The Collector's Corner

Have you ever looked at an artwork and wondered, "Could I own something like that?" Welcome to "The Collector's Corner" – your insider guide to the elusive world of art collecting.Here, passionate collectors from all walks of life invite you into their journeys, sharing their passion for art and individual approach to collecting. "The Collector's Corner" is for anyone curious about the art world and art collecting, from breaking entry barriers to finding hidden gems and making smart investments.Whether you're a seasoned or aspiring collector, follow and subscribe to "The Collector's Corner" to discover the personal stories behind the collections, as well as tips and advice for getting started.I’m your host Antonia Piersanti - an art lover and aspiring collector. Starting in September listen to The Collector’s Corner on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all your favourite podcast platforms.***Would love to hear your thoughts & feedback!On social media ⁠⁠@collectors_corner_⁠⁠or via email on the website ⁠⁠thecollectorscornerpodcast.com/⁠

In this episode of The Collector's Corner, I am speaking with Corina Krawinkel about her collecting journey.A dentist by background who owns two dental practices in the Cologne area, Corina started collecting at the age of 19 and is a well-known collector in Germany's contemporary art scene. Her collection which focuses on post-war German art, has grown to include both iconic artists from her generation and emerging talent. In our conversation, Corina talks about how she personally approaches collecting and why historical and contemporary contexts play such an important part in how she selects work. She also values rediscovering overlooked female artists and believes in encouraging a vibrant art community, that she is an active member of.A passionate collector for many years, Corina shares valuable tips for aspiring collectors, from how to build relationships with gallerists to the importance of research when looking at art.I learned a lot in my conversation with Corina and hope you enjoy it!Artists mentioned in the episode and that Corina collects:Maxim Gunga Isa GenzkenGrace WeaverAdam LuptonJonathan MeeseKatharina GrosseLeonora CarringtonAnne ImhofAlicja KwadeGünther Uecker Philara Collection (Bronner family)***Would love to hear your thoughts & feedback!On social media ⁠⁠@collectors_corner_⁠⁠or via email on the website ⁠⁠thecollectorscornerpodcast.com/⁠

In this episode of The Collector's Corner, I sit down with my friend Vanessa Mauz - a former finance professional turned art collector and co-founder of A.R.C., an art members club aiming to make the art world more accessible.Vanessa talks openly about why she made this transition, the challenges she encountered as an outsider and why she believes community and relationships is what makes the journey worthwhile. As a young collector, she hopes to grow alongside the artists she supports by focusing on contemporary works from her generation. She also shares her learnings on how to get started while navigating financial constraints. I love how committed Vanessa is to bringing fresh voices into the art scene against perceived elitism and exclusivity - a mission I very much adhere to. I hope you enjoy our conversation!References mentioned in the episode:Staedelclub Malte ZensesSchirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt Super Super Markt Kunstmuseum StuttgartIsadora Vogt Sofia Leiby Sophie Reinhold Henning Strassburger Steffen Hildebrand and the Hildebrand Collection***Would love to hear your thoughts & feedback!On social media ⁠⁠@collectors_corner_⁠⁠or via email on the website ⁠⁠thecollectorscornerpodcast.com/⁠

Today I am speaking with Tobias Gombert at his Berlin home, where he keeps part of his art collection.Tobias doesn't come from a collecting family, but he started developing his taste at a young age, growing up in Basel at the time where Art Basel started internationalising. Tobias quickly understood the importance of surrounding himself with mentors who taught him how to look at art and guided him through the art world. The inspiration and knowledge he gathered gave him the confidence to launch on his own collecting journey.Tobias is a perfect example of the new generation of young collectors that are taking centre stage today. He has developed tight relationships with artists, galleries and institutions he values, and has a clear opinion on what it will take for today’s art world players to remain relevant in a shifting art market.My conversation with Tobias was fascinating and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!Artists and art references Tobias mentions:Foundation BeyelerKai AlthoffChristian AweSam Keller, former director of Art BaselManRayStaedelschuleArt InformelAnne ImhofNeue Nationalgalerie BerlinHamburger Bahnhof BerlinKW Institute for Contemporary Art BerlinHaus am Waldsee BerlinSimon LehnerWilhelm Schuermann***Would love to hear your thoughts & feedback!On social media ⁠⁠@collectors_corner_⁠⁠or via email on the website ⁠⁠thecollectorscornerpodcast.com/⁠

