Collector Profile

Ruben Hughes

With a Scandanavian sensibility, Hughes’ space and curation of works creates a warm, inspiring environment that keeps his creative spirits high. We were first drawn to the Art Director’s POV from his beautifully curated Instagram that embodies what we love most about the aesthetics of Norway, Denmark and Sweden. To no surprise, his home and art tie in natural textures and tones, alongside a penchant for minimal shapes. Read on to learn more.

Photography by Monica Steffensen

Q.

Tell us a little about yourself...

A.

I’m an Art Director and Photographer living in Copenhagen. In my daily work, I create everything from advertising campaigns to print material for ILLUM, Scandinavia’s largest luxury department store. In my spare time, you can find me around town enjoying wine, food, art and design literature.

Q.

Where do you live, and how did you find your space? What makes it a home to you?

A.

I live in a 300-year old apartment within Copenhagen’s historical Konge Nytorv neighbourhood. I had been searching for a few months and with persistence, I knocked on the right door. My home is calm, comfortable and masculine. It’s a hub for ideas, and an escape from the outside world.

Q.

How have you been coping in quarantine? What has been keeping you inspired?

A.

Being in quarantine has forced me to reflect on my work and life—which is both terrifying and inspiring. I’ve been enjoying Monocle’s “Guide To Better Living” Book, reading up on opportunities on how to improve areas of my day-to-day life. It’s not an exact science but offers interesting ideas for the brain to explore. I’ve also made it a priority to stay up-to-date on today’s current events as a supporter of social change.

Ruben Hughes says

“Collect over time, allowing the art you purchase to exist on its own and not as a collection. It’s important to purchase a piece because it speaks to you.”

Artwork by Michael Wall

Q.

Tell us about your work as an Art Director. What drew you to this?

A.

It’s important for me to be authentic and honest in my work. I was drawn to art direction because I’ve always had this desire to create—whether it be a photo or an experience. I see my work as simplistic and timeless. I like to be purposeful and concentrated with every photo as an artist would be with a painting.

Q.

Where do you think your creative drive comes from?

A.

I learned from my father early on in my life. He had this alluring love for art, attention to detail as a video editor and a knack for seeing the opportunities that weren’t so obvious. He taught me how to use my eyes while allowing my heart to make the final decision. Those years were essential to my way of thinking today.

Q.

When did you first start acquiring art?

A.

I purchased my first original painting in 2017, a mixed media on canvas from d.f. ROMERO “Shadows In The Woods”, which hangs in my dining room.

Q.

What was the first piece you fell in love with, and why?

A.

It was the first piece that I purchased that I was and still am in love with. I’m drawn to all the textures, layers and color it presents. This piece was also the starting point for the inspiration of my home interior, which utilises different elements of texture.

Q.

What are some of the most sentimental or meaningful pieces in your collection?

A.

I really enjoy the works I have by artists Matthew Feyld and Nicole Patel. They are both minimalistic, but conversational, and there’s a compelling story behind each piece.

Q.

For new collectors, do you have any advice you wish to impart? Do you have a collecting ethos or philosophy that you want to share?

A.

Collect over time, allowing the art you purchase to exist on its own and not as a collection. It’s important to purchase a piece because it speaks to you. If possible, meet the artist. You will appreciate it, even more, knowing the person behind the work.