Collector of Latino and Chicano Art
By: Lorenzo Almanza
Latino Art and Chicano collector Guillermo Hanhausen, searches for a deeper meaning when it comes to selecting the pieces he will acquire for his collection. Born and raised in Mexico, Guillermo believes “you enrich yourself more when you have imbedded two cultures.” His selection of art is a true example of just that.
Rainbow Rowell once said, “Art isn’t supposed to look nice; it’s supposed to make you feel something.” The captivity and recognition of a work art is something that has interested art collector and advisor Guillermo Hanhausen for quite some time.
“I have been involved all my life in art,” Hanhausen said.
The art business intelligence and advisor’s interest in art was instilled in him at a very young age. Although an architect, his father was also an art collector and amateur painter.
“At a very young age, I started to appreciate every form and medium of art and everybody’s work,” Hanhausen said.
One specific niche of interest in the visual and plastic arts this collector accumulates is Latino and Chicano art. The diversity of two different cultures really sticks out to Hanhausen, as he embraces the mixture of diverse identities.
His ideal belief is, individuals have a richer intellect when they accumulate two or more worlds together.
“When you have lived in two different worlds, you gain perspective,” Hanhausen said.
Similarly to the artists he follows, he has seen both sides of the American culture. Growing up in Mexico City and over twenty-five year in the US, propelled the collector to experience life in two perspectives: the Latin-American and American side of life.
The distinct visions open up a new channel of reality for Hanhausen.
“When you mix cultures, you get more than a few choices,” Hanhausen said.
Two very important elements that makes Latino and Chicano artworks appealing to this collector are: cultural identity and color palette.
“ What defines Latino and Chicano art is the intention of the artists to communicate through color, palette, and symbolism.”
“The choices in a Latin-American palette, is immensely different from a Latino or Chicano artists. The vibrant and unique palette they employ puts meaning into an unequivocal usage of light. The glorification of symbolisms applied in to the artworks, detailing a loud volume of communication without aggressiveness, show the true colors and pride of who they are as a Latino and Chicano, but above all, as an American artist”
“The statement of Latino and Chicano art has changed in a drastic way,” Hanhausen said.
Hanhausen’s knowledge of art extends far beyond his collection. His ability to be a painter, like the artists he looks up, goes hand in hand with his understanding of the everyday motifs that enflame the need of expression.
Aside from being a collector and amateur artist, Hanhausen is Managing Partner and Strategist for an art intelligence, research and advisory firm.
While his life is in constant motion, his love for art will never fade.
“It doesn’t matter if you stop painting or collecting, you will always have that little worm inside.” Hanhausen said.