Today I am speaking with Toni Nolte, a Cologne-based collector, during one of her visits to Berlin.Toni is a medical doctor by training and heads the department for phoniatrics & paedaudiology at the University Hospital in Bonn. For a while, she considered a career in art but chose to study medicine, nonetheless dedicating all her free time to art since. Surprisingly, Toni only recently got into collecting painting. She explains why and and talks about how her early passion for photography has informed the way she approaches collecting across mediums. She also shares some of the unexpected places aspiring collectors should look to spend time in to train their eye and get inspired.Above all, Toni is a very active supporter of young and emerging artists, and leads multiple innovative initiatives in the Rhineland region to create a bigger platform for them, including her own Salon @salon_robertaMy conversation with Toni was super refreshing & inspiring, and I loved the perspective she brought. I hope you enjoy it too !References mentioned by Toni:Becher SchuleAndreas GurskyThomas StruthThomas RuffDeichtorhallenPhung Tien PhanNiklas TalebBonner KunstvereinJahresgabenGerhard RichterRosemarie TrockelPeter Mertes StipendiumJunger Ankauf at Museum Ludwig Gesellschaft fuer Moderne Kunst at Museum LudwigArt CologneCemile SahinBruno ZhuHieronymus BoschGruenewald Altar (Isenheimer Altar) Gemaeldegalerie BerlinRyan HugginsLukas MuellerKeta Gavasheli

Today I am in Paris with Raphaël Isvy (@raph_is) Raphaël doesn't come from an art background or career but since he was a kid, the act of collecting has been a big part of his life - be it trainers, Pokemon cards or video games.His fine art journey began in 2016 and since 2022, he has been collecting art full time. Raphaël's journey as a fully self-taught collector is incredibly inspiring, I can’t thank him enough for sharing it in such an open and candid way! From the early days finding artists on Instagram, to mentoring aspiring collectors today, Raphaël truly walks the talk when it comes to helping more people enter and navigate the art world.Drawing on Raphaël's personal experiences, we also discuss the unspoken rules outsiders and newcomers have to contend with, and he shares his honest views on how the art market operates. This discussion was full of amazing insights - I really loved it and I hope you do too!References and artists mentioned by Raphael:Robert NavaRobin Francesca WilliamsTomoo GokitaLee UfanHugh HaydenLouise NevelsonBrice GuilbertAntony GormleyJadé FadojutimiJoan MitchellNaotaka HiroAnna ParkJosh SmithThomas Houseago

Today I am in London with Susan Dunn. Susan is the founder of Harbour Litigation Funding, which funds high value legal disputes - a fascinating industry that Susan kickstarted in the UK in the early 2000s and is worth over 2 billion pounds today.While diving into litigation funding would have also made for a compelling podcast episode, Susan and I talked about her favourite topic in the world - art. Susan started collecting even before she became a lawyer and hasn’t stopped since. In her flat, all surfaces, walls and shelves, are dedicated to art. But beyond the works, Susan is above all driven by the people behind the art she collects - the artists she befriended and relationships she forged along the way. Susan shares the most fun and joyful stories of her collecting journey, her excitement shines through and is truly contagious. She perfectly demonstrates that there is no ‘right’ way to collect, as long as it’s driven by genuine passion and intention. I had such a fun time speaking with Susan, I hope you’ll enjoy our conversation.Artists and references mentioned by Susan:Nancy FoutsGeorge ShawRoxana HallsGrayson PerryPeggy Guggenheim Francis BaconMaggie HamblingThe Colony ClubSophie GloverArt in ActionWilliam UtermohlenHerbert GallerySoheila SokhanvariUnit LondonStacey Gillian Abe1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair Barbara HepworthDanny HowesForward GallerySarabande Foundation Robbie WraithMoufouli Bello

