Die kuns wat saak maak filosofie
Arjan Spannenburg from ART THAT MATTERS pointing to a newspaper article about him and the exhibition at Rosa Spierhuis in Laren, The Netherlands.
Where vision meets meaning
Many art collectors and curators today face a common frustration: a world saturated with decorative images that lack depth, soul, or cultural relevance. At ART THAT MATTERS, we believe that art should do more than simply fill a void on a wall. It should serve as a profound connection to the human experience.
Our purpose
We exist because we believe in the power of visual storytelling to bridge the gap between modern isolation and authentic expression. Our mission is to curate works that act as mirrors to the soul, challenging the status quo and providing a sanctuary for contemplation. We don't just sell objects: we facilitate cultural moments that resonate across borders and languages.
Our curation process
Our gallery functions as the "Guide" for the dedicated collector and the professional curator. We select artists, such as the internationally acclaimed Arjan Spannenburg, who master the delicate balance between technical excellence and emotional vulnerability.
- Layered Narratives: We favour works that reveal new meanings over time, ensuring your investment grows in emotional value.
- Conversation Starter: Each piece is selected for its power to ignite dialogue about identity, our shared humanity, and what lies ahead.
- Museum Standards: We uphold rigorous archival quality, ensuring each work is a legacy piece for private or public collections.
What we offer
ART THAT MATTERS offers a curated gateway to contemporary fine art photography and mixed media.
- For the Collector: Discover "Hero" pieces that answer the call for status and meaning, transforming your environment into a reflection of your values.
- For the Curator: Gain access to exhibition-ready collections and comprehensive press kits designed for international museum standards.
- Global Accessibility: Our platform is optimised for a worldwide audience, ensuring our message of "Art That Matters" is felt in every region.
Your next step toward genuine connection
Whether you're looking to elevate a private collection or seeking a cornerstone for your next international exhibition, the journey begins here.
Track Record
Media Publications
In this honest conversation, Spannenburg discusses his pursuit of connection. The camera acts as more than just a tool for capturing images, but also as a reflection for both the photographer and those in front of his lens. An article exploring the personal need for image-making.
A conversation about the power of vulnerability and the dialogue between colour and black and white. In response to the exhibition ‘Unspoken’, Mixed Grill interviewed Arjan Spannenburg together with fellow photographer Ernst Coppejans. The article explores the differences in vision where Coppejans opts for colour, Spannenburg seeks silence and monochrome images.
Art can be confrontational. During the exhibition at Kunstlinie Almere, the work ‘RESTRAINT’ was targeted by vandalism. This incident led to news items on Omroep Flevoland, among others. The incident reignited the social debate surrounding the acceptance of queer art.
The exhibition "UNSPOKEN" at Atelier K84 features the collaborative work of fine art photographers Nathalie Dekker and Arjan Spannenburg, running from May 26 to July 1, 2023. This showcase explores sensitive and often ignored societal topics such as mental health, loss, sexuality, and social injustice through a series of powerful and raw images. Having met at the Photo Academy ten years prior, the artists use their long-standing connection and distinct photographic styles to make these complex emotional struggles more accessible to the public.
Interview by Martijn Tulp. Spannenburg spoke extensively to Winq about the ESTRANGED project. The interview touches on the core of his motivation making visible the struggles experienced by many young LGBT people. The article discusses the “male gaze” and the invisible parts of a new generation searching for safety.
A report on the art programming during Zandvoort Pride. Spannenburg's work is highlighted here as one of the most talked-about parts of the exhibitions that were on display during this event.