SUPPORT for the Arts

The IBEX Collection features artwork from 24 international artists that speaks of human nature, condition and connection.

- JOHN O’HERN

In Renaissance Italy, art patronage gave merchant bankers the appearance of royalty, which didn’t exist in the Republic of Florence. It also enabled artists to create many of mankind’s masterpieces. Patrons commissioned buildings, paintings and sculpture for public places and work for their private enjoyment. They often invited the artists into their palaces to live and work. Nearly always, the commission was something to suit the patron’s wishes. This element of patronage gave rise to negative interpretations of the practice, connoting the superiority of the patron and the inferiority of the recipient.

Enter the “matronage model” espoused by the IBEX Collection. Since 2013, German businessman and art connoisseur Albrecht von Stetten and his co-collectors—Kiki Kim from South Korea and David Willson from Australia— have traveled the world and assembled a group of 24 artists—from Spain, Italy, USA, France, Germany, Belgium, Russia, Korea, Japan, China and Argentina— giving them time as well as financial and moral support to create their masterworks. Willson notes, “We have a much more caring approach and have no artistic restraint.” Kim adds, “Actually, we do not collect art. We collect artists, whom we offer long-term financial support with very few strings attached.”

The three collect paintings “by carefully selected master painters versed in the intricate art of capturing human micro-expressions and creating authentic and moving works of art that speak of human nature, the human condition and human connection.”

Belgian artist Christiane Vleugels says, “This is something every artist dreams of. When you are in the prime of your life with so many dreams ahead of you and suddenly there opens a door for you that makes all your dreams come to a reality. You don’t have to do this on your own.”