Today I am very happy to have Rachel Verghis on the podcast - one of the first guests I had on my radar when the idea of the podcast started coming to fruition, and I’m grateful she opened up so generously about her story and her passion for bringing art to as many people as possible.Based in London, Rachel is a former investment banker who found her calling in art and collecting. Without any formal art education, her journey began after taking a sabbatical to volunteer at a Sydney gallery followed by a brief stint at Sotheby's. Today, Rachel balances her time between running her gin company, MarGin, being a solo mum, managing her personal investments, contributing to renowned art institutions, while also driving several artistic initiatives.I am not sure how she does it all but it was very inspiring to talk about all this with her and I hope you enjoy our conversation!Artists and references mentioned:Gene Sherman Caroline Rothwell Ai Weiwei George Rouy Hannah Barry Gallery Patrick Goddard Docent Gertrude Natalia JanulaAvant Arte TeamLab Collective Mikka Rottenberg Tate Modern Hayward Gallery Serpentine Galleries Linder Sterling Christian Levett Rachel Thomas , Chief Curator at the Hayward GalleryMaria SukkarRalph Rugoff AWITA (Associate of Women in the Arts) Bonhams Famm, Christian Levett's museum in Mougins Chateau La Coste Bloomberg Connects Vanila Netto Rachel Kneebone Guillaume Bardet Celia Paul Chantal Joffe Giampaolo Babetto Petrina Hicks 

This week I am trying out a new format with this solo episode, where I reflect on the five lessons I have learned so far about collecting art through my interviews with collectors on the field.From where the real gatekeeping is happening, to the role of relationships and how to think about the market, these are the things collectors unanimously seem to agree on, regardless of their unique personal style.If you are an aspiring collector or interested in a look behind the scenes of how collectors think, this episode is for you!I hope you enjoy this new format - do let me know your thoughts on Instagram @collectors_corner_ or on the podcast website!

Today I am interviewing Klaus Mertens, a discreet but active Berlin-based collector who also sits on the advisory board of Haus am Waldsee, one of the most exciting contemporary art venues in the city. Klaus most recently founded a deep tech company, but he has had an interest in contemporary art since he was a student and started acquiring works together with his wife a few years ago. They slowed down collecting with the arrival of their kids but remain committed to building their collection, particularly favouring artists who have ties to the Berlin art scene.With Klaus we spoke about the ways collecting takes you to places, both literally and figuratively, that you might have never expected, how in general most people tend to buy too early, and more broadly the power & responsibility that come with having the ability and privilege to purchase art.We also talk about some of the artists Klaus collects, and I will be sharing photographs on the podcast IG account as Klaus is not active on social media himself.This was such an insightful conversation with many actionable tips from a collector who is truly committed to bringing artistic voices of our time to the forefront. I hope you enjoy!Artists and references mentioned in the episode:Bernd and Hilla BecherBecher photography studentsChristopher WoolJulius von BismarckDaniel Marzona gallerySebastian Klemm galleryAlexander Levy galleryThomas Fischer galleryDREI GalleryKW Institute for Contemporary Art Fabian Knecht Prateek VijanSalomé ChatriotCallum Innes

