Today I’m speaking with collector couple Julia Lammer (@julammer) and Nico Epstein (@nicoknowsart_). Together they run arbulu studio, working with art world stakeholders across the spectrum to help them achieve positive and lasting impact. They come from complementary sides of the art world: Julia from museums, strategic planning and philanthropy, and Nico from art advisory, curatorial and education through his platform Collector Connoisseur.

They started collecting individually and have carried on together, navigating rare disagreements with a few guiding principles whilst avoiding boxing themselves into any hard and fast rules.

Julia and Nico bring an incredibly valuable perspective to both aspiring and seasoned collectors. We talk about developing nuanced judgement and guiding principles for collecting over time, but what I love most from our conversation is the very tangible and practical insights they share both through examples from their personal collecting journey and their client work over the last 15 years.

I definitely recommend you check out Collector Connoisseur if you’re ready to start collecting. And with the code CCORNER15 listeners get 15% off until March 4th. That’s CCORNER15 on www.collectorconnoisseur.com

I’ll stop here for now and let you enjoy our conversation!

References from the episode:

• Etienne-Jules Marey
• Eadweard J.Muybridge
• George Eastman Museum
• Leonard Lauder Cubist Collection
• Aipad Fair
• Hokusai
• Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji
• Paul Kneale
• Aleksander Hardashnakov
• Zoe Barcza
• Paris Internationale
• Asia Now Paris
• Kasetsu
• Arco Lisboa
• Tristan Unrau
• Georg Baselitz
• Maria Berrío
• Josh Kline
• Camden Arts Centre
• Gaia Art Foundation
• Black Cultural Archives
• Light Art Space Berlin
• Clearing
• BLUM
• Stephen Friedman
• Herald St Gallery
• Tanya Bonakdar Gallery
• Carlos/Ishikawa Gallery
• Esther Schipper Gallery
• Peter DOIG
• Katharina Grosse
• 291 Artist Agency
• Barneby's
• The Salesroom
• Invaluable
• Art Price
• Kees Van Dongen
• Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo
• Marc Prats Quintana
• Oliver Bak
• Florentina Holzinger
• Herb and Dorothy Vogel
• Budi Tek
• Agnes Gund

Follow the podcast to see the guests' collections at ⁠@collectors_corner_⁠ !

In today's episode I am speaking with Chimere Cissé, founder of art consultancy Art Korero, co-founder of Stella Alliance and, of course, contemporary art collector. 

Chimere started her career in luxury fashion and media but growing up in a home filled with antiquities, she early on developed an interest in art. She shares insights into her personal journey as a collector, always staying true to her instincts despite often feeling like an outsider. 

A few years ago, Chimere decided to direct her focus towards bridging commercial brands with artistic endeavours, combining her art passion and marketing expertise. We talked about her deep commitment to supporting purpose-driven initiatives, especially with her most recent venture, Stella Alliance - a global community of female collectors aiming to influence fundamental structural change at the root of the gender gap in art collecting. 

I loved hearing about Chimere's global perspective and how these experiences shaped her collection into a true reflection of her own personal growth. I hope you enjoy this episode! 

References mentioned:

• Annabelle Schneider
• Anastasia Achilleos
• Human Garage
• Valeria Napoleone
• Fatos Ustek
• Art Voyage Biennial
• Chapman Brothers

Today, I’m back in Berlin to speak with Manuel Koch (@kunstinvestments) - financial journalist, entrepreneur running the financial media platform Inside Wirtschaft, salon host at Salon Schinkelplatz, and one of the most visible figures in Germany’s ultra-contemporary art scene.

Manuel only began collecting around five years ago, but in that short time he has become a real fixture. Alongside his work as a journalist, he devotes almost all of his free time to art - looking, visiting, hosting, sharing. He brings a distinctly journalistic lens to the way he collects, using his highly active Instagram platform to give visibility to artists, galleries, and museum shows he believes deserve attention.

That visibility has also attracted criticism, particularly around the name of his account: Kunstinvestments - literally, “art investment.” In our conversation, Manuel unpacks what he actually means by that, and why the term is far more nuanced than it might initially sound.

While he did enter the art world through the market, in part because of his background, what is most interesting is how far his perspective has evolved since. Manuel talks about the thrill of discovery, with a particular interest in supporting young artists from graduation, complemented by a more analytical approach when acquiring pricier, more established artists.

Art has genuinely changed Manuel’s life. And perhaps most importantly, his public approach to collecting is motivated above all by a desire to make that transformation accessible to others.

