Romina Polley: Collecting Conceptual Art

Richard Long b. 1945, United Kingdom Follow +

Cologne-based Romina Polley is a German lawyer who still harbours a tingle of regret over her decision to forgo studying art in favour of competition law.

Her method of compensation has been to immerse herself in building a collection of contemporary art. Polley welcomes the tension between these two worlds she inhabits, and her choices of artworks here reflect a diverse taste, encompassing conceptual, political, and humorous work.

On her passion for Land Art pioneers Richard Long and Hamish Fulton, Polley mentions that it is the ‘peaceful and meditative quality that appeals, particularly during this time’. She goes on to reveal how she discovered Land Art through the work of Walter De Maria during a visit to Dia Beacon when she lived in New York.

Perhaps her time spent in the U.S.A. also drew her to the work of Chilean-born artist Alfredo Jaar, who examines the battleground of cultural identity politics in the U.S.A. from the perception of an outsider, albeit one who has now lived in New York for many years.

Work by Mary Heilmann reveals Polley’s fondness for colour and a lightness of touch, while Frances Stark and Jonathan Monk are clearly admired for their humour. ‘I love Jonathan Monk’s work, especially how he makes fun of the commercial aspect of the art world, and I always remember his parody and comic tone. Lisson Gallery, who represent Monk, is also my favourite gallery in London’.

Korean artist Lee Ufan is another choice, particularly for the ‘meditative sensibility and pursuit of excellence’ present in his work—qualities she similarly admires in the work of On Kawara.

Polley’s intellectual curiosity coupled with an engaging sense of humour have clearly led her to discover artists far beyond obvious market trends and to form a collection that elucidates her deep understanding of conceptual art in its varying forms.

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Main image: Courtesy Romina Polley.