Hormuz Minina, Atlanta

Background: Minina is a video installation artist and former chairman of the alternative arts space Eyedrum, near Cabbagetown. He also recently started a software company. Minina collects the work of fellow Atlanta artists, often buying directly from them. "One of the reasons I want to collect Atlanta artists is that there is very little support for artists here, especially if you are doing anything contemporary," he said. He has two favorite pieces, both by Atlanta artists who are friends.

Sara Hopkins / Special (ENLARGE)

Hormuz Minina with "Between Evidence and Intent." An artist painted it after a teacher said to never mix red and black.

RELATED LINKS: • Read more about local collectors • More arts coverage • Private Quarters: See inside Atlanta's best homes

Favorite piece: "Between Evidence and Intent" by Woody Cornwell, an Atlanta artist and co-founder of Eyedrum. "It's the first piece of art I ever purchased," said Minina, who bought it from the artist for $1,000 about six years ago. The piece is dated 1999. He enjoys the story behind the painting: Cornwell painted it after an art teacher told him "never to mix red and black," said Minina. He later bought a second Cornwell piece and is planning to buy a third. "I'm capturing a progression of his work, from the very bold to the more toned down. The new work is much more muted — it almost looks like a ghost image."

Other favorite piece: A clock constructed of found objects by Atlanta artist Stan Woodard, dated 1998. "It's actually a borrowed piece that I've never returned," said Minina, who plans to pay the artist the $500 he owes him. "I like Stan's work with found objects. He has this contemporary art spin on folk art." The 7-foot-tall clock is simple and functional, with wheels on the bottom to move it around Minina's home. "He found some of it near train tracks, and I like the fact that he has preserved the aspect of motion by giving it wheels," Minina said.

My Favorite Piece is a way to let Atlantans talk about the best-loved works in their collections. If you have a suggestion, email Kirsten Tagami at ktagami@ajc.com.

[edit]