With the vast online space, there’s a risk of being swayed by prevailing visual trends. I’ve witnessed one of my collection presentations go viral, shared millions of times, which, while exciting, has also highlighted the sobering reality that many talented artists can get lost in the algorithmic sea of images. Regrettably, the endorphin-driven viewing behavior often doesn’t consider the rich context of a work of art.
What do you think is the art-world pet peeve?
The influence of Instagram on art.
Who inspires you the most in the art world?
Art collectors who are a great inspiration to me are Karen and Christian Boros. I still remember my first visit to the Boros Bunker in Berlin. Even as a teenager, I followed the program of the curator Heidi Brunnschweiler, who plays an important role in bringing international discourse and exchange to the art scene in Freiburg.
Can you name three emerging artists who should be on our radar?
Thomas Liu Le Lann, Mamali Shafahi, and Jaime Welsh.
What are you especially excited about in regard to art in the next 12 months?
Thomas Liu Le Lann will be taking over the La Samaritaine Paris for the Christmas period. He will have an institutional solo exhibition at Galerie für Gegenwartskunst Freiburg, Germany in 2024. Jasmine Gregory will have a solo exhibition at CAPC Bordeaux, France in autumn 2023. Group Exhibitions at Kunstverein Freiburg and Kunsthalle Recklinghausen in Germany will feature Karla Zipfel.
Related: Sammlung Jakob
Instagram: @sammlung.jakob
A selection of artists Lukas collects:
By Ricko Leung
