Christen and Derek Wilson
DALLAS, TEXAS–Christen and Derek Wilson — fixtures at global art fairs and supporters of the DMA and international museums — prove that a home filled with art needn’t be a cold gallery. Granted, their house is thoroughly modern — some might even say stark — but inside, it has all the warmth of a family residence. Their children were raised amongst avant-garde, fragile artworks by Donald Judd, Dan Flavin, Richard Phillips, Liam Gillick, and Texan Kevin Todora. “The collection is more a reflection of our journey then a strategic vision,” Christen says. “Our goal has always been — and always will be — to have fun doing it.” The resulting collection spans 1960s minimalism to today’s emerging artists. “We tend to be attracted to large-scale works of paintings and sculpture — by Barkley Hendricks, Sterling Ruby, Eva Rothschild, and Rachel Harrison,” Christen says.
ART:
Donald Judd, Dan Flavin, Richard Phillips, Liam Gillick, Kevin Todora, Barkley Hendricks, Sterling Ruby, Eva Rothschild, Rachel Harrison, Wade Guyton, Fred Sandback, Prem Sahib, Kathryn Andrews, Eddie Peake, Rebecca Warren, Mathieu Malouf
CV:
The Wilsons have one adult daughter and two younger sons who are still with them, and all were raised amongst the collection, which spans 1960s minimalism to today’s emerging artists. Christen shares that their collection “is more a reflection of our journey then a strategic vision, and our goal has always been — and always will be — to have fun doing it.”
Q&A:
PC: When did you start collecting and perhaps why?
Wilson: We collect together, and the collection is more a reflection of our journey together then a strategic vision. We started collecting around 2002 and our goal has always been and always will be, to have fun doing it. We quickly discovered a community of collectors and museums which over time turned into friendships with artists and curators.
PC: How would you describe your collection?
Wilson: Our collection spans from sixties minimalist artists to young artists. We tend to be attracted to large scale works of paintings and sculpture from Fred Sandback, Barkley Hendricks, Sterling Ruby, Wade Guyton, Prem Sahib, Kathryn Andrews, Eva Rothschild, Eddie Peake, Rebecca Warren, Mathieu Malouf, and Rachel Harrison.
PC: Are you supporting any arts nonprofits in Texas whose mission resonates with you?
Wilson: We have been supporters of the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas and the Dallas Museum of Art. We are also involved with the Tate Modern. We love the art community in Dallas, from the curators to the culture.