Art Collector Ronald Harrar @ronaldharrar spoke with us about the most treasured artworks in his collection, what advice to give to young collectors starting out, and his top picks from AucArt.
Art Collector Ronald Harrar @ronaldharrar spoke with us about the most treasured artworks in his collection, what advice to give to young collectors starting out, and his top picks from AucArt.
How did you start collecting art?
I started collecting art around 20 years ago when I suggested it to my father. The initial idea was to build a family collection and fortunately for me I had a very supporting father who in spite of not being a collector pushed me to get very involved in the art world.
What were the first and the latest artworks you purchased?
First artwork we acquired was a Painting by Spanish Artist Manolo Valdes and a painting by Venezuelan artist Carlos Cruz-Díez
Recent acquisitions include a large Jonas Wood on canvas, a fantastic Katherine Bradford painting titled the magicians which we acquired last year during Paris Plus from Campoli Presti Gallery.
Amanda wall is also an exciting artist to watch and Javier Calleja is an extraordinary and very talented artist whom we also collect. Both represented by Almine Rech Gallery.
What is your most treasured artwork?
A George Condo painting we acquired a few years ago.
What advice would you give to other collectors starting out?
Always follow your instinct, study a lot. Read about the artists you connect with, support your favorite galleries, visit as many museums as you can and as often as you can. One of the best ways to experience art is to visit the auction houses prior their big sales, their previews are extraordinary and the quality is unbelievable.
Do you collect thematically?
We don’t collect thematically. Art is such a broad world that we don’t believe in segmenting it. We collect what we like and what we believe in.
Favourite exhibition you’ve seen in the last year?
Lisa Yuskavage show with David Zwirner Gallery in Paris was fantastic. I have always admired her talent. One of the best female artists working today.
The Jean Michel Basquiat show at the Beyeler Foundation showing his Modena paintings for the first time ever was a great show to visit.
Richard Avedon with Gagosian in New York was a very special show celebrating what would have been the artist 100th birthday.
Javier Calleja had a fantastic show in London with Almine Rech where he intervened a few walls with his characteristic style.
Andre Butzer show at the Thyssen museum in Madrid was a good show and a great way for the museum to continue its program showing contemporary artists.
Always follow your instinct, study a lot. Read about the artists you connect with, support your favorite galleries, visit as many museums as you can and as often as you can.
Always follow your instinct, study a lot. Read about the artists you connect with, support your favorite galleries, visit as many museums as you can and as often as you can.
“I connect with her approach to abstract expressionism and the color palette she generally uses in her works.”
“Another female artist working in the style of abstract expressionism. I like the fact she is a self taught artist as well as the fact that she gets her inspiration from Cuba where her family is from.”
“I connect with her approach to abstract expressionism and the color palate she generally uses in her works.”
“A female artist working in the style of abstract expressionism. I like the fact she is a self taught artist as well as the fact that she gets her inspiration from Cuba where her family is from.”
