Can we pass a more intimate cultural heritage down to our children better than by immersing them in a daily environment awash in bold artworks? In our mind’s eye, we see a time when their own family nests will welcome these same works—reminders of their childhood home.
Our family collection comprises some twenty pieces. As a member of the acquisition committee for my law firm, Norton Rose Fulbright, I’ve had the privilege of participating in the purchase of works under the guidance of Jo-Ann Kane, and I’ve learned a great deal thanks to the generosity of my colleagues Bernard Quinn and François Côté. So, I’ve been able to advance my knowledge by asking gallery owners questions and by learning to study artists’ careers and approaches. Ultimately, it’s a combination of mind and amazement that spurs us to acquire an artwork. Our family collection is composed almost exclusively of local artists, aside from a side trip for a playful painting by Yue Minjun, representative of the current huge geopolitical upheavals.
The Vendu–Sold action has played an important role in the creation of our collection. The background work done by the selection committee brings together emerging artists and museum-quality pieces for us to consider. Its expertise ensures us, in a way, that even an impulse buy is a reasonable choice! Events such as Vendu–Sold and the Plural sale are designed by specialists to bring a number of artists together in one place – a convenience that we appreciate. By attending the Vendu–Sold auction, our own approach is simplified and our search process is easier. It has allowed us to enrich our collection with magnificent works by Barry Allikas, Geneviève Moisan, and Adam Basanta; to discover Aude Moreau; and to renew our acquaintance with Natasha Niederstrass. And that’s how our children are surrounded with these visual treasures every day.
Image:
Centre (front) - Barry Allikas
Pure Plastic Art
2017
Vendu–Sold 2018
Centre (wall) - Jocelyn Philibert
From the collection Des arbres dans la nuit
2006
Right - Laurence Vallières
Commissioned work
2022
In his collection:
Adam Basanta
80%_match: Ulla Pedersen “cut up canvas I.1”
2018
Vendu–Sold 2019
Geneviève Moisan
À la pointe
2017
Vendu–Sold 2018