Fairs
Home is Where the Art is: Be inspired by art collector advice
In our ‘Home is Where the Art is’ series, we step inside the homes of Affordable Art Fair visitors to discover the stories behind the artworks they’ve found at our fair.
Marie De Saedeleer
Wednesday 11 June, 2025
The saying goes that a house becomes a home because of the people in it. That’s true – but for art lovers, it’s also about the art that fills the space and brings it to life. In our ‘Home is Where the Art is’ series, we step inside the homes of Affordable Art Fair visitors to discover the stories behind the artworks they’ve found at our fair. Each story is unique, shaped by what the buyer sees in the piece and the reasons they were drawn to it.
Let their stories guide and inspire you as you prepare for your next visit to Affordable Art Fair Amsterdam (8 – 12 October 2025, De Kromhouthal) or Affordable Art Fair Brussels (4 – 8 February 2026, Tour & Taxis).
Blythe Bolton
Ana Fota
Ana Fota is a freelance journalist and author of Nap at the Opera, a weekly newsletter for the culture curious. She bought her very first piece of art at our Brussels fair in 2024.
“When you first see it from afar, it looks like a written letter. After getting closer, you realize there are no words on the page at all: these are squiggly lines, broken up to mimic words — like a child pretending to write. Made of cardboard and placed by artist Hanne Winkler, the piece first drew me in solely based on looks. Hearing Hanne’s story made it even more impactful: “it’s a letter that was never written” — a feeling never expressed, a text she was too scared to write.”
“This piece makes me think of my own relationship with writing — how it started with squiggly pretend words when I was little, became an aspiration, stayed with me throughout my youth and continues following me into my thirties.
It lives on the wall next to my desk at home. It’s a helpful reminder for me to get over myself and write what I want to write. A year later, I enjoy it just as much, if not more. It inspires me, it brings me joy and it makes me laugh.”
Ana’s tip for first time art buyers: “Don’t worry about what you are supposed to like. Trust your instincts: if an artwork speaks to you, if it makes you feel something, then it’s great art.”
Marnix and Carolien Van Der Moolen
Those of us who have been collecting for some time may have realized that buying art as a couple can be more challenging than it seems. Once you manage to blend both your tastes, it’s fantastic to complete your shared space with the artwork you’ve chosen. Marnix and Carolien van der Moolen brought this sports jacket as a souvenir from their visit to Affordable Art Fair Amsterdam in 2021.
“It was made by Jessi Strixner who learned woodcarving from her father. It hangs in the entrance hall next to the ‘real’ coat rack. For us, it is the perfect example of art with a smile: you expect fabric but are quickly surprised by wood. It has since become a collector’s item.”
Marnix and Carolien’s tip for first time art buyers: “Talk to the gallerist about the work that you like. There is always more than meets the eye, as in case of Jessi’s work that looked like fabric. But most importantly: choose something that makes you happy!”
Fréderic De Haan
Besides being the managing director of the Belgian insurance company Vander Haegen, Fréderic De Haan is an avid art lover and collector. At Affordable Art Fair Brussels 2025, he bought a work by Valeria Patrizi, whom he also selected as the VdH Artist Award winner.
“For me, a pure moment of contemplation and zen lies in the artwork. When I look at it, I am reminded to take a deep breath, let go of unnecessary worries and enjoy life.”
Frédéric’s tip for first time art buyers: “Get carried away by the story of the artwork. Let it sink in. Allow yourself to be swayed by its energy.”
Georgia Mourad Brooks
Georgia Mourad Brooks is a gender equality advocate and the founder and CEO of The Nine in Brussels which is a female-focused members’ club.
“For me, this painting, which I acquired during the 2025 edition of Affordable Art Fair Brussels, by Hosein Shirahmadi, is both an invitation to rest, and an encouragement to rise up and resist (once you know the context). I find myself straddling these two emotions, both personally and professionally.”
“Every time I look at the artwork, I firstly feel envy, because I wish I could take a beautiful nap like this. But overall, it gives me a sense of calm and peace. There is gentle beauty and serenity, which contrasts nicely to the world outside – literally and figuratively.”
Georgia’s tip for first time art buyers: “Look at art with your heart, not head. And always, always, trust your gut. If you can’t get it out of your mind, that’s the spark.”
Annick Reibestein
Since joining the Affordable Art Fair team in 2019, our Exhibitor Relationships Manager Annick Reibestein has developed a deep appreciation for art. While she enjoys nearly all mediums, it’s photography that truly captures her heart. She has been steadily growing her collection over the years. Among her growing collection, there is one work in particular that holds a special place in her heart.
“I first saw this piece at Affordable Art Fair Amsterdam in 2018. It’s called ‘Alexandra’ and is by Dutch photographer Jenny Boot. When I walked by it, the piece immediately caught my attention. The model has such a powerful presence, and I find her different colored eyes fascinating.
When I heard the story behind the photo, I fell in love even more. Alexandra is the female counterpart of the ‘defender of mankind’, and I love the fact she’s always watching over me with her intriguing, ambiguous expression. As I was working at the fair, I ran out of time to buy the work on site. As I was still thinking about it a week later, I went to the gallery (Public House of Art) to buy it. I enjoy it every day and her strength really completes my living room.”
Annick’s tip for first time art buyers: “Go with your gut! Walk around the fair and see which artwork appeals to you. Often you immediately get a feeling for a particular work. If it’s still on your mind after several rounds of the fair, it’s the one!”
Top tips and advice from new and seasoned art collectors can help shape your own art collection. We hope the stories in this series have inspired you to find the piece that speaks to you.
