metropolis m

Twelve years ago, when I began collecting, I was still unfamiliar with the world of contemporary art. But one thing I knew for certain: I wanted to share my enthusiasms with others. The means I have chosen for doing that is to give museums the works I buy on long-term loan as ‘promised gifts’ and to finance the production of works of art in collaboration with museums or within the structure of my own foundations, ArtAids and the Fundación Han Nefkens in Barcelona.

The feeling of having helped to see to it that now there is something where once there was nothing has given me enormous satisfaction. We give shape to an idea and share the results with a great many people. What I find most pleasurable is working with others ? the curator with whom I brainstorm, the artist with whom I discuss his proposal, the people in the museum who take care of the infrastructure. It makes me feel part of a larger whole.

My passion and enthusiasm spring from the loneliness I felt as a boy. I was different: a dreamer who yearned to connect with my peers. That intense longing to be part of the world has left a permanent mark on me.

I recognize that loneliness in art. Every work of art is an attempt by the artist to reach out to the world. And when I look at a work of art, I in turn find myself engaging mentally in a dialogue with the artist: what is that shape all about? why is that light there? what is the meaning of that spot? By sending art out into the world like a bird being released, I share with others the things that touch me, and I’m not alone.

Art is the antidote to loneliness.

Han Nefkens
Writer, collector, mecenas


This text is presented at the Metropolis M ARCO booth in English and Spanish and on this website.

Han Nefkens

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