Collectors interview with Jan van Lunzen

ANA HORTA:

First of all, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us and for the opportunity to interview you. As you know, we have an upcoming solo show by Ricky Lee Gordon in Hamburg opening this Friday. Given that you’re an art collector who recently purchased a piece by Ricky, which we can see behind you, we thought it would be interesting for our audience to understand what drew you to Ricky’s work.

We’d also love to hear about your experiences in art collecting and see if there are any parallels between your passion for art and your professional background in the medical sector.

To start, could you tell us what specifically attracted you to Ricky’s work? Was it an emotional connection, or were you drawn more to the themes of nature and the ocean?

JAN VAN LUNZEN:

I think it was actually a combination of both the theme and the meditative style of Ricky’s work that attracted me. When we moved into this house a few months ago, I realized there was a gallery right across the street—your gallery, of course. I was walking by and was immediately drawn to one of Ricky Lee Gordon’s larger pieces. I fell in love with it just from seeing it through the window. That’s when I stepped into the gallery, and we met for the first time.

The theme of the sea and the ocean has always fascinated me. Being of Dutch origin, water has always been a significant part of my life, and now living in Hamburg, a city surrounded by water, it feels even more fitting. I’m especially drawn to the sea and waves because they embody both dynamism and tranquillity. Waves can be rough and powerful or soft and calming, much like emotions—they have their highs and lows. I was also captivated by how these artworks seem to have no beginning or end, which adds a timeless quality that really resonated with me. It was both the theme and the unique style of the paintings that ultimately led me to purchase Ricky’s work.

ANA HORTA:

That’s beautiful. Ricky’s work certainly possesses a meditative quality. His intention is for the energy he pours into the canvas to resonate with viewers, fostering a sense of calm and contemplation.

JAN VAN LUNZEN:

It’s almost like a mirror, right? The emotions Ricky puts into his work are reflected back to us, perhaps capturing exactly what he might have felt while painting it. Every day, when I come down the stairs and look at the painting, I immediately feel drawn to it. Sometimes, I even sit on the stairs in front of the artwork, just to take a moment to rest and relax while admiring the piece. The artwork really has a way of making you feel comfortable. If you’re upset or stressed after a hard day, you can just sit and gaze at it for a couple of minutes, and it immediately calms you down. It’s quite meditative in that sense.

ANA HORTA:

I also wanted to get your opinion on the connection between art and medicine. Both disciplines are deeply connected to the human experience. Do you think your scientific and professional background in the medical sector has influenced your perception of art, particularly when it comes to Ricky’s work? 

JAN VAN LUNZEN:

I believe there are many connections between art and medicine, particularly biology and nature. Both fundamentally relate to life. When you look at art that reflects nature, there’s an inherent connection to the living world. But beyond that, art in all its forms—whether it’s music, ballet, theater, painting, or sculpture—affects us deeply, often in ways we don’t consciously realize. Art has a unique way of influencing our lives and emotions.

As an infectious disease specialist focused on HIV and AIDS, I have encountered many artists affected by these conditions. This intersection of art and medicine has always been a part of my life, showing me just how intertwined life and art truly are—much more than we often recognize. It’s pretty remarkable.

It might seem like a stretch, but as a research physician, I believe there’s a strong connection between the work of scientists and artists. Both artists and scientists start with a blank canvas—whether it’s developing a new drug or creating a piece of art—and rely on creativity and innovation. As a scientist, I prefer having the freedom to explore new ideas without strict constraints. Imposing rigid methods from the start can limit creativity and lead to reproducing existing solutions rather than discovering new ones. I value the opportunity to experiment and take unconventional approaches, which often leads to breakthroughs and novel discoveries.

ANA HORTA:

Beyond the intersection itself, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the relationship between art and the medical field. Do you think there is a role for art in healthcare settings or in patient treatment? What’s your take on incorporating art into these environments?

JAN VAN LUNZEN:

Absolutely, there is a significant role for art in healthcare, both in obvious and subtle ways. For example, there are apps designed to help manage conditions like stress, anxiety, burnout, and sleep disturbances by using music. Research shows that music can influence brain activity, as seen through EEGs, which track changes in brain waves when listening to specific sounds.

Visual art, such as paintings and sculptures, can also be impactful, especially for patients going through significant life changes or facing extreme health challenges. Art can provide a focal point that brings relaxation, comfort, and a sense of calm. I recall a patient with AIDS who surrounded himself with his favorite artworks in his hospital room to feel more at ease. This illustrates how art can significantly influence a person’s ability to cope with a medical condition.

ANA HORTA:

Yes, and that might also explain why many people choose to live with art—not necessarily because it influences a medical condition directly, but because it affects their emotional state. You have some exceptional works in your home, so you’re surrounded by art every day. I imagine you and your family find a lot of joy in that. Is that one of the reasons you started collecting? How did your journey as a collector begin?

JAN VAN LUNZEN:

We’ve always had a deep appreciation for art, which naturally led us to start collecting. While we didn’t always have the means to buy the pieces we admired, we are now fortunate enough to have the financial freedom to acquire artworks that truly resonate with us. We don’t follow a specific theme or style; our only criterion is that the art must speak to us and have a personal impact.

Our children also share in our love for art, which has been wonderful to see. Their interest and engagement make it feel like a family tradition—a bonding experience where each of us contributes to our shared passion in our own way.

Art is something you live with for a lifetime, much like choosing your furniture. While it may not be functional like a chair, it serves its own unique purpose—it’s not just an object but a meaningful part of your life.

ANA HORTA:

You´ve previously mentioned that you prefer to form your own thoughts about a piece before hearing the artist’s perspective. Has there ever been a time when you weren’t initially attracted to a piece, but after speaking with the artist and learning more about its context, you developed a connection with the work?

JAN VAN LUNZEN:

I find it fascinating to hear from the artist about what a piece of work is about and the ideas they had when creating it. Sometimes, it’s surprising how different the artist’s intentions can be from my initial interpretation. I prefer to develop my own understanding of the artwork first before learning about the artist’s perspective. This approach helps me form an independent connection with the piece, rather than being influenced by the artist’s context.

Interestingly, there was one instance where I asked someone to paint a specific piece according to my request. It was a new experience for me, and it didn’t quite turn out as expected. This made me appreciate even more the value of discovering art that resonates with me naturally, rather than commissioning a piece to fit a particular vision.

Who is Jan van Lunzen: 

Jan van Lunzen, MD, PhD, is a physician scientist with 30 years of expertise in HIV and viral hepatitis research. After a distinguished academic career as Professor of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases at the University of Hamburg, he joined ViiV Healthcare as a Global Medical Director in 2015. From 2018 to 2022, he led Translational Medical Research at ViiV and has since become a research professor at Radboud University Medical Center, focusing on virus-host interactions and HIV cure research. He co-founded Vision 7, which developed innovative treatments for HIV and hepatitis B.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jan is a passionate art collector, bike rider, and swimmer. He lives with his family in Hamburg and Mallorca and enjoys exploring architecture, the history of science, African culture, and philosophy. An avid music lover, his favorites range from The Rolling Stones to Aretha Franklin.