ARTICLES BY PERSPECTIVE

"Art Collector Interview: A Retirement Dream"

2011.04.20 By Francis Choo

Stepping into Francis’ beautiful house, one is immediately taken in by the rustic Buddha sculptures, carefully polished wooden furniture and soothing greenery. Yet, without a strand of doubt, the exquisite collection of paintings takes center-stage.

Apart from art, Fancis enjoys collecting furniture, urns and buddha sculptures.

Francis, Managing Director in a technology firm, first fell in love with paintings 30 years ago, in 1980. Under the influence of his boss, his first purchase was not one, but three paintings by Singaporean artist; Ong Boon Kong. Today his collection is predominately from South East Asia, with paintings from Burma, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore.

Francis' first art purchase in 1980, a series of three paintings by Ong Boon Kong

Crisis – Best time to acquire art
Crisis surfaces opportunities – is not only sharp business acumen, this principle applies also to art. Francis goes on a buying spree when crisis strikes. Take his trip to Myanmar for example. When SARS plagued Yangon in 2003, art prices dipped. During a holiday, Francis and his girlfriend spent US$9,000 within two days, acquiring nearly 30 pieces of art. “We never thought we’ll spend all our holiday money on art pieces!” adds Francis

When asked how he determines the authenticity of art when buying in developing countries, Francis commented, “Of course you’ll get fake pieces and there are galleries which are not honest in third world countries”. To most of us, perhaps buying from reputable galleries and doing ample research before taking the plunge would be the safest route to follow.

Francis has a wall complete with numerous pieces by Myanmar artists, U Lun Gywe

More from U Lun Gywe

My Home, art by Myanmar artist Myint Swe

No wall is left unoccupied in Francis' house, this series of smaller paintings are by Win Pe Myint

29th Street by Myint Swe

On Art and Artist in Singapore
The patriotic side in Francis is obvious; his walls are dominated by art from renowned Singaporean artists like Tang Da Wu, Anthony Chua, Hong Sek Chern, Chua Ek Kay and Aw Tee Hong. His fondness for local art, however, does not extend to young Singaporean artists – at least not yet. “I bought a very outstanding piece from a young painter. Now, he had quit art and become an accountant” said Francis. Continuity and determination in pursuing art are lacking in our young minds. “I haven’t spotted a young artist who can attract me to buy 4 or 5 pieces” he adds.

Francis also points out the fact that a large section of local art is driven by the government. Ministries are loyal collectors of Singapore’s old art masters and public agencies have steadily increased funding support for arts. The lack in private sector support has been a long-standing problem. As Singapore continues to attract more tourists and foreigners coming to work, hopefully, this problem would be alleviated gradually.

Four Tang Da Wu's abstract ink on paper are the highlights of Franci's beautiful living room

Francis is also an avid collector of Anthony Chua's paintings

More from Anthony Chua. Without enough walls to hang them, Francis can only place them against the walls

Factory Beng You 3 by Hong Sek Chern. Hong and Chua form a husband and wife team devoted to art.

Chua Ek Kay’s last collection before passing away. Francis feels that this is Ek Kay’s most matured piece to date where he experimented with different forms of paper and medium. Seen here is Misty Lotus, oil and ink on paper.

Aw Tee Hong (right) Singapore's second generation artist is also among the few artists who caught Francis' interest in local art

Adam and Eve by Singaporean painter Tan Chong En

Below are excerpts of two key questions from our interview. Let’s hear it in Francis’ own words.

Are there occasions when you felt like you overpaid for an art?
My girlfriend certainly thinks so! My art are not extremely expensive and I drive a hard bargain too. There are instances where I am more impulsive than ever. For example, when I bought the piece by Chua Ek Kay, my wife thought that I was crazy to pay so much for that. It was a two minutes decision! I spoke with Ek Kay and immediately told the gallery owner that I would be back to buy it. I’m very impulsive and maybe it’s the nature of my industry.

Every time when I see a piece, I have to access it very quickly to see if I like it. The money didn’t matter. It’s not as if I’m spending $50,000 or $100,000 on a single piece.

Francis' collects mostly art in South East Asia. Chinese art is too expensive while he humbly claims that he 'cannot understand' Western art. Seen here are art from Vietnam and Myanmar.

Francis thinks that in SE Asia, artists from Philippines and Indonesia are the most promising. Works by Indonesian artist, Suklu.

This painting was given to Francis as a gift. Art by Chinese artist Cheng Sheng Hu.

Top:Myanmar artist, U Hla Han - Cock Fight ; Bottom: Philippine artist, Nume Avaraldo - Hilab

Filipino artist, Lydia Velasco - Light and Life. Through friends in Philippines, Francis purchased this at a very good price long before Velasco was showcased in major auction houses. Her art now goes for $20,000 to $30,000.

You said you’re an impulsive buyer, so do you research before acquiring art?
Very interestingly, for most pieces which I bought, I research on them only after purchasing. For example, when I bought U Lun Gywe’s pieces (Myanmar artist), it was because I was so bored and was surfing the internet. Most Myanmar artists are very conservative but he was different. Given a recent bonus handout, I instantly purchased five pieces at USD$1,000 each online.

Shortly after, I went to Myanmar in 2003, his pieces for going for USD$300! My girlfriend claimed that I was crazy to have paid so much. However, a week after I returned to Singapore, I spotted U Lun Gywe’s art at a gallery selling for between $3000 and $4000. So there really isn’t a fixed price range in art.

Vietnamese artist - Ngyuen Viet Luc, Summer

“There’s no reason why I collect them (art), they are all in different themes” Francis said, referring to his wide diversity of art. Perhaps the underlying reason would be his love for art – which is definitely unexplainable. Speaking enthusiastically with eyes lit with passion, Francis exclaimed earnestly, “It is my dream to open a gallery when I retire”. And we sure hope you do Francis!