Anne Martin-Fugier's 'Collectionneurs' Interviews Ten French Collectors

In her book 'Collectionneurs', Anne Martin-Fugier interviews ten French collectors or collector couples, all united by their acquisition of contemporary art. The subjects range from major collections to more modest ones, such as Stéphane Corréard, and confidential ones like Jean Chatelus. The interviews reveal diverse tastes, from minimalism (the Billarants) to drawing (the Guerlains). Although the author steps back to let her interlocutors speak, her underlying questions about money, relationships with gallerists, artist discovery, recent acquisitions, commissions, and collection transmission are evident. The unvarnished interviews may unsettle artists, critics, and institutional figures, but these grievances are overshadowed by passionate, sometimes mystical accounts of art devotion. The Sicards, who devote a large portion of their budget to artworks, recall a slogan coined by their daughters: 'More painting! Less food!' However, distinguishing reality from golden legend is difficult, especially regarding first encounters with contemporary art or initial purchases. Antoine de Galbert ironically summarizes this authorized narrative: 'Some collectors tell you: "My first acquisition was a small Sol LeWitt"... In reality, they started with a cow from the Pont-Aven School.' The only regret is the book's brevity; readers are left wanting more.