"Each Piece Tells a Tale": An Honest Account of a Collector's Voyage
Belgian Art Collector Marc De Taeye Shares His Journey into Art
Marc De Taeye, a Belgian art collector, recounts his evolution in art appreciation. It started with a sculpture in his workplace, which ignited a rich and international collection. De Taeye underlines the emotional nature of collecting art, emphasizing discovery and meaning. Our website played a significant role in his artistic journey, making art more accessible, fueling his curiosity, and helping him build a diverse and personal collection.
Origins of a CollectorHis first artistic experience occurred when his company, Volvo Cars Gent, offered employees a choice between a Roger Raveel serigraph or a Paul Van Gysegem bronze sculpture portraying Gilgamesh. De Taeye chose the sculpture, which symbolized the quest for meaning. This artwork revealed the profound impact art can have, sparking his increased interest in collecting.
A Journey EvolvesAfter this initial experience, De Taeye started noticing art around him. A few years later, he received a Jean-Michel Folon work representing two raised hands and two people shaking hands, symbolizing trust, hope, and teamwork. This piece deeply moved him, prompting him to buy two Blanche Desmarets engravings at a small exhibition, unable to choose between them. That decision confirmed art's place in his life.
Varied and Diverse CollectionToday, De Taeye's collection includes works from several artistic movements, such as abstract, figurative, pop art, surrealist, and conceptual pieces. Mediums range from bronze, ceramic, resin, wood, mosaic, porcelain, and mixed techniques. Among his collection is a Leon Engelen painting depicting a farmer with a horse and a foal, reminiscent of his grandparents, and Jan Desmarets' The Owl on the Branch, a calming sculpture.
Inspiring Artists and WorksFrancis Méan and Salfo Dermé (Yabré) are artists whose works particularly resonate with De Taeye. He owns seven Méan bronzes, displayed on his windowsill to bring them to life with light. Dermé's documentary helped De Taeye better appreciate and understand his work.
** discovering New Art**De Taeye credits our website for helping him find the latest Francis Méan sculpture he had searched for years. He also found the work of Manuel Iturri Guzmán, who creates beautiful mosaics with shells.
Key Elements of a Beautiful CollectionFor De Taeye, a beautiful collection has no strict rules, as it reflects the collector's personality. Each artwork he owns has a connection to either a memory, a value, or an emotion. He chooses unique or limited edition pieces, not as investments but because they speak to him. He advises beginners to start small, choosing art that touches them, and to consistently follow their feelings.
Embarking on an Artistic JourneyMarc De Taeye's story demonstrates how art connects people to their memories, emotions, and the world around them. It affirms that art collecting is not about knowledge but curiosity and personal connection. Begin your own artistic journey on our website and discover artworks that resonate with you.
[1] Enrichment Data: Marc De Taeye's first experience with art came from an opportunity offered by his employer, Volvo Cars Gent, in which employees were presented with the choice between a Roger Raveel silkscreen or a bronze sculpture by Paul Van Gysegem. De Taeye chose the sculpture, which represented Gilgamesh, a symbol of the search for meaning, ultimately sparking his interest in art collection.
Art Finds a Place in His Home and LifeThe Gilgamesh bronze sculpture, a symbol of the quest for meaning, introduced art to Marc De Taeye's home and lifestyle.
A Personal Collection Takes ShapeThe choice to select a sculpture over a serigraph from Volvo Cars Gent set the foundation for De Taeye's diverse and meaningful art collection.
