Twenty Years of Loving Contemporary Art
The world of passionate art collector,- Delphine de Causans is full of neons and no regrets. The ultimate happiness for her, are the moments of philanthropy and giving back through arts.
INTERVIEW WITH ART COLLECTOR DELPHINE DE CAUSANS
From collector’s archives. Photographed by Peter Charaf.
Les Couleurs: If you could steal one work of art without getting caught, what would it be?
Delphine de Causans: Without a doubt that would be an action painting by Jackson Pollock. One of those made during the “drip period” between 1947 and 1950.
Les Couleurs: What work do you wish you had bought when you had the chance?
Delphine de Causans: Probably one of Damien Hirst’s spot paintings, a decade ago. Or an “Outrenoir” by Pierre Soulages. I have always been amazed by his ability to reveal the light from the black.
Les Couleurs: What is the most impractical work of art you own?
Delphine de Causans: A 133 x 274 cm neon and acrylic on canvas and wood!
Les Couleurs: What is your focus regarding the artists in your collection? Are you more interested in emerging or renowned artists?
Delphine de Causans: When I started studying the history of contemporary art, we focused more on renowned artists and art movements, and after working for auction houses and art galleries, I realized I was more interested in discovering the work of emerging artists. Yet some of the artists I collect are renowned, because I like what I like, and some of the emerging artists—I collect their work, and they become famous. It’s interesting to witness how the art world evolves.
Les Couleurs: What work do you have hanging above your sofa?
Delphine de Causans: In New York, there is a 1 x 1.5m acrylic, ink and charcoal on paper made by Todd DiCiurcio, an American artist whom I met at an art charity event, and who became a dear friend of mine. In Verbier [Switzerland], there is a 1 x 1m neon tube and acrylic on canvas on wood by French artist Francois Morellet.
Les Couleurs: If you could live with just one work of art, what would it be?
Delphine de Causans: That’s a tough one! Let’s say the first art piece I bought when I was twenty-ish years old at an auction in Paris. A watercolor and Indian ink on paper by French artist Henri Michaux.
Les Couleurs: What is the main motivation behind your collecting?
Delphine de Causans: First of all, I buy a work of art because it makes me feel something. I don’t think about making an investment or any kind of profit out of it. According to me when one buys an artwork, it is for it to be part of my four walls and admired every day. Each of the paintings, sculptures, photographs I bought has its own story. I also ask myself the usual questions when contemplating buying a piece: What does it bring to the art world? Is there a new medium, a new technique used in the making? Has the artist found a new way to express subjects or themes that we already know in some way?
Les Couleurs: When did you fall in love with a piece of art? What was it?
Delphine de Causans: It has been a little while now that I am keeping up with artist Tracy Emin and I just got a neon text which I will be receiving any time now!
Art collector Delphine de Causans. Photographed by Peter Charaf.
Les Couleurs: Is there a work you regret purchasing?
Delphine de Causans: No way!
Les Couleurs: How did it come about, your enthusiasm for art?
Delphine de Causans: Once I got my high school diploma I decided to study art history. Maybe it was some kind of rebellious act as I didn’t want to follow my parent’s footsteps by studying business. I found myself taken with art and I wanted to specialize in contemporary art mostly because I had a keen desire to properly understand this market which was new to me. Over time my enthusiasm for art has grown into an absolute passion. Wandering around both art fairs and galleries, reading, meeting artists... That's how I became an art collector. And, via the arts, I ended up working in business after all.
Les Couleurs: What was your happiest moment being involved in art?
Delphine de Causans: It’s hard to say, but probably when my artist friends donate work to the charities I sponsor. Charities that help kids in need through art such as Free Arts NYC or the Children’s Museum of the Arts NYC—they are so essential.
Art collector Delphine de Causans. Photographed by Peter Charaf.
