Selected by Vincent de Goede

In 'Eyes of Gold', we invite some of our favourite tastemakers with a golden eye to select three works from the Bisou collection. Each guest explains their choices and shares how these pieces might live together in their space.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am Vincent de Goede, owner of an independent eyewear boutique filled with the best independent eyewear I can find. I have a background in graffiti and graphic design, punkrock and skateboarding. 

I have been a car crazy guy since I was born and that resulted in a weird collection of around 10 cars right now. I like "driver's cars", the ones that really steer well. But also I have a soft spot for cars that are a little bit misunderstood or weird. It fits my vibe. My shop is based in Houten near Utrecht and we live in a mid century bungalow on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.

Our home is full of thrifted vintage design furniture and our walls are filled with the beautiful work of Pascal Duval, Kumi Sugaï, Seong Ryul and Tymo Grijpma. 

You’ve selected three works from Bisou, what drew you to each?

Kumi Sugaï, 'L'Orage'

I really love the textures in his early work. They remind me of charred Japanese wood and Shodō calligraphy. The palette also feels very grounded. Like rocks, woods, and the ocean. And I love the use of negative space in this piece.

Pascal Duval, 'Snake Samovar'

What really strikes me about Pascal's work is the raw, naive lines mixed with almost aggressive brushstrokes. In this piece specifically, the dark base and pink accents make for a powerful contrast. The slightly occult vibe in the details is amazing.

Alan Nguyen, 'Allosaurus Blue'

This piece combines ancient fossils with modern-day technology and materials in a way that really fascinates me. It feels both organic and synthetic at the same time. It’s amazing how Alan managed to bridge two eras that couldn't be further apart. I also love how the dinosaur’s skull seems to rise from the surface, giving the impression that the whole creature is about to emerge from the tabletop.

ps. Check out his other sculptures as well.

Would you display these together, or would they live in different spaces?

Personally, I would display these works in our living room. Combining these different styles would create a great eclectic atmosphere that reflects my personal taste. I also think the mix of paintings and sculptures would work exceptionally well in that space.

Is there a piece from this selection you'd love to ask the artist a question about?

I have a question for Pascal Duval; have you ever considered taking on tattooing? If you ever do, sign me up.

The title of this work, Tears from Heaven, is drawn from Tom Waits’ song Diamonds on My Windshield, from his 1974 album The Heart of Saturday Night. What first drew me in was its blues-inflected melancholy, the sense of a solitary drive through the rain but beneath that mood lies something more: a reflection on fleeting beauty, on temptation shimmering briefly in the darkness.

This piece was created for the exhibition Fools Gold, a show concerned with the illusions we encounter in life. Things that appear valuable, yet ultimately prove empty, or lead us down paths shaped by greed. When I work towards a show, I often create playlists as a way of entering its emotional landscape. This song was among the very first I added.

I’ve been listening to Tom Waits since I was young, especially his earlier work. I was probably the only kid in my class doing so. What I’ve always loved about his songs is their ability to transport you to a specific moment, as vividly as a film. Blue Valentine remains my favorite album for that reason.

Perhaps, then, the tears falling from heaven are tears that belong to us, the ones in pursuit of happiness, who sometimes discover that it is far less easy and tangible than money or gold.