Désiré Feuerle on the Ancient Heart of the Future

Désiré Feuerle, an art advisor and collector originally from Germany and now based in Asia, shares his perspective on the future, which is deeply influenced by history. As the founder of The Feuerle Collection in Berlin, he combines Khmer sculptures from the 7th to 13th centuries, imperial Chinese lacquer, and stone furniture spanning the Han to Qing dynasties with works by contemporary artists such as Zeng Fanzhi, Anish Kapoor, and Nobuyoshi Araki. He draws inspiration from figures like Giotto and Fra Angelico, as well as Song dynasty artworks. His notable project in the 1990s at his Cologne gallery showcased a blend of global cultures with modern art. Feuerle stresses the significance of context, noting that experiencing Max Beckmann in Abu Dhabi differs greatly from Germany. He believes that the past informs the future and warns against severing connections. He encourages emerging collectors to explore diverse cultures and to engage deeply with art. In today’s post-truth landscape, he observes a revival among youth seeking authenticity. His three core principles are to maintain positivity, foster happiness, and trust one’s intuition over media influence.