Chloe Cassens on Curating the Severin Wunderman Collection

The Nuances of History: Chloë Cassens on Cocteau and the Gray areas of Life

In a world often polarized into black and white, Chloë cassens finds profound value in the shades of gray. Reflecting on historical periods that are often oversimplified, Cassens emphasizes the quiet resilience of individuals simply trying to navigate life. She notes, “There are always going to be people on either extreme of the spectrum… And then there are also people who are doing things under the radar. And it might seem like they’re not doing anything, and that is a bad look.But then it’ll turn out that maybe they’ve been doing somthing really notable all along, and they just couldn’t talk about it.” This perspective underscores a critical historical lesson: the human condition rarely fits neatly into categories, and acknowledging this complexity is vital. Cassens actively encourages embracing this discomfort, stating, “I really try to force people to sit with the discomfort of things not being black and white because they are gray the majority of the time.”

This appreciation for nuanced understanding appears to be a guiding principle in cassens’ life, especially in her role as the representative of a significant collection. Her grandfather, she explains, recognized and nurtured unique qualities in her and her cousins. While he fostered a fine artist cousin’s creativity with art supplies and engaged her mathematically gifted sister in intellectual games, he saw in young Chloë a deep captivation with Jean Cocteau.

“After breakfast, he would tell me to go get a notebook and a pen, and he would walk me through his house and all of the art inside of it and have me take notes,” Cassens recalls. Her childhood notes, penned with glitter gel pens on Lisa Frank notebooks, documented information about Cocteau’s works from the tender age of seven. This early immersion blossomed into extensive study and research throughout her teenage years and university.

Upon graduating and embarking on a career as a sex educator, Cassens experienced a powerful realization: a calling to actively engage with the legacy of Cocteau. “In the middle of the night one night, I was like, I think I need to be doing Cocteau things,” she shares. With her background in education, she felt uniquely equipped to fulfill this desire. “And because I’m a sex educator, I have the capacity to educate people.” This convergence of childhood passion and professional skill has, in a way, charted a clear path to her current endeavors, demonstrating how seemingly disparate life experiences can ultimately lead to a singular, meaningful purpose.

How did Chloe Cassens broaden the initial focus of the Wunderman Collection beyond Max Ernst while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic?

The Vision Behind a Modern & Surrealist Masterpiece

Chloe Cassens, a renowned art advisor and curator, played a pivotal role in assembling the unusual Severin Wunderman Collection – a cornerstone of modern and surrealist art. This collection, now largely housed at the Montreal Museum of Fine arts, is celebrated for its depth and focus on key 20th-century movements. Understanding Cassens’ approach offers valuable insight into the world of art collecting, curatorial practice, and the enduring appeal of modern art.

Identifying the Core Aesthetic: Surrealism & Beyond

Cassens’ curatorial philosophy, as evidenced by the Wunderman Collection, centers on identifying a strong, cohesive aesthetic. severin Wunderman, a Canadian businessman and philanthropist, initially focused on acquiring works by Max Ernst, a leading figure in both Dada and Surrealism. Cassens expanded this foundation, recognizing the interconnectedness of artistic movements.

key Artists: The collection boasts meaningful works by artists including René Magritte, Joan Miró, Yves Tanguy, and Paul Delvaux.

Movement Focus: While Surrealism remains central, the collection also includes critically important examples of Abstract Expressionism, and early modern masters.

Thematic Resonance: Cassens sought pieces that resonated thematically, exploring the subconscious, dreams, and the human condition – hallmarks of Surrealist thought.

The Process of Acquisition: A Curator’s Eye

Building a collection of this caliber isn’t simply about purchasing expensive artworks. Cassens’ process involved meticulous research, a keen understanding of the art market, and a dedication to uncovering extraordinary pieces.

1. Market Research: Extensive knowledge of auction houses (Christie’s, Sotheby’s), private sales, and gallery networks was crucial.
2. Provenance Examination: verifying the history of ownership (provenance) of each artwork was paramount to ensure authenticity and legal clarity. This is a critical aspect of art authentication.
3. Condition Assessment: A thorough assessment of the artwork’s condition, often involving conservators, resolute its long-term preservation needs and influenced its value.
4. Negotiation & Purchase: Cassens skillfully negotiated prices, leveraging her expertise and relationships within the art world.

The Importance of Context: Placing the Works

Cassens didn’t view the artworks in isolation. she understood the importance of contextualizing them within the broader history of art and the artists’ individual trajectories. This is a core principle of museum curation.

Historical Framework: Understanding the socio-political climate in which the artworks were created – the aftermath of World War I,the rise of psychoanalysis – is essential to interpreting their meaning.

Artist Biographies: Cassens delved into the lives and influences of the artists, revealing the personal experiences that shaped their creative vision.

Interconnectedness of styles: She highlighted the connections between different artistic movements, demonstrating how Surrealism evolved from dada and influenced subsequent generations of artists.

The Wunderman Collection at the Montreal Museum of fine Arts

The donation of the Severin Wunderman Collection to the Montreal Museum of fine Arts in 2015 was a landmark event for the institution and for Canadian art. The museum dedicated a dedicated wing to showcase the collection, allowing visitors to experience the breadth and depth of Cassens’ curatorial vision.

Permanent exhibition: The collection is displayed as a permanent exhibition, offering ongoing access to these critically important works.

Educational Programs: The museum offers educational programs and resources to help visitors understand the collection and the artists represented.

Impact on Scholarship: The Wunderman Collection has become a valuable resource for art historians and scholars researching modern and surrealist art.

Benefits of Studying the Wunderman Collection

Examining the curation of the Severin Wunderman Collection provides several benefits for aspiring art professionals and enthusiasts alike:

Understanding Collection Building: Offers a practical case study in how to build a cohesive and significant art collection.

Insights into Curatorial Practice: Demonstrates the skills and knowledge required to curate a major museum exhibition.

Thankfulness for Modern & Surrealist art: Deepens appreciation for the artistic movements and artists represented in the collection.

Learning about Art Market Dynamics: Provides insights into the art market and the process of art acquisition.

Practical Tips for Aspiring Art Collectors

Inspired by Chloe Cassens’ approach? Here are some practical tips for building your own art collection:

Define Your Focus: Choose a specific artistic movement, style, or theme that resonates with you.

Do Your Research: Learn about the artists and artworks you’re interested in.

Start Small: Begin with affordable pieces and gradually build your collection over time.

Trust Your Eye: Choose artworks that you genuinely love and that speak to you personally.

Seek Expert Advice: Consult with art advisors or curators to gain valuable insights.