Collecting, Curation & Provenance
Investing in fine art is a personal journey that requires transparency and confidence. Whether you are a collector acquiring a limited edition, a curator seeking depth for an exhibition, or an art lover connecting with the narrative: we value clarity. Below you will find detailed information regarding acquisition, technical specifications, and the artistic philosophy of ART THAT MATTERS.
I. Acquisition & Editions
Are ART THAT MATTERS artworks limited editions?
Yes, all fine art photography and other artworks by ART THAT MATTERS is released in strictly limited editions to ensure exclusivity and protect the investment value for collectors.
- Small format: Typically an edition of 8 (+ 2 Artist Proofs).
- Large format: Typically an edition of 6 (+ 2 Artist Proofs).
How is authenticity guaranteed?
Every artwork is accompanied by a signed and numbered Certificate of Authenticity (CoA). This document acts as the provenance of the work and is essential for valuation and insurance purposes.
Can I view the artwork in person before purchasing?
Absolutely. Experiencing the texture and scale of the work is encouraged.
- Gallery: Depending on the artwork, you can view this at place like ZERP Galerie in Rotterdam or another Gallery in your area. Please contact us to discus the options.
- Studio: Private viewings at the artist’s studio are available by appointment. We are happy to get you in touch with the artist.
- Fairs: The artists are regular present at premier art fairs such as PAN Amsterdam and KunstRAI.
- International: Artworks from our artist travel to international festivals like Paratissima (Turin, Italy) and Kunstenfestival Watou (Belgium). Please contact
management@spannenburg.artfor a current schedule or to book a private viewing.
Is an artwork a good investment?
ART THAT MATTERS represents curated artist and works closely with well known galleries like ZERP Gallery in The Netherlands. Our artworks are held in private and corporate collections across Europe and are exhibited in museums. The strict limitation of editions is designed to support future value appreciation.
II. Technical Specifications & Preservation
What materials and printing techniques are used?
We adhere to the highest museum standards to ensure longevity.
- Printing: Fine Art Giclée pigment prints on archival paper (e.g., Hahnemühle, Canson, etc).
- Finishing: Works are professionally framed with museum glass or mounted behind matt Plexiglass or Diasec® TruLife (anti-reflective museum glass). This combination guarantees color fidelity and archival quality for over 100 years, preserving the deep blacks and intricate contrasts that define Spannenburg’s signature style.
Do you offer international shipping?
Yes, we provide worldwide, insured shipping ("White Glove" service options available). Depending on the finish (framed or print-only), artworks are packed in custom-made wooden crates or reinforced tubes to prevent any damage during transit. All shipments are fully trackable.
III. The Artist Spanneburg & The Narrative
What are the central themes in Spannenburg’s work?
The oeuvre centers on the "silent power of vulnerability." Arjan investigates the search for identity in adolescents, with a specific focus on the LGBTQ+ community. His portraits capture the liminal space, the transition zone to adulthood, where the tension between the need for connection and the reality of social isolation is palpable. Key series include ESTRANGED, SAINT SEBASTIAN, and JOHN THE BAPTIST.
Why does the artist predominantly work in Black & White?
Spannenburg consciously chooses the "silence of monochrome" to eliminate distraction. By removing color, the viewer is forced to focus on the essence: the emotion in the eyes, the fall of light, and the composition. It aligns with his military-disciplined approach to photography: stripping away the noise to reveal an unvarnished, honest truth.
What is the story behind the damaged artwork "Restraint"?
During an exhibition at Kunstlinie Almere, the work RESTRAINT, depicting two boys being pulled apart by hands, was ripped in half two times by vandals. Ironically, this act of destruction underscored exactly the intolerance the artwork sought to expose. The damaged piece has since been preserved as a symbol of the ongoing struggle for the acceptance and visibility of queer love.
Is Arjan available for commissions?
Arjan is open to selective commissions and collaborations that align with his artistic vision of vulnerability and identity. Previous projects include installations for the ART THAT MATTERS Foundation (EMBRACE) and collaborations within the international subculture scenes (e.g., DARKLANDS).