Collector Portrait: Elsa Carenzo

When a crush launches an art collection

Collector Portrait: Elsa Carenzo - illustration 1

Painting by Robert Séguin

Artsper is back with a new collector portrait! This time, we met up with Elsa Carenzo. Having recently moved to Madrid, the young woman started her collection entirely by accident at a contemporary art fair. Since then, discovering and acquiring artworks became a fascinating activity for her. Immerse yourself in the portrait of this young, curious, creative, and enthusiastic collector!

1. Where did your first work of art come from and what was this work?

When my artist friend and I lived in Brussels, we went to exhibitions and vernissages. She knew all the good deals and I let myself be carried away by her. One day, she invited me to a contemporary art fair: the Affordable Art Fair. The concept is in the title, they are affordable works, so I was determined to start my collection that day. After a few rounds and drinks, I fell in love with a 3-dimensional painting by the German artist Volker Kühn, whom I did not know. Besides, I didn't know any artist and I hadn't done any research. My first work was bought on a stroke of heart. 

2. What motivated you to launch your collection?

My father. He began to collect works in his 50s. I'm not a fan of his tastes, but each painting or small sculpture tells a story, interpreted or real, much like a tattoo. This is what attracts and fascinates me.

I've always had an artistic sensibility, and just because I'm not an artist myself doesn't mean I can't have art at home. So I thought to myself, why not use my money to support the artists I love, while being able to share their stories? For me, a collection is an invitation to discussion and interpretation.

Collector Portrait: Elsa Carenzo - illustration 1
Collector Portrait: Elsa Carenzo - illustration 1

Left: framed painting by Brigitte Coirier / Right: photograph of Amandine Besacier - artwork on the wall by Lisa Lapierre and Mansour Badjoko

3. How would you describe your relationship with art?

I am fascinated. In my opinion, whether it is bad or great, it takes courage to create and display what you have produced to everyone.

4. Where is your collection exhibited? What does it bring to your interior?

My collection (if you can already call it that) is in my apartment in Madrid. I just moved there and it was the first time that I chose my furniture based on my paintings. My biggest work was bought it on Artsper. For my 30th birthday, my friends gave me a gift certificate and I bought a painting: a landscape in pastel colors. So I avoided buying a fuchsia sofa!

I try to have artworks with various techniques so that it is not redundant. But we still perceive a certain consistency in my tastes. My collection brings me comfort but also surprises me, depending on the time of day and the shadows cast by the works. And when I have friends at home, it's a good conversation starter: “Who's it from ?, Where is it ?, Is that you ?, It reminds me of ..." and I'm learning about them too!

Collector Portrait: Elsa Carenzo - illustration 1
Collector Portrait: Elsa Carenzo - illustration 1

Left: buffet photograph by Eric Pringels - floor photograph by Stephan Mutaner / Right: photograph by Johanna Maria Fritz - Glass Sculpture by Bernard Heesen

5. Which artists particularly touch you? Or the ones you dream of acquiring?

I admit that at first glance, I am more interested in the work than in the artist. But I am more sensitive to artists who use different techniques and media, and who offer poetic universes with well-placed humor, like Pierre Huyghe, Francis Alÿs or Olafur Eliasson. But I'm not sure I can put their works in my living room. 

6. What advice would you give to someone who wants to buy their first piece of art?

If you know where you are going, or if you want to start a collection, then you are ready. Go outside! Go to galleries, exhibitions, and openings. When you have located the work, visualize it in your universe. You have to feel that she has a lot to tell you. If you don't buy it on a whim, as I did, and you still think about it after a few days, then go for it!


Their favorite artworks

Photography, Fighting Fire with Fire, Sarah Maple

Fighting Fire with Fire

Sarah Maple

Photography - 61 x 49 cm

Sold

Sculpture, L'Os, Joachim Monvoisin

L'Os

Joachim Monvoisin

Sculpture - 34 x 7 x 6 cm

$1,129

Sculpture, New scalp 01, Brankica Zilovic

New scalp 01

Brankica Zilovic

Sculpture - 30 x 30 x 2 cm

$1,694

Photography, Hristina, Samuel Lugassy

Hristina

Samuel Lugassy

Photography - 80 x 65 x 1 cm

$1,242

Painting, Aerial View, Gina Werfel

Aerial View

Gina Werfel

Painting - 30.5 x 30.5 cm

$1,449

Photography, Hassan Hajjaj, Hassan Hajjaj

Hassan Hajjaj

Hassan Hajjaj

Photography - 32 x 22 x 0.2 cm

$203

Painting, Ref 565, Nicolas Dubreuille

Ref 565

Nicolas Dubreuille

Painting - 50 x 50 x 2 cm

$1,637

Sculpture, Shifting colors 116 cm Unique Sculpture, Anna Sidi Yacoub

Shifting colors 116 cm Unique Sculpture

Anna Sidi Yacoub

Sculpture - 116 x 116 x 3 cm

Sold

Painting, Solor, Alessandra Bisi

Solor

Alessandra Bisi

Painting - 100 x 80 x 2 cm

$2,033