We invited Dutch art consultant Willem Baars to curate an auction with us to kick off our new series of auctions featuring guest curators. One of our art experts, Femke Lijklema, who curated the auction with Willem interviewed him to discuss the Iconic Prints (From Private Collections). Read on to discover what you will find in this auction and what his advice is on how to start your very own collection of iconic prints.
About Willem Baars
Willem Baars is an art historian and gained fame through his performances in 'De Wereld Draait Door', a Dutch television talk show, and his book 'Who determines the value of art'. He works as an appraiser, art consultant, gallery owner, publicist and columnist. He wrote for the 'Financieele Dagblad', a Dutch newspaper focused on business and finance, and 'Vrij Nederland', a Dutch news magazine.
Even before he started studying History of Art, Baars started collecting art. In 1997, he founded Art Consultancy, one of the first agencies in this field that focused on the development of the international art market at an early stage. He is also a member of several art committees of both national and international art fairs, including Tefaf.
Let's talk about sales, and how the idea came about. What is your connection with the offered lots?
I think that Catawiki is ready for the next step. The platform is growing very fast, so I think it would be interesting if Catawiki would take over things, like curated sales, from the existing big auction houses, to make art in the higher segments of the art market more accessible.
‘Curated sales', which are linked to one or two people who do not work at the auction house, ensure that a part of the works is brought in through them. I’ve chosen several works from four private collections, from artist that I’ve represented in the past, like Anish Kapoor, Robert Bechtle and Ed Ruscha. Their works have been sold directly to collectors by me, without intervention. That makes the collection personal, because I have a connection with all those works. It is a nice collection, which could also be auctioned in London or New York.
Where does your love for works on paper originate?
My love for works on paper started because, as a 16 year old, I didn’t have a lot of money to spend, and drawings and graphic art were the most feasible to get my hands on. Apart from my financial situation, I also had a lot of affinity with paper. I developed a love for these works, and that love is still there, though less related to business than before. Drawing has something unrelenting, it must be good. I like the vulnerability of paper. Paper asks the utmost of an artist, especially when it comes to printing techniques. For an artist, a work on paper is a real test of ability. With a painting you can hide and brush away a lot more, the 'nudity' of paper is in that sense much nicer and more direct.
Left: 'Covered Car - Missouri, 2002' by Robert Bechtle. Right: '34th Avenue, 1987' by Robert Bechtle.
Is there a particular work in this auction that has a personal significance to you? Why are you so touched by it?
There are several pieces actually, but I especially like the two artworks by Bechtle and the two by Ruscha. They are etchings and aquatints, made with a very refined printing technique that is only mastered by a few artists. These works were made in the Crown Point Press Studio, in San Fransisco, a world famous graphical institute. I can look at those works endlessly, mainly because of that special technique and the power of the images. They still fascinate me.
Left: 'Your Space on Building' by Ed Ruscha. Right: 'Hot Air Being Blown' by Ed Ruscha.
What advice do you have for new collectors?
Search for good graphic art, no poster-like images, but nice limited edition prints. A graphic design by Bechtle costs around €2,000 to €4,000, a painting between €50,000 and €2 million. That is a remarkable difference. All the more if you realise that the power of those images isn’t any less than that of his paintings. That price difference has something to do with the art market and is hard to explain. It is ultimately about the image you look at and the emotional feeling it gives you. Buy with your eyes, not with your ears. Don't buy big names only, do not be tempted, make sure you find something you have a connection with. Be careful with buying. Think about why something is good, and make mistakes every now and then. The more questions a work raises, the longer you’ll be fascinated by it.
Inspired to start or build your own collection of works on paper? Our special Iconic Prints (From Private Sellers) auction is the perfect place to browse and bid on many exquisite works. But don't delay, the auction ends on 30th December (2017). Or would you like to start selling your own collection? Become a seller on Catawiki. It's easy and free to register, and your artwork could soon be shown to millions of people from all around the world at our auctions!
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