„Collecting with the female side“
In this episode, I speak with Belgian art collector Walter Vanhaerents, who began collecting art in the mid-1970s and was named one of the top 200 collectors of our time by artnews. What started as a personal passion has evolved into a dynamic, multigenerational project. Over the decades, the collection has undergone several realignments, reflecting not only shifts in the art world but also Walter's own life journey, his individual attitude towards collecting and his deep knowledge about contemporary art.
After the early death of his brother, Walter had to step into the family’s construction business at a very young age. Art became a transformative space for him - one that connected him with his emotional and spiritual side, allowing for deeper self-discovery. He collects intuitively, guided by passion and sensitivity.
Since 2007, the Vanhaerents Art Collection has been housed in a repurposed industrial building in the heart of Brussels, presenting regularly changing exhibitions. In recent years,Walter's children Els and Joost have taken on increasingly active roles, bringing fresh perspectives and new energy into the collection.
We talk about personal development, spirituality, and the emotional core of collecting, as well as the evolution of a family legacy shaped by three distinct voices.
Recorded March 10, 2025, language english, 35 min.
We're recording via the internet, glitches in sound quality may occur.
Portrait of Walter in front of the work "The death of James Lee Byars", photo by Karel Duerinckx
More information here:
https://vanhaerentsartcollection.com
https://www.artbasel.com/stories/why-i-collect-art-walter-vanhaerents?lang=de
https://initiartmagazine.com/2011/04/26/walter-vanhaerents/
https://www.artnews.com/art-collectors/top-200-profiles/walter-vanhaerents/
