Is art an investment? (A series in 6 parts)


PART III -The art collector


Like any prudent investor, a collector generally uses a nibble-strategy, picking one kind of work to build a directed or focused collection.

 Some collectors indulge in a gulp-strategy and tap a pre-planned reserve or windfall earning to pick up a rare bargain or a masterpiece beyond the regular fare. Either way, there should be enough holding capacity. At times, a high buying offer could be a ploy to draw sales for other works in the same series by an artist- that are not otherwise traceable. This often happens because the work or whole series is sought several years after its creation, and multiple ownership changes may take place.

Corporate and institutional collectors play a major role. Many of our corporate houses regularly acquire and showcase their collections at their headquarters even if access is limited. Sponsoring and hosting art camps by seasoned collectors are also in vogue. There are a number of art clubs, and genuine art workshops that are perhaps launched with a view to create a comprehensively aware base in the Indian art world. But factors inherent to these very activities have today resulted in the hype that surrounds the purchase and value of a painting. 

20 Comments

  1. Yes definitely an investment.........not of the monetary kind necessarily but for creating mood and atmosphere....a more long lasting investment :) Posted by Tazim Lal on LinkedIn Group: Indian Architects and Interior Designers

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  2. Hi I think for some collectors do really collect but others buy art to put on their walls that match their curtains or carpets. I think artist want to make a living but there is that desire to part of a collection.

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  3. Hi I think that artists myself included have a streak of vanity and would love their work to be cherished by a collector and be sold for loads of money.

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  4. Investing in modern/contemporary art is the worst proven investment there is!
    Posted by Marcel Gieling in the LinkedIn Group: The Art Collector Network

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  5. Art is now globally considered a safer investment than real estate- every artist should be actively benefitting from this monumental shift.
    Posted by Mark Venaglia in the LinkedIn Group: The Art Collector Network

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  6. Whoever buys works of art is both an investor and a consumer.

    He enjoys a consumer's good with rather permanent characteristics and, when he thinks he's got enough of it, he can sell it for a profit (most of the time, that is). Art can be a good investment or a bad one, depending on the trend of the specific market, in a specific country. Contemporary/modern art can be an excellent investment, provided one can tell a good artist, when he sees one; same as securities in the stock market.. The works of the great masters usually trade for a good premium, and consequently there is little opportunity hiding within them. The art market is not as translucent as the stock market, of course, and not as liquid; nevertheless it is better than the diamond market (!)

    Studies have shown that art as an investor's instrument has a negative correlation to all other classes of investment. In the past the negative correlation was in the vicinity of 60-80%; now it is much less. Works of art should make part of any serious investment portfolio, for diversification and hedging. It's fun too.
    Posted by Aias-Theodoros Papastavrou, MD, PhD in the LinkedIn Group: The Art Collector Network

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  7. Thank you all for the diverse views on the subject.

    This is indeed a necessary discussion as we have so much hype in the Indian art scenario that many a new buyer often hesitates before even venturing into an art gallery; those who do tend to surf around the net for information and identify the galleries nurturing upcoming talent, so that they can acquire a priced possession - close to their heart.

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  8. an investment in oneself-the buyer or with buying art which playes high in the artmarket - that;s a financial investment.
    Posted by Frans in the LinkedIn Group: ART Professionals Worldwide

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  9. Art purchase as an expression of one person liking something another has created and being prepared to acquire it so as to bring that expression into a more intimate context, is a affirmation of the connection of one human spirit with another.....an investment in one's humanity......and that of the world.......it could never said to be worthless....its a gesture of enduring celebration that no investment can ever bring.
    Posted by Marie on LinkedIn Group: Contemporary Fine Art Gallery Network

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  10. So beautifully said Marie. Investment in art couldn't be explained better!

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  11. When all is is in funds, it will no longer be that gift of expression.
    Posted by Craig on LinkedIn Group: Contemporary Fine Art Gallery Network

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  12. Why does everything in this world have to be valued in monitary terms.
    Posted by Chris on LinkedIn Group: Contemporary Fine Art Gallery Network

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  13. Good Art is timeless, and connects one to the artist through centuries.
    What could be more valuable than that?
    Posted by adil on LinkedIn Group: Indian Architects and Interior Designers

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  14. If I only thought of my paintings as someone's investment I would have quite along time ago.. After 40 years of painting professionally and putting my heart and soul on to paper and canvas I would hope my creations communicate the beauty around us. I have had customers purchase my work and store it away as investments. How sad. Dave
    Posted by Dave in the LinkedIn Group:Contemporary Fine Art Gallery Network

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  15. That's a good question. Who knows what the future holds. Collect artwork which you love. We specialise in contemporary ceramics and most of our customers have a great deal of pleasure from their purchases
    Posted by Heather on LinkedIn Group: Contemporary Fine Art Gallery Network

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  16. As an artist and collector of art, I find it extremely tastless when the first question people ask is "How much did you receive" or "What did you pay for that". They don't even look at the work.
    Posted by Chris on LinkedIn Group: Contemporary Fine Art Gallery Network

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  17. Art is an big cultural, intellect andfinancial investment.Best Posted by Felipe on LinkedIn Group: ART Professionals Worldwide

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  18. Art can be investment in case of good art/paintings/sculpture. Posted by V. V. Swamy, Artist on LinkedIn Group: Contemporary Fine Art Gallery Network

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  19. Art is a love, an Artist is what you are so enjoy the journey and what ever ventures your way enjoy that also.
    Posted by Chris on LinkedIn Group: Contemporary Fine Art Gallery Network

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  20. Investment is a gamble these days. Be good if lovers of art put their money into 'Works of Art' so that all those around them could enjoy
    Posted by Heather on LinkedIn Group: Contemporary Fine Art Gallery Network

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