References from the episode:

• Christopher Lehmpfuhl
• Kunst Kaufen / Art for Everyone by Ruth Polleit
• Magnus Resch
• Dirk Boll
• Kiriakos Tompolidis
• Navot Miller
• Anys Reimann
• Brandon Lipchick
• Luke Silva
• Grace Weaver
• Andre Butzer
• Jenny Saville
• Max Grote
• Art Cologne
• Positions Fair Berlin
• Gallery Weekend Berlin
• Berlin Art Week
• Norbert Bisky
• Louis Fratino
• Timo Miettinen

Follow the podcast to see the guests' collections at ⁠@collectors_corner_⁠ !

In this first episode of 2026 I am speaking with the wonderful Carrie Scott (@carriescottcurates). Carrie is an American/English curator and art historian who started her career in Seattle 16 years ago, and has worked with many galleries, businesses, collectors and artists worldwide through her practice, Carrie Scott & Partners.

In 2024, Carrie also launched Seen - a next generation art consultancy and amazing platform that helps collectors, artists, and all art lovers to understand and navigate the art world with confidence. And of course Carrie’s own wonderful collection fills her entire home.

I normally highlight collectors who are not art world professionals but I wanted to make an exception with Carrie. Her dedication to breaking down barriers and working from inside the system to pull more people in deeply resonated.

Together we talk about how hyper financialisation broke the value exchange in the art world, the importance of protecting our creative health especially in today’s polarised society, and pro tips on what people should know before they start collecting.

I hope you enjoy our conversation!

References mentioned by Carrie:

• Adam McEwen
• Rashid Johnson
• Mika Rottenberg
• Matthew Day Jackson
• Whitney Museum of American Art
• MoMA
• Guggenheim
• The Paul G Allen Collection
• Damien Hirst
• The Art Show on Sky Arts
• Bharti Kher
• Nick Cave
• Mickalene Thomas
• Marina Abramovic
• Martin Creed
• Zena Blackwell
• Simonette Quamina
• African State of Mind
• Art Annotated
• The Jealous Curator
• Auctionet
• Lots Road
• Unit London
• Storm Tharp
• Eva Gold
• Eva Dixon
• Frieze London
• Echo Soho Art Fair
• Minor Attractions
• Nicola Erni Collection

Follow the podcast to see the guests' collections and let me know your feedback at ⁠@collectors_corner_⁠ !

In this first episode of The Collector's Corner, I am speaking with Dr. Corina Krawinkel about her collecting journey.

A dentist by background who owns two dental practices in the Cologne area, Corina started collecting at the age of 19 and is a well-known collector in Germany's contemporary art scene. Her collection which focuses on post-war German art, has grown to include both iconic artists from her generation and emerging talent. In our conversation, Corina talks about how she personally approaches collecting and why historical and contemporary contexts play such an important part in how she selects work. She also values rediscovering overlooked female artists and believes in encouraging a vibrant art community, that she is an active member of.

A passionate collector for many years, Corina shares valuable tips for aspiring collectors, from how to build relationships with gallerists to the importance of research when looking at art.

I learned a lot in my conversation with Corina and hope you enjoy it!

Artists mentioned in the episode and that Corina collects:

• Maxim Gunga
• Isa Genzken
• Grace Weaver
• Adam Lupton
• Jonathan Meese
• Katharina Grosse
• Leonora Carrington
• Anne Imhof
• Alicja Kwade
• Günther Uecker
• Philara Collection (Bronner family)

***

Would love to hear your thoughts & feedback!

On social media ⁠⁠@collectors_corner_⁠⁠or via email on the website ⁠⁠thecollectorscornerpodcast.com/⁠

Today I am interviewing Klaus Mertens, a discreet but active Berlin-based collector who also sits on the advisory board of Haus am Waldsee, one of the most exciting contemporary art venues in the city. Klaus most recently founded a deep tech company, but he has had an interest in contemporary art since he was a student and started acquiring works together with his wife a few years ago. They slowed down collecting with the arrival of their kids but remain committed to building their collection, particularly favouring artists who have ties to the Berlin art scene.

With Klaus we spoke about the ways collecting takes you to places, both literally and figuratively, that you might have never expected, how in general most people tend to buy too early, and more broadly the power & responsibility that come with having the ability and privilege to purchase art.

We also talk about some of the artists Klaus collects, and I will be sharing photographs on the podcast IG account as Klaus is not active on social media himself.

This was such an insightful conversation with many actionable tips from a collector who is truly committed to bringing artistic voices of our time to the forefront. I hope you enjoy!

Artists and references mentioned in the episode:

• Bernd and Hilla Becher
• Becher photography students
• Christopher Wool
• Julius von Bismarck
• Daniel Marzona gallery
• Sebastian Klemm gallery
• Alexander Levy gallery
• Thomas Fischer gallery
• DREI Gallery
• KW Institute for Contemporary Art
• Fabian Knecht
• Prateek Vijan
• Salomé Chatriot
• Callum Innes

This week I am trying out a new format with this solo episode, where I reflect on the five lessons I have learned so far about collecting art through my interviews with collectors on the field.