In this first episode of The Collector's Corner, I am speaking with Dr. Corina Krawinkel about her collecting journey.A dentist by background who owns two dental practices in the Cologne area, Corina started collecting at the age of 19 and is a well-known collector in Germany's contemporary art scene. Her collection which focuses on post-war German art, has grown to include both iconic artists from her generation and emerging talent. In our conversation, Corina talks about how she personally approaches collecting and why historical and contemporary contexts play such an important part in how she selects work. She also values rediscovering overlooked female artists and believes in encouraging a vibrant art community, that she is an active member of.A passionate collector for many years, Corina shares valuable tips for aspiring collectors, from how to build relationships with gallerists to the importance of research when looking at art.I learned a lot in my conversation with Corina and hope you enjoy it!Artists mentioned in the episode and that Corina collects:Maxim Gunga Isa GenzkenGrace WeaverAdam LuptonJonathan MeeseKatharina GrosseLeonora CarringtonAnne ImhofAlicja KwadeGünther Uecker Philara Collection (Bronner family)***Would love to hear your thoughts & feedback!On social media ⁠⁠@collectors_corner_⁠⁠or via email on the website ⁠⁠thecollectorscornerpodcast.com/⁠

In this first episode of 2026 I am speaking with the wonderful Carrie Scott (@carriescottcurates). Carrie is an American/English curator and art historian who started her career in Seattle 16 years ago, and has worked with many galleries, businesses, collectors and artists worldwide through her practice, Carrie Scott & Partners.In 2024, Carrie also launched Seen - a next generation art consultancy and amazing platform that helps collectors, artists, and all art lovers to understand and navigate the art world with confidence. And of course Carrie’s own wonderful collection fills her entire home.I normally highlight collectors who are not art world professionals but I wanted to make an exception with Carrie. Her dedication to breaking down barriers and working from inside the system to pull more people in deeply resonated.Together we talk about how hyper financialisation broke the value exchange in the art world, the importance of protecting our creative health especially in today’s polarised society, and pro tips on what people should know before they start collecting.I hope you enjoy our conversation!References mentioned by Carrie:Adam McEwenRashid JohnsonMika Rottenberg Matthew Day Jackson Whitney Museum of American Art MoMAGuggenheimThe Paul G Allen Collection Damien Hirst The Art Show on Sky ArtsBharti Kher Nick CaveMickalene Thomas Marina Abramovic Martin Creed Zena Blackwell Simonette Quamina African State of Mind Art AnnotatedThe Jealous Curator AuctionetLots Road Unit London Storm Tharp Eva Gold Eva Dixon Frieze London Echo Soho Art Fair Minor Attractions Nicola Erni Collection Follow the podcast to see the guests' collections and let me know your feedback at ⁠@collectors_corner_⁠ !

Today, I’m back in Berlin to speak with Manuel Koch (@kunstinvestments) - financial journalist, entrepreneur running the financial media platform Inside Wirtschaft, salon host at Salon Schinkelplatz, and one of the most visible figures in Germany’s ultra-contemporary art scene.Manuel only began collecting around five years ago, but in that short time he has become a real fixture. Alongside his work as a journalist, he devotes almost all of his free time to art - looking, visiting, hosting, sharing. He brings a distinctly journalistic lens to the way he collects, using his highly active Instagram platform to give visibility to artists, galleries, and museum shows he believes deserve attention.That visibility has also attracted criticism, particularly around the name of his account: Kunstinvestments - literally, “art investment.” In our conversation, Manuel unpacks what he actually means by that, and why the term is far more nuanced than it might initially sound.While he did enter the art world through the market, in part because of his background, what is most interesting is how far his perspective has evolved since. Manuel talks about the thrill of discovery, with a particular interest in supporting young artists from graduation, complemented by a more analytical approach when acquiring pricier, more established artists.Art has genuinely changed Manuel’s life. And perhaps most importantly, his public approach to collecting is motivated above all by a desire to make that transformation accessible to others.References from the episode:Christopher Lehmpfuhl Kuns Kaufen / Art for Everyone by Ruth Polleit Magnus Resch Dirk Boll Kiriakos Tompolidis Navot Miller Anys ReimannBrandon Lipchick Luke Silva Grace Weaver Andre ButzerJenny Saville Max Grote Art Cologne Positions Fair Berlin Gallery Weekend BerlinBerlin Art Week Norbert Bisky Louis Fratino Timo MiettinenFollow the podcast to see the guests' collections at ⁠@collectors_corner_⁠ !