The value of Art –A contemporary collection
Eva HIld: "Loop 649" sculpture, Sweden 2005. Estimate SEK 300 000 - 400 000 / 28 000 - 37 000, photo interior: Måns Berg
Since the beginning of time, culture has been an important foundation in various societies in order to provide us with identity, a context and an understanding of where we originate from and our current times. The word culture ultimately represents the formation and cultivation of the intellect.
It has been vital for human survival to create a community and a sense of belonging in order to develop and evolve humanity. This is as important when it comes to creating a dynamic, developing and inspiring corporate culture. The tradition of assembling fantastic art collections in companies dates back to the time of the Renaissance. In 1472, the Bank Monte Dei Paschi in Siena accumulated one of the first and foremost collections of art. Early on, art was only a decorative element on the wall. With time, it also came to play an increasingly important role in education and in the branding of companies.
In the mid-1950s, the American plutocrat David Rockefeller decided that Chase Manhattan Bank would hold an art collection. Rockefeller was a passionate collector, who wrote several books on how the experience of art can be enriching and evolve on many different levels. His collection inspired many other companies, and in the mid-1990s, half of the companies on the Fortune 500, passionately collected art.
Great art collections of various orientations and content, did not only encourage company brand and image, but additionally, it provided identity to the entire corporate-culture.
Sweden has a long tradition of company-owned art collections. Deriving from the Marabou Collection to the present´s value-based companies, where the ambition to be "The good company" lives in symbiosis with commercial success.
During spring 2019, a master's thesis was conducted at Södertörn University entitled "Art and entrepreneurship" by Cinzia Cairone and Ida Sjödin. They believe that the main purpose of company collections is to create reactions, reflection and dialogue. Additionally, company art collections contribute to mediate company values and to create an educational, attractive and stimulating work environment. A work-space one actively seeks, which further contributes to legitimizing of the collection of art.
During these exceptional times of Corona, where theatres, operas, museums and concert arenas are closed, it is clear how empty life is when we do not have the same opportunity to share cultural experiences with one another. Music, theatre, literature and art enable us to experience, feel and perceive what often cannot be explained in words. It sets our thoughts in motion and brings them into new paths and develops our way of thinking, feeling and understanding.
Frank Stella, "lawean", Stainless steel tubing and carbon fiber, Estimate SEK 800 000 - 1 000 000 / EUR 75'000 - 95'000. Photo interior: Måns Berg
The collection that Bukowskis has been entrusted to sell has been gathered for many years. It ranges from established international artists to young, Swedish contemporary art. The collection also includes bold design and works of art. The complete collection of art has been available as a natural and functional part of the company's office premises, where employees have been able to enjoy the art in their everyday work. Simultaneously, the collection has been exposed to clients, suppliers and visitors.
The owner of the company describes the passion and the aim of the collection as: Culture is like oxygen for our body. Activates and strengthens. Take us forward. Step by step in an infinite, positive curve. Every piece has an important soul and story. Understanding the background and context will make the experience flourish. Take your time. Read about it. Question. Discuss. Give the art a chance. The purpose of our art collection in our offices is to provide inspiration and joy, but also to take a stand for art as an important aspect in the society. The collection is thus also a reminder of, and an expression of, our values and foundations.
Art as a concept is not a completely clear definition. The meaning of art has been discussed, some definitions acknowledge art as, knowledge, ability and insight. In my opinion, art can become whatever you make of it, yourself. There is no right or wrong. Black or white. Good or bad (well). The observer decides.
Some may probably think that art takes an unjustifiably large portion of our organisation. Maybe. Maybe not. But - if one considers art and culture to be important components for development, then one must also affirm it. What would be better then, then purchasing a piece of art by a young tentative artist or by an established and well-known artist?
To me, one important aspect of art is that it evokes thoughts, pushes boundaries and starts processes, but also that it inspires, challenges and supports. Produce constructive action.
After many years of collecting art, one can state that our purpose is not to be fulfilled by all pieces of art. The inspiration of the moment is sometimes just too strong, and no one is perfect. It is acceptable to fail sometimes, as long as it provides you with new knowledge and experience.
The catalogue will be published October 2nd
Viewing: 8 – 13 October, Berzelii Park 1, Stockholm
Auction: 14 October, Arsenalsgatan 2, Stockholm
From left: Eva Hild: a black stoneware sculpture "Prolongation" "Prolongation", Estimate SEK 200 000 - 250 000 / EUR 18 000 - 23 000. Karin Broos "Spegling I", Acrylic on canvas. Estimate SEK 180 000 / EUR 16 500 - 18 500. Bernar Venet: "83,5° Arc x 8", Rolled steel with black patina. Estimate SEK 500 000 - 600 000 / EUR 46 000 - 55 000
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