The Story

A passionate collection of African art and a commitment to preserving cultural heritage through fine art photography.

Jan and Kristina Engels

Collectors and Preservationists

For many years, Jan and Kristina Engels have dedicated themselves to building a remarkable private collection of African art. Their journey began with a deep appreciation for the artistic traditions of various African cultures, which evolved into a mission to preserve and showcase these masterpieces.

What started as a personal fascination evolved into a significant collection that they now exhibit in their own depot, JAS (Jan aan de Stroom)—a playful nod to Antwerp's MAS museum. It is a place where creativity, art, and tradition come together.

"Our goal has always been to honor the soul of each piece," explains Jan Engels. "These objects were created by master artists whose names may be lost to history, but whose genius deserves recognition and appreciation."

Today, The Engels Collection comprises numerous significant pieces spanning multiple centuries and regions across Africa. Each piece in the collection has been meticulously researched, documented, and photographed to the highest standards of contemporary fine art photography by Jimmy Bollaerts.

Jimmy Bollaerts

Photographer

Jimmy Bollaerts is the photographer behind the stunning images that capture the essence and beauty of The Engels Collection. With a keen eye for detail and a deep respect for the cultural significance of each piece, Jimmy's photography transforms these artifacts into powerful visual statements.

His approach combines technical precision with artistic sensitivity, revealing the textures, forms, and subtle details that make each piece unique. Through his lens, the collection comes alive, allowing viewers to appreciate both the craftsmanship of the original artists and the cultural context of each work.

Jimmy's photography for the collection has been featured in the comprehensive book "Anima Mundi," providing a permanent record of these important cultural artifacts.

Anima Mundi

By François Neyt and Kristina Engels

"Anima Mundi is the catalogue of the extensive African art collection of Jan and Kristina Engels. The book features stunning photography by Jimmy Bollaerts of their collected artworks, accompanied by texts from François Neyt, a renowned specialist in African art."

This comprehensive catalogue documents the remarkable private collection of Jan and Kristina Engels, offering insights into the cultural significance, artistic techniques, and historical context of each piece. Through expert analysis and beautiful photography, the book serves as both a scholarly resource and a celebration of African artistic traditions.

François Neyt, a respected authority on African art, brings decades of expertise to the project, providing valuable context that enhances appreciation of the collection's significance.

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The Process

Research & Documentation

Each piece in the collection undergoes extensive research to establish its provenance, cultural context, and historical significance. The Engels collaborate with anthropologists, art historians, and cultural institutions to ensure accurate documentation.

Photographic Technique

Using state-of-the-art equipment and specialized lighting techniques, Jimmy Bollaerts photographs each artifact from multiple angles to capture its three-dimensional presence. Post-processing is minimal, focusing on color accuracy and tonal balance.

Museum-Quality Printing

Limited edition prints are produced using archival pigment inks on premium cotton rag paper, ensuring color stability and longevity. Each print is inspected for quality and personally signed by Jimmy Bollaerts.

Preservation & Legacy

Beyond creating beautiful images, The Engels Collection is committed to cultural preservation. A portion of proceeds supports initiatives for the documentation and conservation of African artistic heritage.

JAS (Jan aan de Stroom)

For several years, Jan and Kristina Engels have been exhibiting their private collection in their own depot, JAS (Jan aan de Stroom)—a playful nod to Antwerp's MAS museum. This unique space allows visitors to experience the collection in an intimate setting that highlights the beauty and cultural significance of each piece.

The exhibition space is designed to create a dialogue between different artistic traditions, encouraging visitors to appreciate both the aesthetic qualities and the historical context of the works on display.

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Experience the Collection

Explore our curated selection of limited edition prints and become part of this ongoing journey of artistic appreciation and cultural dialogue.

View the Collection