We’re looking forward to introducing you to Bart Keijsers Koning. Check out our conversation below.
Bart, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
Expectations. If we can adjust and accept our stance on being and define goals and truly make it our own we’d be in a better place. I feel we are running in rat races that are set out to never satisfy; keeping up with the joneses but never asking ourselves are they even happy. I’ve run races and stepped out of the loop to ask myself why i’m running and ask my colleagues only to find out they didn’t know either. I don’t mean complacency or not to have goals or aspirations, but just make sure they are truly yours and check in with yourself to be ok with your vision.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Bart Keijsers Koning and started in the art world right about 17 across the US and parts of Europe. In 2008 I had the good fortune of joining my wife, Louky Keijsers Koning, in her gallery in NYC called LMAKgallery. Then in 2021 we moved to Dallas so I could open a space here named Keijsers Koning, as Louky had moved into another sector of the art world (appraisals and running the Barbara Hammer Estate). Setting up the gallery in a growing city and for that matter the DFW metropolis has been a learning curve that has kept me on my toes. It’s a challenge I really appreciate and don’t take for granted.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
It’s cliche but the birth of my daughters. It put a lot into perspective from the relation to my parents (past and present), to helping guide someone through life to the best of your own ability, supporting aspirations and curbing teenage nihilistic mindset, and letting go.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t take it too serious, and just remember Memento Mori.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Anybody who can acknowledge their flaws and use it as compassion towards others, not a measuring stick.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
This question is best illustrated by a story from my late father. I was three or so and we were in Toulouse-Lautrec’s museum, my father had been wondering around with the stroller and only after quite some time realized I was not there – knowing my father not the biggest surprise. A frantic search ensued only to land upon me standing in a room with these paintings fully absorbed, and he realized that “this kid is not like the others.” So yes art is and has always been part of my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.keijserskoning.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keijserskoning/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KeijsersKoning
Image Credits
Courtesy of Keijsers Koning
