Art Collector Raphaël Isvy @raph_is spoke with us at AucArt about his top five treasured artworks, what advice to give to collectors starting out, and his top picks from AucArt.
Art Collector Raphaël Isvy @raph_is spoke with us at AucArt about his top five treasured artworks, what advice to give to collectors starting out, and his top picks from AucArt.
What were the first and the latest artworks you purchased?
The first original work was a Mike Lee work on panel (I’ll always remember the feeling when opening the crate and smelling the wood and painting on it, the feeling of having something UNIQUE is impossible to describe…) and my latest is a painting by Robert Zehnder.
What is your most treasured artwork?
With over 100 works in the collection, it is a tricky question, I will give you my top 5:
George Condo original work on paper, Tracey Emin neon, Peter Saul work on paper from 1998, Robert Nava painting and finally my Robin F Williams pastel on paper.
What advice would you give to other collectors starting out?
The same I’ve been giving forever and that was also given to me when I started: buy the things you like. Of course, this is not enough depending on what’s your purpose: create a large collection, get something for one or two walls at home, invest… I would probably add something I’ve learnt across the years: avoid the hype, admit letting go some artists that are very hard to obtain. There is no need to chase impossible dreams at high cost. There will always be another one that you will eventually prefer.
I will add something for people who build a collection: try to project the artwork on your walls and ask yourself questions: will it match the couch? will my kids and wife love it? Do the artworks get along together? It is important to mix medias, size, and style to have a complete collection, not mandatory though. Try being open to things you might not like at first sight, the eye and tastes evolve, at a fast pace.
Do you collect thematically – if so please share more!?
Unfortunately, yes. This was not planned but 90% of my collection is figurative, and mostly distorted faces. I must admit that escaping the reality through those faces is everything to me and I’m really a lover of that style. I have been looking at more and more abstract to be able to spot the different styles withing the style! I’ll get to that point of maturity one day, collecting is a long, long journey, not a sprint.
Favourite exhibition you’ve seen in the last year?
Probably the David Zwirner show of Lisa Yuskavage alongside with Georg Baselitz show at Ropac that was breathtaking.
I’ve learnt across the years: avoid the hype, admit letting go some artists that are very hard to obtain. There is no need to chase impossible dreams at high cost. There will always be another one that you will eventually prefer.
I’ve learnt across the years: avoid the hype, admit letting go some artists that are very hard to obtain. There is no need to chase impossible dreams at high cost. There will always be another one that you will eventually prefer.
