The Vanhaerents Art Collection: A Visionary Journey in Contemporary Art

The Vanhaerents Art Collection, assembled by Walter Vanhaerents and his children Els and Joost, stands as a testament to their unique approach and shared passion for contemporary art. From its inception in the 1970s, when Walter began collecting radical and provocative artworks, the collection has evolved into a prestigious global entity, encompassing a wide range of contemporary practices.

At its core, the collection celebrates the diversity and dynamism of current art, featuring both established and emerging artists across various mediums like painting, sculpture, and video. The influence of Andy Warhol is a notable starting point, echoing through generations of artists including Cindy Sherman and Barbara Kruger, and extending to the Japanese counterparts inspired by manga and anime, like Yoshitomo Nara and Takashi Murakami.

The collection also delves into the impactful work of Bruce Nauman and its resonance in the creations of artists like John Baldessari and Jeff Koons. It includes a younger generation of artists such as Matthew Barney and Ugo Rondinone, demonstrating the collection’s ongoing growth and engagement with the contemporary art scene.

Walter Vanhaerents’s philosophy is future-oriented, with a focus on emerging artists and a refusal to include works created before 1970. This forward-looking stance is evident in the recent acquisitions connected to the Black Lives Matter movement, showcasing artists like Titus Kaphar and Amoako Boafo.

James Lee Byars, a significant figure in the collection, represents a particular interest for Walter, whose devotion is exemplified in the acquisition of Byars’s grand installation “The Death of James Lee Byars.” This gold-leaf covered space, centered by a golden sarcophagus, became a popular highlight at the 2019 Venice Biennale.

Walter’s journey as a collector began with his fascination for German museums and artists like Gerhard Richter. His commitment to “buying in depth” has led to a diverse and profound collection, which is not limited to a single genre or era. He prioritizes direct engagement with artworks, believing in the importance of physical interaction for a true appreciation of art.

The Vanhaerents Art Collection is housed in a repurposed industrial building in Brussels, functioning as a ‘viewing depot.’ This space has allowed for the display of large-scale works, fulfilling Walter’s dream of showcasing his collection. In 2015, a significant portion of the collection was exhibited at Tripostal in Lille, featuring 75 works by 38 artists. This exhibition included monumental installations and highlighted the family’s collaborative approach to art collecting.

The Vanhaerents Art Collection not only represents a personal journey of a family deeply embedded in the art world but also reflects a broader narrative of contemporary art's evolution and its impact on society. The collection’s continuous expansion and the Vanhaerents’ commitment to showcasing new and challenging works demonstrate a profound understanding and appreciation of art’s power to influence, provoke, and inspire.