A passion for jewellery and a commitment to support emerging artists
A collector since she was 12 years old, Clarissa Bronfman participates in MoMa's acquisitions that focus on young people, while at the Guggenheim she co-founded the Latin American Circle.
by Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo
5' min read
5' min read
Clarissa Bronfman grew up surrounded by art and a love of culture. Born in Venezuela, she holds an MBA from New York University and today divides her time between New York and Madrid, together with her husband and their four children. A sensitive collector, passionate photographer and philanthropist, Clarissa actively supports some of the world's most important cultural institutions, including MoMA, the Guggenheim and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. For twenty-five years she served as Vice President of Carnegie Hall, and founded a support centre at New York University Hospital for parents who have experienced the loss of a child. We are united by a shared passion for jewellery: I collect American Custom Jewelry, she, since 2012, has started her own brand, creating pieces that blend art and craftsmanship, past and present, found elements and custom-made details. Her creations tell a personal language, where memory dialogues with innovation, balancing tradition and vision of the future.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ART ACQUISITION AND WHICH IS THE MOST RECENT WORK IN YOUR COLLECTION? My first acquisition was when I was 12 years old: a photograph by Man Ray, discovered in an antique shop in Paris. I was with my uncle Jimmy and we agreed that I would pay for it in instalments. It took me six years. It wasn't until many years later that I found out my uncle had bought it immediately, but had kept collecting my instalments in an envelope. The last purchase was a photograph by Christopher Makos of Andy Warhol dressed as a woman: today it greets those who enter my house in Madrid.
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WHEN AND HOW DID YOU START COLLECTING ART? Very early on, thanks to my mother. She was a passionate collector and frequented many artists. Growing up in that environment ignited a natural love for art in me.
How can we start collecting? CAN YOU GIVE US SOME ADVICE? Follow your instinct. It's not about chasing big names or fashions, but about listening to your own emotion. When a work strikes you deeply, that's all you need. And then, take risks: look for emerging markets, support young artists. That is where art is most alive and surprising. Today, unfortunately, it is much more difficult for new generations to start collecting. Prices are high and works are less accessible than in the past. But it remains essential to be curious, to travel, to discover and to be amazed.
How do you choose your works? DO YOU RELY ON A GALLERY OWNER OR A CURATOR? I have always felt closer to modern art than to contemporary. I started with Latin American art, due to my Venezuelan origins, and my first love was Soto. From there I discovered the Zero Group, then I looked at Italy, Germany... My collection is constantly evolving. I work with curators when I feel the need to go deeper. And thanks to the museums I collaborate with, I have access to valuable conversations with professionals in the field, which enrich my outlook.
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