As part of Art Brussels Insights, we spoke with Truike Vercruysse, the managing director of the Belfius Foundation that will be presenting 30 major works from the Belfius Art Collection in the Belfius Lounge at Art Brussels.
For the third consecutive year, Art Brussels has the support of Belfius and during the fair Belfius will exhibit a selection of works from the its collection. What will be the concept of the presentation?
To mark its third participation in Art Brussels, Belfius Wealth Management presents ArtBeats, a group of 30 favourite works selected from the Belfius Art Collection by a number of Belgian personalities. Through the choices they have made, these passionate and genuine individuals – writers, artists, iconic figures from the world of fashion, fine food, culture, music and the performing arts – reveal something of their inner self. They share with us the works that get their hearts racing, that thrill, move and fascinate them. They also show us details of the art that fuels their own creative spirit. This will be a journey through their feelings and passions, presented in the exceptional setting of the Belfius Lounge.
How does supporting Art Brussels fit within the activities of Belfius?
This partnership is perfectly in line with our support to young talents. This event gives young artists an opportunity to showcase their work and meet their public. It also allows us to share our collection with a broader public of art lovers. As far as Belfius Wealth Management is concerned, this specific location and the Belfius Lounge allow us to offer a unique experience to our customers and to all visitors of Art Brussels.
What’s the importance of a corporate collection at the beginning of the 21st century?
Belfius’ longstanding and highly active cultural policy is an integral component of its corporate social responsibility. Eager to fully assume its social role and to provide real added value to the society, Belfius aims to protect this unique artistic heritage and grant the widest possible access to its art collection by frequently opening the doors of its art gallery to the general public. The bank also supports cultural initiatives, practices an active lending policy to federal or local museums and institutions and invests in promising Belgian talents in line with its strategy of support to young starters.
What is the focus of the Belfius Art Collection?
Today, the Belfius Art Collection includes some 4,300 objects of Belgian art within three sections: Flemish masters of the 16th and 17th centuries, Modern art from 1860 to 1960, and contemporary art from 1960 through to the present day. A journey through the masters of Belgian art beginning with the Flemish masters such as Peter Paul Rubens or Pieter Pourbus and continuing with a comprehensive survey of mid-19th and 20th century Belgian Modernism comprising works by the likes of such key figures from Realism and Expressionism to Symbolism and Surrealism and beyond, including especially paintings and works on paper by James Ensor, Léon Spilliaert, Fernand Khnopff, Xavier Mellery, Rik Wouters, Paul Delvaux and René Magritte. The section on contemporary art from Belgium features works by such highly acclaimed global players as Marcel Broodthaers, Roger Raveel, Luc Tuymans, Jan Fabre, Berlinde De Bruyckere, Marie-Jo Lafontaine, Rinus Van de Velde, Ann-Veronica Janssens or Michael Borremans.
Do you have any advice for young, aspiring art collectors?
Between reason and passion, intellect and emotion, find your way to what makes sense for you and listen to your heart.
Images by order of appearance:
– Jan Vercruysse, Portrait de l’artiste par lui-même (IV), 1984, Photo – gelitografeerd