Or: The Faust-ian dilemma of the curator/collector.

Obviously, the metaphor limps like a one-legged porcupine, but there is some truth in it. I came onto this topic because over at Independent Collectors, there is, I guess, more than one user who is not only a collector but also an artist, gallerist or curator.

Yes, the platform is there for collectors to meet and to show their private collections. What if someone starts creating exhibitions that contain not only art they own, but also art they present, promote or have created? Since there is no discussion forum over there, yet, I decided to throw the question at you, my readers. Simply because I assume that a lot of you are registered with Independent Collectors.

What about the curator-collectors? Is it ok for them to present, alongside their private collections, other exhibitions they curated and that have a link to their private collections?

I think: Probably yes. If they add a collector’s edge to it. And if they don’t use the system as an advertising billboard or for push-marketing.

What about the artist-collector? Is it ok for them to show art they made and own?

I think: Maybe. For example if an artists owns 10 of his own artworks that he or she would never ever sell for some reasons. I think this could be where the artist-collector becomes a split personality, or even two separate entities.

In general, I strongly believe in questioning the very nature of collecting and what makes a collector. But maybe that’s because I’m new to all this.

What do you think? Should Independet Collectors imply a strict policy, prohibiting the upload of art you do not own or art you made yourself? Or should a flexible concept be applied?

Or: We’re hiring.

I promised I won’t do that too often but with this one I have a personal agenda as well: Independent Collectors is looking for a highly motivated “contemporary art enthusiast” with journalistic background for on-platform dialog, to  moderate forums and to give general editorial input.

You should have some experience in the fields of contemporary art and moderating, or other abilities that make up for it. The official job language is English. And yes, it’s a paid job.

If you are interested, get in touch with us: job@independent-collectors.com

PS: To be located in Berlin is a bonus, but not mandatory. And we’re looking for software developers, too.

Or: A stamp is not a movie theatre

I will only do this on rare occasions, I promise. But this time I think you’ll benefit from it: a post about what’s happening over at Independent Collectors. While our programmers fiddle with bugs (inside the computer, their kitchen is clean, I’ve seen it), we also create random video clips.

This time it’s me and in case you haven’t seen it yet (or were bothered by the tiny size), here is the big picture. They asked me to explain Independent Collectors as fast as possible. It took me 20 minutes to speak and our film maker (who joined me in Paris) a weekend to boil it down to 87 seconds. Fasten seatbelts, no time for popcorn:

Questions? And the next post is about art again. I swear.