Female Voices in Art: Ann Korijn van der Borgh, Artist, Patron, Investor

Ann Korijn-van der Borgh (b. 1960, Plainwell, MI, US) has lived in the Netherlands for more than 35 years. Growing up, she was constantly exploring forms of expression by creating her own clothes and following the tradition of her female lineage, by making wool braided rugs and quilts. Later, she worked as a stockbroker to support her love of the arts and she is active as an investor in pursuing companies that have creative solutions to environmental issues. Any spare moment, she can be found painting in oils, she cannot imagine a world without pigments, painting, theatre, literature, film and Nature. She remains fascinated by a feather or a leaf, and is in awe of the umbers, ochres and madder lake that nature gives us.

C o uld you tell us something about your role in the art world?

I paint with oils daily to explore a world where surrealism and poetry meet (see an art work below). Beyond that, I am on the collections committee at MAD, a design/art museum in NYC, as well a collector of contemporary art. I get peace of mind through continually visiting museums and galleries.

What did you enjoy about being a part of this project?

I appreciate the premise that Carla is showing diversity of Women in the Arts, and I was curious how Carla, as an artist, would use us through her photography to support that premise.

Do you have a favourite artist?

Georgia O’Keefe, Emily Dickinson and Virginia Woolf remain my base for continually finding my new favourites.

What is your earliest memory involving art?

Loving crayons and play-dough (which my mother made by hand and added colourings and scent).

Do you have any special thoughts about the position of women in the art world?

Interesting. In answering this question, I realise that the curators, artists and museum directors in the Art World that I respect and follow are all female! And yet, if I think about what is hanging on museum and gallery walls, the majority tends to be male.

What are you wearing, and is there a story behind it?

The designer is Roksanda and it was a purely an object of desire! I loved the design, colours and sleeves.

What impact has the current health crisis on your daily practice?

The impact is mixed. On the positive side, I was given a commission that I might not have accepted because of the time commitment, but I had the time and,the mixed media collage for the Embassy of the Free Mindturned out beyond my expectations—could that have been the peace and lack of usual meetings? Also, I have been able to paint far more than usual. On the negative side, a unvaried life style has settled in. I miss the energy of people, museums, accidental meet-ups——the connections of others—and mostly touch.

Is it changing your views on Art?

Yes. I am more critical of the meaning of Art. ‘Art’ is now everywhere on your Instagram, etc.—all on tiny little phone or computer screens. It creates 'noise'. Distraction. Lack of engagement. Filling voids without content. I have learned that art is in the interaction, whether at a museum, in your studio, talking with fellow viewers or participants. Zoom, Instagram and our restricted lockdowns have sterilized art. Luckily, in nature, I can find beauty everywhere.

Are you creating new initiatives and ways of working?

haven’t yet. I am frustrated with myself for not taking this “gift of time” and allowing myself to explore more. I do find myself drawn to painting on wood; Nature is much more present and felt in my work. ‘Terre verte’ and ‘raw sienna’ have become steadfast friends.