Three questions for an M-art patron: ‘art enriches your life’

Three questions for an M-art patron

‘Art enriches your life’

Bert Verlinden was the third M-art patron in M’s history. Together with his wife Elly, he welcomes us to their flat in Ixelles, beautifully decorated with contemporary art. Which naturally brings us to our opening question.

How important is art in your life?

Bert: ‘I’ve always liked art. At school, I invariably got 100 per cent in aesthetics – thanks to an inspiring teacher. After secondary school, I went on to study film and photography at Sint-Lukas. My mother wanted me to become a doctor or an engineer, but I had other ideas (laughs).’

‘I ran a photo lab for a long time. In 2014, Elly and I decided to open a contemporary art gallery. We’ve been running our Whitehouse Gallery together ever since. First in Lovenjoel, and here in Brussels since 2024.’

‘I always view art through two lenses: that of an art lover and that of a professional gallerist. Ten years ago, for example, we saw a small wok by Otobong Nkanga at an art fair in Rotterdam – she wasn’t very well known at the time. I immediately thought: wow, she’s going to be big! And also: why didn’t we buy that piece? (laughs).’

Which work from M’s collection has a special meaning for you?

‘M also has some wonderful works by Belgian artists, such as Dirk Braeckman and Philippe Van Snick. Or Christoph Fink, who goes on walks and then records them in ceramics. Until recently, there was a stunning dish on display at M. We have a piece from the same series ourselves, but the one at M is more beautiful, unfortunately (laughs).’

‘We always go to the M-residents’ presentations as well. The residencies offer young artists the chance to focus on their research in the M-studio at Cas-co and then present the results at M. I’m on Cas-co’s board, so I follow their activities closely. You can make some real discoveries.’

‘M has helped put contemporary art on the map in Leuven – right from the moment it opened in 2012, with the Sol LeWitt exhibition. I also loved the Ugo Rondinone exhibition in 2013, and most recently Alicja Kwade. And something else that deserves to be said: M has by far the most beautifully presented exhibitions. They have their own production workshop, and the staff pay attention to the smallest details. If necessary, even the sockets are painted to match an exhibition, the joints in the partition walls are neatly concealed, the display cases and plinths are top-notch… Just take a look.’

Three questions for an M-art patron — Photo: Kimberley Dhollander for M Leuven

What do you think is the main benefit of being an M-art patron?

‘Above all, the visits to studios and collections that I can’t access, even as a gallery owner. M can open those doors. Through the M-art patron programme, we’ve visited the Lhoist collection, in a beautiful sculpture park near Wavre. And the ING Bank collection, which is also quite special.’

‘Moreover, you meet interesting people. For me, of course, it’s partly about networking, but we’ve also made some real friends. The outings are the perfect opportunity to get to know people. Although I should add that Elly and I make so many art trips ourselves that we can’t often join them.’

‘Art enriches your life, and a museum like M can guide people on that journey. That, for me, is the deeper significance of being an M-art patron. If it appeals to you, I’d say: just go for it!’

M-cenassen op bezoek bij een kunstenaar in haar atelier — Diederik Craps voor M Leuven

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