Today we’d like to introduce you to George Merck.
Hi George, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began collecting artwork after graduating from Southern Methodist University, in Dallas TX. I moved directly to New York as a postgrad and immersed myself in the street art scene that was so emphasized at the time. As I matured as an individual, so did my taste in visual arts. I began to develop a focus on West Coast Minimalism and more specifically Light and Space artwork. The work itself is particularly attractive to me because of my familiarity with the materials being used and the technical precision required to manipulate those materials. I grew up on the beaches of South Florida and was surrounded by the plexi, polyester, and urethane that Light and Space artists so commonly incorporate in their work. These same materials were being used to shape surfboards throughout my childhood and have a nostalgic root in my personal history. As I continued to my collecting career, I began to develop a strong appreciation for philanthropic efforts in the artistic community. In 2017 I joined the board of trustees at The Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art. After five years of involvement, I am pleased to announce that I will be serving as the next Chairman of SAAA beginning in March of 2022. My appreciation for the narrative behind the artwork and a value for the scholarly approach to collecting has gotten me to where I am today. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the fact that I also have the best advisor in the world, Anna Hygelund. She has guided me around pitfalls and towards greener pastures time after time.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
As a collector, you constantly experience obstacles and setbacks. The difference between a standard collector and a mature collector is how you respond to those struggles. There are countless occurrences that you can either let upset you or teach you. Whether it’s ending up as the underbidder on a piece you had your heart set on, overspending, or coping with damage, there will always be a tide to swim against in this industry. A seasoned collector must accept the situation, digest reality, and respond appropriately. Reactions are the enemy, response is the key.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Philanthropy is my main focus. In 2017, I began my involvement with The Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art. My initial focus was on increasing youth engagement and restructuring our event programming. In 2019, I was elected as Chair of our gala subcommittee and hosted that year’s gala at The Essex House in NY. After five years of engagement, I am honored to say that the board has elected me to serve as their next Chairman. Aside from my philanthropic efforts, in 2018 became a partner in ROD30 Films. We premiered our first film, Giants Being Lonely, at the 76th Venice Film Festival in contention for the Orizzonti Prize.
What makes you happy?
My wife Lauren and of course art. Art makes me happy because it is a pure form of expression that can be both comforting and challenging. Art is synonymous with the human condition. It is inextricably linked to human culture and when one comes into contact with a truly great work of art, it’s an indescribable joy. Art comforts the disturbed and disturbs the comfortable.
Contact Info:
- Email: merck.george@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.aaa.si.edu/
- Instagram: @thacuriousgeorge
Image Credits
Intro photo courtesy: Masha Maltsava