From where the real gatekeeping is happening, to the role of relationships and how to think about the market, these are the things collectors unanimously seem to agree on, regardless of their unique personal style.

If you are an aspiring collector or interested in a look behind the scenes of how collectors think, this episode is for you!

I hope you enjoy this new format - do let me know your thoughts on Instagram @collectors_corner_ or on the podcast website!

Today I am very happy to have Rachel Verghis on the podcast - one of the first guests I had on my radar when the idea of the podcast started coming to fruition, and I’m grateful she opened up so generously about her story and her passion for bringing art to as many people as possible.

Based in London, Rachel is a former investment banker who found her calling in art and collecting. Without any formal art education, her journey began after taking a sabbatical to volunteer at a Sydney gallery followed by a brief stint at Sotheby's. Today, Rachel balances her time between running her gin company, MarGin, being a solo mum, managing her personal investments, contributing to renowned art institutions, while also driving several artistic initiatives.

I am not sure how she does it all but it was very inspiring to talk about all this with her and I hope you enjoy our conversation!

Artists and references mentioned:

• Gene Sherman 
• Caroline Rothwell 
• Ai Weiwei 
• George Rouy 
• Hannah Barry Gallery 
• Patrick Goddard 
• Docent 
• Gertrude 
• Natalia Janula
• Avant Arte 
• TeamLab Collective 
• Mikka Rottenberg 
• Tate Modern 
• Hayward Gallery 
• Serpentine Galleries 
• Linder Sterling 
• Christian Levett 
• Rachel Thomas , Chief Curator at the Hayward Gallery
• Maria Sukkar
• Ralph Rugoff 
• AWITA (Associate of Women in the Arts) 
• Bonhams 
• Famm, Christian Levett's museum in Mougins 
• Chateau La Coste 
• Bloomberg Connects 
• Vanila Netto 
• Rachel Kneebone 
• Guillaume Bardet 
• Celia Paul 
• Chantal Joffe 
• Giampaolo Babetto 
• Petrina Hicks 

Today I am in London with Susan Dunn. Susan is the founder of Harbour Litigation Funding, which funds high value legal disputes - a fascinating industry that Susan kickstarted in the UK in the early 2000s and is worth over 2 billion pounds today.

While diving into litigation funding would have also made for a compelling podcast episode, Susan and I talked about her favourite topic in the world - art. Susan started collecting even before she became a lawyer and hasn’t stopped since. In her flat, all surfaces, walls and shelves, are dedicated to art. But beyond the works, Susan is above all driven by the people behind the art she collects - the artists she befriended and relationships she forged along the way. Susan shares the most fun and joyful stories of her collecting journey, her excitement shines through and is truly contagious. She perfectly demonstrates that there is no ‘right’ way to collect, as long as it’s driven by genuine passion and intention. I had such a fun time speaking with Susan, I hope you’ll enjoy our conversation.

Artists and references mentioned by Susan:

• Nancy Fouts
• George Shaw
• Roxana Halls
• Grayson Perry
• Peggy Guggenheim 
• Francis Bacon
• Maggie Hambling
• The Colony Club
• Sophie Glover
• Art in Action
• William Utermohlen
• Herbert Gallery
• Soheila Sokhanvari
• Unit London
• Stacey Gillian Abe
• 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair 
• Barbara Hepworth
• Danny Howes
• Forward Gallery
• Sarabande Foundation 
• Robbie Wraith
• Moufouli Bello

Today I am in Paris with Raphaël Isvy (@raph_is) Raphaël doesn't come from an art background or career but since he was a kid, the act of collecting has been a big part of his life - be it trainers, Pokemon cards or video games.

His fine art journey began in 2016 and since 2022, he has been collecting art full time. Raphaël's journey as a fully self-taught collector is incredibly inspiring, I can’t thank him enough for sharing it in such an open and candid way! From the early days finding artists on Instagram, to mentoring aspiring collectors today, Raphaël truly walks the talk when it comes to helping more people enter and navigate the art world.

Drawing on Raphaël's personal experiences, we also discuss the unspoken rules outsiders and newcomers have to contend with, and he shares his honest views on how the art market operates. This discussion was full of amazing insights - I really loved it and I hope you do too!

References and artists mentioned by Raphael:

• Robert Nava
• Robin Francesca Williams
• Tomoo Gokita
• Lee Ufan
• Hugh Hayden
• Louise Nevelson
• Brice Guilbert
• Antony Gormley
• Jadé Fadojutimi
• Joan Mitchell
• Naotaka Hiro
• Anna Park
• Josh Smith
• Thomas Houseago