The journey to collecting art can be an intimidating one. Many factors can affect how you approach the process, such as the type of gallery you choose and the prices. Works may not be readily apparent, and VIP clients may be given priority. In addition, the vocabulary used in conversations may feel like another language is using it.
Getting started with collecting art can be a big step, but it shouldn’t be an overwhelming experience. To help ease the anxiety, here is some advice from several gallerists. They shared their best tips for new collectors. Doing so will allow you to feel more confident when it comes time to purchase.
- Look At All The Art
Most gallerists agreed that the importance of looking at art is not only limited to works that you might be interested in. Besides attending exhibitions and art fairs, you should also visit museums and galleries to gather information. Christine Pfister, the owner of Pentimenti Gallery in Philadelphia, recommends browsing through pieces online.
Elena Platonova, the associate director of The Hole, a New York and Los Angeles gallery, said that social media is a great way to explore art. She also noted that traveling could allow you to discover different museums and galleries outside your usual area.
Rachel Uffner, the founder of a New York gallery, said that being able to look at art helps people identify the various concerns they have about the artist. It also allows them to identify the influential individuals working in the field. A solid foundation can help you see who is making the most of the work already available.
Getting started with collecting art can be challenging, but it shouldn’t be a frustrating experience. According to Carberry, getting used to the concept of art takes a long time. It’s important to remember that it takes time to identify which works will keep your interest.
- Research
After having gotten to know art, you’ll likely have an idea of what works you’d like to acquire. However, before you start shopping, it’s important to thoroughly research the area where you’re planning on collecting. This will allow you to identify the artist you are interested in and the different ways they are influenced by art history.
According to Pfister, the second most important aspect that new collectors should consider when collecting is being able to thoroughly research the works they are interested in. One of the most important factors people should consider is establishing connections with prominent art world figures. This will allow them to get a deeper understanding of the trends and the individuals who are working in the field.
Charlie James, who has a gallery in Los Angeles, said that it’s essential to look into various aspects of the artist’s career when it comes to collecting. He noted that one of the most important factors people should consider is the quality of critical dialogue surrounding the work. Another important aspect he said people should look into is the artist’s career trajectory.
- Stay Away From Trends
After having thoroughly researched the art world, you’ll be able to feel comfortable with some of the ins and outs of the market. However, in an overheated market, it’s important to remain focused on the present. In an arena where art stars are seemingly overnight, auction records are frequently broken, and then again by young up-and-comers, it’s important to stay grounded.
According to Kavi Gupta, a gallery representative in Chicago, it’s essential to avoid getting carried away by the hype surrounding a purchase. He said it’s important to focus on the work itself and don’t allow people to get you to buy something you don’t personally connect with.
In 2018, Sean Kelly, a gallery representative in New York, launched a campaign called Collect Wisely. He said this initiative aims to re-ignite the conversation about art by exploring the various aspects of collecting. Through the campaign, Kelly created a list of various epithets designed to inspire people to think about how they collect. Some of these are keywords that people should consider when buying art. These include “value art, not its value,” “collect with your eyes,” and “avoid trends.”