A Great Eye: A Love Story Between a Collector and his Acquisitions
02/10/2011-03/24/2011
Jackson, an architect and artist, was a great
friend of Vincent’s. Jackson had many
opportunities to share in Vincent’s passion for art as his collection
grew. Below are a number of Vincent’s
thoughts relative to his art collection, selected by Jackson to reflect his
memories of his dear friend Vincent’s love for art.
“To buy a work you have no emotional connection to, is truly money
down the drain; because whenever you look at it, whatever you paid for it, you
have to feel connected to it.”
“The benefit of collecting is the knowledge you collect along with
collecting.”
Aaron Douglas speaking to Romare Bearden said, “Technique in itself is not enough; it is
important for the artist to convey emotion (instinctive feelings)…The artist’s
technique, no matter how brilliant, should never obscure his vision.”
“Having visited so many museums and Art galleries internationally, I
find my successive art purchases have more of an emotional and imaginative
content.”
“I amassed an extensive library of
books on art history, art collections and artists, subscribed to various art
magazines, and kept an eye on what was happening at auctions. I visited museums
and sale galleries abroad. At the museum exhibitions, I always rented the
headsets, which is like having your own professional guide to highlight the
most important paintings.”
“I maintained friendly contact with local artists, collectors, art
lovers and art store personnel. In effect what I was doing was familiarizing
myself with the broad range of works by Bahamian artists, developing an artistic
eye for selecting works of art and educating myself about the art market.”
“The beauty of a work of art can be
judged by the pleasure it gives one for it must give joy. There is a Persian
notion that genuinely inspired art make you feel “young and strong and glad”.
It cannot help being a source of pleasure and one of the richest in life.”
“Collectors are a lot like artists
themselves. Like artists they possess vision, passion and an innate instinct
for what is good in art and what is second rate. They are also quick to
recognize works that resonate with their personal values and aesthetics. Their
joy of collecting approaches the creative exhilaration experienced by artists
themselves. Compared with artists, collectors may exert an even stronger influence
of how history will judge their art. Collectors record history, not in books,
but in their collections.”
“I am delighted with and enjoy my acquisitions and take great pride in
showing them off. I have never sold any of my acquisitions.”
It was not until the 1990’s that I began feeling more sure
of myself, of my taste, my knowledge and my wealth (no more college fees). I made greater purchases. By then, I also had the advice of Stan &
Jackson Burnside, and with the opening of the Bahamian Art Gallery and
Marlborough Antiques, near to my office, I had maximum exposure and advice on
the art of the nineties.
“I have built a wonderful rapport with many of our artists and feel
their joy and relief when collectors and others support their exhibitions.”
“As a collector I am protecting the artist’s talents so other people
can appreciate it and I get terribly excited when someone admires the art,
enquires of the artists and purchase a painting of his or hers.”
“I am recognized as a serious collector and many artists take great
pride in being in my collection.”
“I can think of nothing more personally rewarding and moving than by
what Jackson Burnside III said about me when he introduced me at The Bahamas
Chamber of Commerce “Business Man For The Year 2000” Banquet.”
“Vincent D’Aguilar
reached out through his interest to give honour to Bahamian Art, to show it is
possible that not only could a significant body of world class works be
produced by this little country, but that he could put his money where his mouth
was and build a world-class collection.”