Interview with a young Senegalese collector (Anonymous)

An interview with a Senegalese art lover who currently lives in Canada. This art enthusiast, who enjoys painting in her spare time, agreed to answer questions from the editorial team at Art Kelen, on condition that she remained anonymous… Enjoy the read!

1 – What was your first encounter with the art world?

I’m a creative person and I’ve always loved painting and drawing. One of my grandfathers was a literature teacher and had lots of paintings in his home. They were large paintings that intrigued and amazed the little girl I was. So I asked lots of questions, and at the same time I promised myself that one day I’d have one on display in my own home.

2 – Why do you collect contemporary art?

Contemporary art feels more in tune with my generation, and it’s this ‘temporal connection’ that prompted me to start my collection. I feel a certain closeness and a shared understanding of the future and the past with contemporary artists. As a newcomer to the art world, I find it easier to understand what the various works of this generation evoke, rather than those of any other.

3 - How did your collection come about?

I started my collection a few years ago. It all began with a piece that really caught my eye, and then I set myself the goal of acquiring one work a year, within my budget. That doesn’t mean it’s an obligation for me. I don’t put any pressure on myself and I try first and foremost to discover artists and their artistic sensibilities.

4 – Do you collect exclusively contemporary African art? How many works do you own?

At the moment I own six works, all of which can be categorised as contemporary African art. I’m nevertheless open to contemporary art from other backgrounds. I’m still influenced by my experiences, my reading and my discoveries.

Sous le soleil, Yves Gusella

5 – What was your first purchase?

My first purchase was a work by Yves Gusella, a French artist based in Senegal, who captures the very essence and atmosphere of Senegalese culture in his works.

6 – What first draws you to a piece of art? Pleasure? Emotion?

I’m often drawn first by the originality of the artwork. I like it to be different, new, and so on. So I’d say it can be pleasure at times, and emotion at others.

7- How do you discover the artists you collect? Online or in galleries?

I’d say I look for artists both online and by visiting galleries. Our way of life has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic, with all its accompanying restrictions, and this has recently led me to discover many artists online.

However, I read a lot of art magazines in general, and this also helps me discover talented artists.

I’d also like to point out that most of the artworks I’ve bought have been purchased online.

8 – How often do you buy art?

Once a year. But again, it depends on the price of the artwork.

9 – Is price an important factor for you?

Yes, very much so. I’m new to the art world and there are many artists I admire, but whose works are beyond my budget. I think it also depends on your age and your priorities in life. Do you see a collection as an investment? Or do you just want to treat yourself?

If you’ve read this far, we hope this article has given you some ideas to help you get started with your collection of contemporary African art. Please feel free to share your feedback, questions and suggestions in the comments.