In my years in cultural journalism, I have learned that the greatest persuasive people can be found in the sphere of visual arts. Because people who are once addicted to art, from then on think, breathe it, include it in everything and in everything. Because they have found something that fulfills them, disturbs them, excites them, irritates them and makes them happy, at any time. Because art is a life compass and at the same time an analogy to life itself.

It is a great privilege to be one of these believers and to be able to pass on these experiences. I would also like to do this for the Association of Friends of the National Gallery with pleasure.