LONDON.- A group of very discreet Scandinavians have for the first time agreed to exhibit in London highlights from their collections with the art consultancy
SanneGrundberg which itself has strong Scandinavian links.
Organisers Anna Grundberg and Kristina Sanne say the exhibition marks a turning point in the changing nature of collecting in Scandinavia. The exhibition will take place from 18 to 29 November 2014 at 22 Connaught Street. An iconic Andy Warhol print of Ingrid Bergman heads the exhibition which also features a painting by Prince Eugen, the youngest son of King Oscar II of Sweden.
Anna Grundberg says: “For many years Swedes have been hesitant about exhibiting what they own publicly because the underlying culture has not been conducive to an overt display of wealth which at one level is what an exhibition of this kind is about as it takes significant investment to compile collections like these. The works shown will be by Scandinavian and international artists. It will show what appeals to the Scandinavian eye.”
She asks: “What does Scandinavia bring to mind stereotypically? Cold weather, a solid financial system, a strong social welfare system, winter sports, and a fishy diet. People do not want to stand out. Socialist roots throughout Scandinavia run deep and the wealthy go to great lengths to be discrete, whilst at the same time progressively building important collections”.
Well-known collections in this part of the world include: • Astrup Fearnley, Oslo, Norway • Christen Sveaas Art Collection, Kistefos, Norway • David Collection, Copenhagen, Denmark • Louisiana Collection, Humlebaek, Denmark • Wanås Art Foundation, Skåne, Sweden • Sven Harry's Art Museum, Stockholm, Sweden • Artipelag, Stockholm, Sweden
This year there have been revelations about collecting habits in Sweden which surfaced in a book by Gunnar Lindstedt. ‘Samlarna’ brought to light that the controversial issue of auction houses guaranteeing the sale of works of art also takes place in Sweden; this is an indication of a sophisticated and driven art market and that savvy collectors are making stronger demands.
The exhibition will make clear that Scandinavian collectors are very much part of the wider art world and collect just as enthusiastically and sophisticatedly as anyone else.
On show will be highlights from several private collections. Artists represented will include Warhol, Dardel, Prins Eugen, Barceló, Liljefors, and Jamini Roy. The prices will range from £5,000 - £200,000.
Kristina Sanne says: “the aspect of this part of the exhibition that I find most intriguing as an Anglo-Scandinavian is the wide variety of works of art on display in terms of cultural and aesthetic themes. I feel that this contradicts the stereotypical perception of the culture in the North and instead shows the worldliness and openness of Scandinavia.”
The exhibition also includes works of art collected by these two friends and business partners, Sanne and Grundberg.
Over the past decade Anna Grundberg and Kristina Sanne have criss-crossed the world on behalf of clients as well as Simon Dickinson and Bonhams for whom each worked. On these travels they would use their expert eyes to do some collecting for themselves. These items offer a wonderful insight into their highly individual Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic at affordable prices.
Kristina Sanne, a specialist in Islamic and Indian Art and Anna Grundberg a specialist in Old Masters and Contemporary Art have put together a highly individual exhibition.
Kristina Sanne who was the Head of Indian and Islamic Art at Bonhams before launching the art consultancy SanneGrundberg with Anna Grundberg says their personal collection includes both drawings and paintings at affordable prices.
One of their high profile clients says of them "I use their services because of their utter discretion, integrity and their knowledge. The networks they have built up also provide a constant stream of collectable works. So it is fascinating to see what two real experts find appealing."
