Nathalie Maciesza is one of the founders of De Kunstmeisjes (“The Art Girls”): a Dutch platform of art historians who write about art in a way that is accessible and non-elitist, along with their team of editors. Last year, their second book was published. Nathalie is also a Curator of Contemporary Art and Interpretation at the Rembrandt House Museum in Amsterdam. She is both fond of contemporary art and art by the great masters: she jokingly refers to Rembrandt as 'her bestie'. Nathalie is a member of Young Collectors Circle and collects art herself. Here, she takes us on a tour of the work that currently captures her imagination the most.

"Several artworks that I have in my home function as reminders to myself. For example, as a reminder to embrace my own idiosyncrasies, to take a minute to reflect and to let go of the things and thoughts that don’t really serve me. This ceramic plate by British artist Eliza Hopewell ("Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown", 2018) celebrates the diversity of women and their bodies. But it may also serve as a reminder that the fight for women’s rights, freedom and acceptance really isn’t over yet. Women have gained so much over the past hundred years, but we’re definitely not in a position of total equality and respect yet."

"Art helps me to embrace my own idiosyncrasies, to sometimes take a minute to reflect, to let go of the things and thoughts that don’t serve me.”

"An event that has upset me deeply was the news that Polish abortion laws have been restricted even further by the country’s constitutional court. Poland already had one of the strictest abortion laws in all of Europe. Being Polish myself, I feel heartbroken for all the women out there who are confronted with other people – the church, the government, men or even other women – who are making decisions about what they may or may not do with their own bodies. But it makes me very proud to see thousands of people, in Poland as well as in several cities all over the world, unite to fight for women’s rights. People are protesting, writing letters to the government, donating money, signing petitions and sharing valuable information online. For me, this artwork by Hopewell emits the same empowering and encouraging energy."

A birthday present to myself
"This ceramic plate is the single artwork in my (admittedly very modest) collection that I have bought online, directly from the artist. I have yet to find a perfect spot for it, so it’s still migrating around the house. The piece is an edition that I had my eye on for quite some time, before eventually buying it as a birthday gift to myself. I found out about Hopewell through Instagram. Her account is really worth giving a follow: she’s not only a talented artist, but also an unapologetic and hilarious activist. I love her Instagram Stories in which she’s dancing like nobody’s watching; watching those videos is like listening to your favorite songs – energy-boosting pick-me-ups. Just like her art.”

Young Collectors Circle is a non-profit community-based platform, dedicated to supporting the arts. Based in Amsterdam, they organize various events throughout the Netherlands and Belgium, as well as some online content including masterclasses on how art is made and interpreted. For internationals living in the Netherlands and Belgium, Young Collectors Circle is a great way to discover the local art scene. For members outside of the Netherlands, they regularly organize meetups worldwide during art fairs and events such as Frieze London & New York, Art Basel & Art Basel Miami Beach, ARCO MADRID and the Venice Biennale.