Passion for Collecting: Interview With Josseline Jeria
BY THE RUSSIAN ARK | NOV 9, 2020
The Russian Ark When did you start your art collection and how many works have you already invested in?
Josseline Jeria I started my collection in 2020. I own five of Samir Rakhmanov’s works. I most recently acquired Rainy Spring Days in Saint Petersburg. I own two small studies that are part of his café series for his diploma project, Parisian café. Still Life With an Apple and Rocks in Alupka were the first of his works that I added to my collection.
I own four of Yaroslava Tichshenko’s works: 3 Lemons and Vase, Experimental White Still Life, White on Blue and a watercolour portrait sketch.
In fact, it was Samir’s works that were the very first to start my art collection. I own 9 works. I am looking to add a couple more before the end of 2020. There is no unifying theme as of yet, other than all my works are by these two young contemporary Russian artists.
RA Are you collecting for pleasure or rather an alternative investment?
JJ I am collecting for pleasure and for artistic study.
"I think motivation <to collect art> ultimately comes from the realisation that your love for art is so grand that you need it to be a part of your everyday life."
—JOSSELINE JERIA, AUSTRALIAN ATHLETE, ARTIST AND COLLECTOR
Samir Rakhmanov, two studies for Parisian Café (Study), private collection
RA What emotion do you experience being surrounded by the art of your choice?
JJ I can be quite profoundly moved by art that I love. I have even found myself brought to tears by ones that I have connected with on a more personal level. My emotional reactions can vary drastically; it really depends on how I respond to each individual artwork.
RA In your opinion, what motivates someone to start building his/her personal art collection?
JJ I think motivation ultimately comes from the realisation that your love for art is so grand that you need it to be a part of your everyday life.