The Collector's Corner

In today's episode I am speaking with Chimere Cissé, founder of art consultancy Art Korero, co-founder of Stella Alliance and, of course, contemporary art collector. 
Chimere started her career in luxury fashion and media but growing up in a home filled with antiquities, she early on developed an interest in art. She shares insights into her personal journey as a collector, always staying true to her instincts despite often feeling like an outsider. 
A few years ago, Chimere decided to direct her focus towards bridging commercial brands with artistic endeavours, combining her art passion and marketing expertise. We talked about her deep commitment to supporting purpose-driven initiatives, especially with her most recent venture, Stella Alliance - a global community of female collectors aiming to influence fundamental structural change at the root of the gender gap in art collecting. 
I loved hearing about Chimere's global perspective and how these experiences shaped her collection into a true reflection of her own personal growth. I hope you enjoy this episode! 
References mentioned:
Annabelle Schneider
Anastasia Achilleos
Human Garage
Valeria Napoleone
Fatos Ustek
Art Voyage Biennial
Chapman Brothers

Today, I’m back in Berlin to speak with Manuel Koch (@kunstinvestments) - financial journalist, entrepreneur running the financial media platform Inside Wirtschaft, salon host at Salon Schinkelplatz, and one of the most visible figures in Germany’s ultra-contemporary art scene.
Manuel only began collecting around five years ago, but in that short time he has become a real fixture. Alongside his work as a journalist, he devotes almost all of his free time to art - looking, visiting, hosting, sharing. He brings a distinctly journalistic lens to the way he collects, using his highly active Instagram platform to give visibility to artists, galleries, and museum shows he believes deserve attention.
That visibility has also attracted criticism, particularly around the name of his account: Kunstinvestments - literally, “art investment.” In our conversation, Manuel unpacks what he actually means by that, and why the term is far more nuanced than it might initially sound.
While he did enter the art world through the market, in part because of his background, what is most interesting is how far his perspective has evolved since. Manuel talks about the thrill of discovery, with a particular interest in supporting young artists from graduation, complemented by a more analytical approach when acquiring pricier, more established artists.
Art has genuinely changed Manuel’s life. And perhaps most importantly, his public approach to collecting is motivated above all by a desire to make that transformation accessible to others.
References from the episode:
Christopher Lehmpfuhl
Kunst Kaufen / Art for Everyone by Ruth Polleit
Magnus Resch
Dirk Boll
Kiriakos Tompolidis
Navot Miller
Anys Reimann
Brandon Lipchick
Luke Silva
Grace Weaver
Andre Butzer
Jenny Saville
Max Grote
Art Cologne
Positions Fair Berlin
Gallery Weekend Berlin
Berlin Art Week
Norbert Bisky
Louis Fratino
Timo Miettinen

Follow the podcast to see the guests' collections at ⁠@collectors_corner_⁠ !

In this first episode of 2026 I am speaking with the wonderful Carrie Scott (@carriescottcurates). Carrie is an American/English curator and art historian who started her career in Seattle 16 years ago, and has worked with many galleries, businesses, collectors and artists worldwide through her practice, Carrie Scott & Partners.
In 2024, Carrie also launched Seen - a next generation art consultancy and amazing platform that helps collectors, artists, and all art lovers to understand and navigate the art world with confidence. And of course Carrie’s own wonderful collection fills her entire home.
I normally highlight collectors who are not art world professionals but I wanted to make an exception with Carrie. Her dedication to breaking down barriers and working from inside the system to pull more people in deeply resonated.
Together we talk about how hyper financialisation broke the value exchange in the art world, the importance of protecting our creative health especially in today’s polarised society, and pro tips on what people should know before they start collecting.
I hope you enjoy our conversation!
References mentioned by Carrie:
Adam McEwen
Rashid Johnson
Mika Rottenberg
Matthew Day Jackson
Whitney Museum of American Art
MoMA
Guggenheim
The Paul G Allen Collection
Damien Hirst
The Art Show on Sky Arts
Bharti Kher
Nick Cave
Mickalene Thomas
Marina Abramovic
Martin Creed
Zena Blackwell
Simonette Quamina
African State of Mind
Art Annotated
The Jealous Curator
Auctionet
Lots Road
Unit London
Storm Tharp
Eva Gold
Eva Dixon
Frieze London
Echo Soho Art Fair
Minor Attractions
Nicola Erni Collection

Follow the podcast to see the guests' collections and let me know your feedback at ⁠@collectors_corner_⁠ !

In this first episode of The Collector's Corner, I am speaking with Dr. Corina Krawinkel about her collecting journey.
A dentist by background who owns two dental practices in the Cologne area, Corina started collecting at the age of 19 and is a well-known collector in Germany's contemporary art scene. Her collection which focuses on post-war German art, has grown to include both iconic artists from her generation and emerging talent. In our conversation, Corina talks about how she personally approaches collecting and why historical and contemporary contexts play such an important part in how she selects work. She also values rediscovering overlooked female artists and believes in encouraging a vibrant art community, that she is an active member of.
A passionate collector for many years, Corina shares valuable tips for aspiring collectors, from how to build relationships with gallerists to the importance of research when looking at art.
I learned a lot in my conversation with Corina and hope you enjoy it!
Artists mentioned in the episode and that Corina collects:
Maxim Gunga
Isa Genzken
Grace Weaver
Adam Lupton
Jonathan Meese
Katharina Grosse
Leonora Carrington
Anne Imhof
Alicja Kwade
Günther Uecker
Philara Collection (Bronner family)

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Would love to hear your thoughts & feedback!
On social media ⁠⁠@collectors_corner_⁠⁠or via email on the website ⁠⁠thecollectorscornerpodcast.com/⁠

Today I am interviewing Klaus Mertens, a discreet but active Berlin-based collector who also sits on the advisory board of Haus am Waldsee, one of the most exciting contemporary art venues in the city. Klaus most recently founded a deep tech company, but he has had an interest in contemporary art since he was a student and started acquiring works together with his wife a few years ago. They slowed down collecting with the arrival of their kids but remain committed to building their collection, particularly favouring artists who have ties to the Berlin art scene.
With Klaus we spoke about the ways collecting takes you to places, both literally and figuratively, that you might have never expected, how in general most people tend to buy too early, and more broadly the power & responsibility that come with having the ability and privilege to purchase art.
We also talk about some of the artists Klaus collects, and I will be sharing photographs on the podcast IG account as Klaus is not active on social media himself.
This was such an insightful conversation with many actionable tips from a collector who is truly committed to bringing artistic voices of our time to the forefront. I hope you enjoy!
Artists and references mentioned in the episode:
Bernd and Hilla Becher
Becher photography students
Christopher Wool
Julius von Bismarck
Daniel Marzona gallery
Sebastian Klemm gallery
Alexander Levy gallery
Thomas Fischer gallery
DREI Gallery
KW Institute for Contemporary Art
Fabian Knecht
Prateek Vijan
Salomé Chatriot
Callum Innes