ARTnews has included Patricia Phelps de Cisneros and Gustavo A. Cisneros in the 34th edition of their annual "Top 200 Collectors" list, a group that, according to ARTnews, “encompasses the most active, engaged collectors in the world today.” In their entry ARTnews writes:
On a recent trip to Bogotá, Patricia Phelps de Cisneros and Gustavo A. Cisneros purchased a woven sculpture collaboratively made by artist Juan Arreaza and De'áruwa (Piaroa) artisans in The Urbana community in Mataven, Colombia. “The work represents the creation myth of De'áruwa craftsmanship, which is tied to the construction of their communal family homes called "churuatas,” Phelps de Cisneros said. “These structures feature an open central space used by the community to gather and perform rituals, make crafts, and entertain guests, and like this artwork, are sites for sharing of knowledge and engaging in deep collaboration.“
De'áruwa (Piaroa) artisans in The Urbana community in Mataven, Colombia planning and constructing Deiwüa (2022)ArtNews: What is it that defines an art collector in 2023?
I think that an art collector is defined as someone who does more than just buy art. They have to care for it, research it, give it meaning, share it. So much discussion about the art world focusses on prices and competition for artworks. I love meeting collectors who can open my eyes and teach me something new by how they see the world and understand artists.
To read the full the “Top 200 Collectors” list please visit the ARTnews website. Image: Juan Arreaza, Delcia Fuentes, Nury Fuentes, Eneida Fuentes, Gloria Sánchez, Lucía Suarez, and Yelitza Bossio Ortíz, DEIWÜA (2022). Weaving in Mawi, pendare, tirita, moriche and palo amarillo. 150 x 120 x 35 cms. Colección Patricia Phelps de Cisneros
