Textual Inspirations of Art World Professionals [PART 1]

Inspiration - noun  in·spi·ra·tion  \ ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən , -(ˌ)spi- \

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines inspiration as 'the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions'. It can strike at any time and its myriad sources differ amongst individuals. As we are constantly seeking out new creative outlets to inspire us, we decided to ask our local arty guides what texts have had a profound influence on them. Their answers ranged from ancient poetry to contemporary tomes. As professional art guides it is our passion to awaken the creative sides of others through the astounding power of art. 

Follow along with this ongoing series of posts to learn more about our guides and gain some inspiration for yourself along the way.

Local guide in London, Marine Tanguy, explaining her inspirations on an art tour

Part one of our series features the textual inspirations of local guide in London, Marine Tanguy.

The Poetry of John Keats

I love the Poetry of John Keats and specifically the poem Ode on a Grecian Urn. John Keats made me appreciate how much art and well being were tied together, as art could enhance life and make it more bearable. He also reinforces the value of powerful visuals when it comes to our routine.

Hellenistic Terracotta Hadra hydria. Image: The Met

Architecture & Society by Walter Gropius

While this book focuses on architecture a lot more strongly than art, it discusses the power of the arts for everyone within the Bauhaus philosophy. This is something that I believe in very strongly.

The Bauhaus School circa 1940s. Image: Bauhaus Dessau

The Bauhaus School today. Image: Bauhaus Dessau

Take a tour with Marine in London to discover more! 
 

Insider Tips for Collecting Contemporary Art

Our London guide Marine Tanguy's motto is "don't invest in art, invest in artists". She practices this affirmation as the founder of MTArt: the first artist agency promoting influential visual artists and specialising in talent management.    

Marine with a piece by Ignacio Munoz-Vicuna

What is your personal philosophy when it comes to collecting art for yourself?

I love living surrounded by inspiring artworks. It has to be inspiring visually, something so intricate and complex visually that I never get bored of it and also something with a deeper meaning which adds a reflective mood to my house. 

Can you tell us about one of your favorite pieces you have collected?

I've included images of some of my favorite artworks in this post. The first one is by Ignacio Munoz-Vicuna, Van Gogh used yellow to brighten up his mood and so do I with this artwork. The second picture in my lounge portrays the works of both Francesco de Prezzo and Alexandra Lethbridge, Francesco here had painted theses two paintings for hours and months until he destroyed them with white paint - it illustrates the temporarily of our effort - while Alexandra entertains my guests making them reflects upon their use of the gaze as an emotional content. I.e look at this girl and can you guess if she is surprised, happy or excited? Her gaze, now blocked by the artist, was your emotional context. The last works by Will Thomson are displayed in my spare bedroom often used by my artists, it is meant to be reflective, calm and inspiring with the blue colour he used. 

Marine with works by Francesco de Prezzo and Alexandra Lethbridge

What is your advice for other collectors of contemporary art today?

Buy what you love, meet the artists and support them. We need to support the amazing artists of tomorrow. 

Marine with a work by Will Thomson

Take a tour with Marine in London to learn more about the art she loves and her collecting philosophy!