On Art and Collecting with Zeynep Sever Demirel
Former Fenerbahçe goalkeeper Volkan Demirel and his wife Zeynep Sever Demirel have recently been in the spotlight due to their interest in art and the collection they have built. The couple, who have brought together works in many different techniques, from painting to sculpture and photography, continue to instill their passion for art in those around them. We asked Zeynep Sever Demirel how she started collecting and what her future goals are.
First of all, hello. We have been following you with admiration for a long time, but could you tell us a little about yourself for our readers who are new to you?
I lived and grew up in Belgium for many years. I started modeling at an early age. Afterwards, I was crowned Miss Belgium, got married, and settled in Turkey.
After returning to Turkey, I graduated from Istanbul Bilgi University's Cinema and Television Department. Then I founded my own production company.
How did your interest in art develop, and how did you step into collecting?
Since cinema is also a type of visual art, I am actually already involved in art. For a period, I worked as an amateur photographer. I have my own short films and video art works.
My interest in traditional and modern art history has been with me since childhood. I grew up in Belgium, a country where art is highly valued. We started collecting through the guidance of an elder brother.
In your opinion, what are the contributions of collecting to the development of art ?
We are entering an era where everything is evolving into digital, even art. This is a period where human labor will decrease but also become more valuable.
Collectors have a great responsibility for the continuity of art and human labor.
“We are entering an era where everything is evolving into digital, even art. This is a period where human labor will decrease but also become more valuable. For its continuity, collectors have a great responsibility.”
I know you have an extremely extensive and valuable collection. I am also aware of your and Volkan Bey's passion for art. So, under whose leadership did this interest develop? Was your interest in art a shared trait from the very beginning?
I was always the one interested in art. However, Volkan supported us in starting such a large collection.
Let's say I lit the fire, and he made it grow.
Which artist does the first piece in your collection belong to?
It must be Devrim Erbil.
Looking at collectors in the sports community, do you think Volkan Bey is a pioneer with the interest and seriousness he shows in this field ?
I don't know if there are others in the sports community who collect. However, it is true that Volkan has instilled a passion for art in his circle of friends.
Do you build the collection together? Are there times when your tastes differ or you disagree? What kind of decision-making process do you follow?
Yes, of course, there are. Let's say the dominant party wins.
I am more of a 'less is more' person. Volkan, on the other hand, approaches it with a more diverse and broad perspective.
Do you build your collection around a specific stylistic unity or conceptual framework ?
No. We don't make such a distinction.
Apparently, your collection includes leading names in contemporary Turkish art as well as young artists. Does your extensive collection, which ranges from painting to sculpture and photography, also feature foreign artists?
Yes, of course. Tigran Tsitoghdzyan, Vav Hakobyan, and Laurence Jenkell are among the names that come to mind.
We see that artists have been focusing on digital art, especially recently. What is your view on digital art? Are there any digital art pieces you are considering adding to your collection?
As I mentioned earlier, we are entering a digital age. The evolution of art into digital is, in my opinion, quite natural.
An artwork reaching us through different tools and techniques does not change its artistic value.
I would like to see a Refik Anadol piece in our collection.
Many collectors often feel the need to exhibit the works they own. What do you think is the underlying factor behind this need to possess and exhibit? Do you have any plans in this regard?
Volkan also has such an idea. He plans to realize it in the future.
I suppose the feeling for a collector is similar to how an artist feels when their work is presented and appreciated .
Do you have a specific plan for your collection? For example, is it already clear which piece will be next, or does the process develop spontaneously?
We can say it develops spontaneously. Of course, there are some artists we would like to include in our collection.
Is there an artist you would say, “Definitely must be in my collection” ?
Actually, there are many foreign names. From Turkey, I can mention Mehmet Güleryüz.
Finally, I see that you occasionally share your own painting works on your Instagram account. Could a personal exhibition project be among your future plans?
I don't think so. I love painting very much and I feel happy when I paint. But I don't have such a plan.
“Let's say I lit the fire, and he made it grow.”
