Collector Q&A – Barbara Maj Husted Werner 

Why is art important to you?

Art is my favourite distraction in life. It never ceases to surprise, delight, and inspire me. Art also comes with huge crowds of interesting people with freaky minds.

Are there any significant experiences or artworks which have been formative in your relation to art?

I remember being both fascinated and disgusted by the Saatchi exhibition “Sensations” in 2002. It really enticed my curiosity to dive deeper. I was also attending art school at Coventry University at the time.

Why do you collect? And what do you look for?

I cannot help collecting. All kinds of things. Moroccan rugs, French bonbonnieres, African Asafo flags, vintage textiles. So collecting art comes very easy and naturally to me. However, my limited budget and natural instincts direct me towards emerging artists. Also because I love to follow the artists as their careers evolve.

What was the first work you bought, and is it still in your collection?

The first serious work I bought was a Yoshitomo Nara drawing that I still love in my collection.