Magnus Guldborg (b.1996), from Nørrebro, Copenhagen. Born and raised by a single mother who was a school teacher, though she could’nt afford expensive paintings herself, biking with Magnus around Copenhagen attending various public culture related events was an almost every weekend tradition, which was something that later on in his life would push forward the passion of art dealing.
“My mom raised me with a pretty strict idea of being able to take care of yourself, treat other people with respect, dont talk just get your shit done, and a ton of love. She’s always been my biggest supporter in whatever i’ve decided to do, and no matter how much havoc i’ve created she’s always been there, and i’ll always love her more than anything in my life for that.”
- Magnus Guldborg
Hi Magnus! Let’s jump right into it! When did you start having an interest in art.
Sure thing, let’s do it! I was raised by a single mom and 2 grandparents who prioritized dragging me to all possible museums and cultural related events in copenhagen where im from. Buuuut i gotta admit, at the time when i was a young kid on Nørrebro, i’d much rather play football and video games. I think as i grew up, and art wasnt something i was forced to be exposed to, i realized just how much feeling of freedom it gave me. Never liked the idea of being restricted.
Coming from a white-collar background in the insurance business. What made you want to enter the art world?
There’s always exceptions i know, but i felt like in finance/insurance people worked to live, as opposed to the art scene where people live to work. Ive been an employee all of my life, and theres a different energy in the art world which is just unmatched if you ask me. It all kind of made sense why artists would live off nothing most of their life, just to be able to make art. So i’m super priviliged.
Alright, walk me through that whole process of starting Agnes. From initial idea, to planning, to finished result.
I was in London in the summer 2023 for a punk concert in Camden by The Chats, and stumbled upon various art galleries while in the city, i seriously have no idea how the idea struck me, but on the way to the airport it did. I’ve got an ADHD diagnosis that sometimes restricts my ability to understand consequences of my actions, so i did what i do best, follow my gut and get stuff done, learning as you go. 1 month after my trip i had hosted my first exhibition, and 4 months after that i had signed a contract on a 60 squaremeter location in Nord Vest, Copenhagen, with my business partner Mads.
With that in mind and even though it’s a young gallery, what has been some of the biggest obstacles you’ve encountered so far when building Agnes?
Patience… I really hate waiting. When im set on putting things in motion, i want them done. When running a gallery you’ve got to understand and respect the individuals you’re associated with, that comes from both the artist and collector side. Creating and buying art is a deep personal thing, and you’ve got to respect and trust the process. I’m more of a supportive role than anything, so things has to be done on their conditions.
So has this new world met your expectations?
Without a doubt. I love every second and minute im in this thing. I cant remember i’ve ever been this settled and happy before. Teaming with artists and talking to collectors is something i feel privileged about being able to do almost every day. I’d recommend everyone to do it. Best therapy ever.
Can you tell me about what you’ve learned about the unwritten rules of the art world?
The second you start treating your business as one, your identity becomes somewhat blend. One of the best gallerists in Denmark told me, that the minute you’re not dependant financially on generating sales, thats when they start happening. That being said, you’re the one responsible of the artists income, so you should’nt understand that quote as a way of not caring about pushing paintings out the door, but more of an anti-capitalistic mentality.
Have you been surprised about anything?
Yea man, i’ve studied insurance law so i know that sometimes law can be pretty confusing. But i never would’ve imagined that we’d have to spend so much time understanding how that whole thing affects us as a gallery. I’d hire an inhouse attorney and accountant if it wasnt because im broke.
What has been some of the biggest surprises?
Probably that i’d feel this free, though i’ve never had as many bosses as i do as a self-employer. I’ve heard a ton of people say that the reason why they wanted to start a business, was because they didnt wanna deal with a boss any more. As a gallerist i came to realize from day one, that any and everyone is basically my boss. I work for my team, i work for the artists, i work for the collectors, and i work for our partners.
Alright Magnus. I always ask these two questions at the end of an interview. The first is. What’s your favorite movie(s) and why?
Hmmm, yea good question really. I Think it switches every now and then. Right now it’s a danish movie called “Submarino”, made me so depressed that I didn’t want to watch it ever again. It rarely happens that movies creates such strong emotions in me, but this one did.
The second is. What song(s) are you currently listening to the most right now?
The Chisel – Common as Muck is my most played song right now. For some reason, hectic music gives my mind peace. Im not really into metal or that kind of thing, but punk music in general, makes me relax.