The Collector's Gaze

Singaporean art collector Cindy Chua-Tay splits her time between Hong Kong and New York City, where she has served on the Guggenheim Museum’s Board of Trustees since 2015. She is also a member of the M+ Board and Acquisitions Committee. In her own words, she shares how art has shaped her life over the years and her passion for collecting

When I was young, my parents always took my sister and I to museums whenever we travelled. These experiences not only taught me how to appreciate new things, but also developed my artistic perception and nurtured my interest in art. In the 1990s, with my first paycheck, I purchased a drawing by Jean-Francois Debongnie. This piece remains in my collection to this day.

The way I collect is incredibly intuitive. I have a clear sense of what I like, and I only purchase what genuinely speaks to me. I usually refrain from prior budgeting or dwelling on whether my collection will increase in value. My desire to collect is driven simply by the joy of discovery—and the inspiration it brings. When I was younger, my taste in art was vastly different from what it is today. With age, I have become more confident in what I appreciate, allowing me to refine my direction as a collector continuously.

I have always been fascinated by the works of Christopher Wool. He is an all-time master of creating tension in his paintings, and is especially skilled at contrasting gestural strokes with blank spaces, which is incredibly powerful.

Another artist whom I admire is Ed Ruscha. I studied mass communications in university, and I was captivated by the world of advertising and catchy slogans. Ruscha, known for his clever use of commercial imagery, really appeals to me. His works may have been created in the early 1960s and ’70s, yet they remain current and relevant today.

I have my eye on Louise Nevelson, too. She often uses basic found objects—such as wood salvaged from door frames or chairs—in her installations. They may appear simple at first glance, but they have a powerful depth of expression.

I also collect works from lesser-known artists, among them Cynthia Talmadge. I have come to appreciate her atmospheric scenes, whether real or fictional, which offer a deep sense of ambiguity and emotional engagement.