What first inspired you to start collecting art?

It was in 1999 while I was living in Cologne. There, I met a collector who brought the works of Jörg Immendorff, Markus Lüpertz, A. R. Penck etc. to my attention. This is when the torch paper was lit and I started to explore these artists, researching their background and artistic works. I started looking for artwork I could afford because my budget was, at the time, fairly small and limited.

Based on your experience, can you give an explanation as to why people begin to collect art?

I have seen different types of collectors one of them start collecting because it's a good investment and usually they hire art advisors to acquire art for them. Another ones collect art to express their own personality, they love showing their art and telling stories when, where and why they have acquired it. And recently I've met people who collects art to support it, because they believe in the importance of art. For them to support art is like a contribution to the better future of society.

How would you describe ARTUNER and how the idea to create it came to your mind?

At ARTUNER we focus on identifying talented artists and nurturing their careers. In order to achieve this goal, we have developed an innovative ‘hybrid’ art platform that stages curated selling exhibitions, both online and through an ambitious programme of pop-up international shows.