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

Part IV -Is art collection restricted to big money plays?
Let us deconstruct the myth - that art collection is restricted to big money plays.

I have seen several academicians, executives, doctors and other professionals save from their modest salaries to pick up an odd sculpture, painting, pottery, print or charcoal drawing from art students. Sometimes from junior artists at their studio, debut exhibition, an institutional event like our own annual student exhibition that we call the Vidyarthi Vishesh. Over the last 16 years, the Student Special or Vidyarthi Vishesh has developed into a much-sought-after event at our gallery.

Some have picked up selected works of particular artists over the years. As the artist gets recognised and individual works gain significance, these collectors can choose to sell, or buy a masterpiece of their dreams. Many do not part with any of the booty, satisfied in their gaining value. Others opt for an exchange. They may have enjoyed a work of one favourite for a while, and now do not mind trading it to acquire another masterpiece by a different artist.

In any case, their selection is based on readings or exposure, and an eye for art that a well-rounded education is supposed to get you, like a ear for music. Their observation of finesse, conformance to a style and school are akin to the way one would look at stamp or coin collection - learning more as one goes along, to be able to tell the wheat from the chaff, appreciate the gems and buy them. 

In fact, another beautiful thought and deed that stems from this act of collecting young artists' works is the art of gifting. I do know a few art lovers who buy young artists' paintings and then when they've enjoyed them over a period, and come across other admirers, gift it to them to enjoy. A beautiful way of propagating art, I think. 





Next: Part V - Speculation in art

10 Comments

  1. El buen arte siempre es una buena inversión. Si se suma una buena campaña promocional, la revalorización se asegura. ( Good art is always a good investment. If you add a good promotional campaign, the revaluation is assured.)
    Posted by Rafael on linkedin Group: ArtCollector

    ReplyDelete
  2. If its not, then were all lost, at least in the financial stakes anyway.
    Posted by john on linkedin Group: Art Lovers.

    ReplyDelete
  3. There is also a significant market at the base of our economic scale who will have the same passion for the arts but can not afford it so they feast on poor insignificant prints that is mass produce.as an artist value is important but i try to make my work accessible to every one.
    Posted by sheldon on linkedin Group: Artist Marketing Resources.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yes I agree Heather but I think it comes down to education, motivation and money. Without all of the above it is not going to happen. Just enjoy who you are and what you are, I am delighted that my workshops are full, with enthusiastic artists from all over the south east Queensland, I am pleased with what I am producing for my next art exhibition and I also love playing music on my guitar. Can it get any better !!!!!
    Posted by Chris on linkedin Group: Contemporary Fine Art Gallery Network.

    ReplyDelete
  5. With all of the talk of finding the new and hottest artist and the money that can be made from finding said artist, I am so glad that at the end of the day, or in this case and usually from the post in this group, it is most important to love what you purchase. No one can ever know what trends will emerge or find the eye and souls of those that view it. The best one can do is to be smart, know that usually, unless it's a complete con job, the work will speak to you in a way that hits you both emotionally and intellectually, and if it does that then ask yourself if what that artist gave you, after you walk away, does it haunt you, can you stop seeing it or is the image stuck to your soul like crazy glue, nails, screws, tape and cement and you know it won't be shaken loose. See I believe we all share some sort of human bond that the best you can do is see if you feel if the artist spoke to you and was honest. If he or she has, the image will be clear and not preachy, or preachy, but clearly doing so because that was the best and most honest way they could express what they had to say. So bottom line, see if you feel you are seeing honest naked truth, the common thread between great art is you can see the honesty in the image, great art bares its soul, gives you a piece of that artist. That is why great artist make great money, they are brave people who give most of themselves if not all. Michael Alpert
    michaeladamalpert.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. With all of the talk of finding the new and hottest artist and the money that can be made from finding said artist, I am so glad that at the end of the day, or in this case and usually from the post in this group, it is most important to love what you purchase. No one can ever know what trends will emerge or find the eye and souls of those that view it. The best one can do is to be smart, know that usually, unless it's a complete con job, the work will speak to you in a way that hits you both emotionally and intellectually, and if it does that then ask yourself if what that artist gave you, after you walk away, does it haunt you, can you stop seeing it or is the image stuck to your soul like crazy glue, nails, screws, tape and cement and you know it won't be shaken loose. See I believe we all share some sort of human bond that the best you can do is see if you feel if the artist spoke to you and was honest. If he or she has, the image will be clear and not preachy, or preachy, but clearly doing so because that was the best and most honest way they could express what they had to say. So bottom line, see if you feel you are seeing honest naked truth, the common thread between great art is you can see the honesty in the image, great art bares its soul, gives you a piece of that artist. That is why great artist make great money, they are brave people who give most of themselves if not all. Michael Alpert
    michaeladamalpert.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. The very nature of art is personal and subjective......therefore, the ownership or collection of it must be the same, and for the most part is....it should never be subject to strictly finance or it has lost its value in my opinion.
    Posted by Susan on linkedin Group: ART Professionals Worldwide.

    ReplyDelete
  8. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  9. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Yes art is an investment. I bought a suite of 10 Andy Warhols Marilyns for $1,000. years later just one of them sold for over $100,000. I bought a Susan Rothenberg horse drawing for just a few hundred dollars and later sold it for $75,000. every piece of art that I have purchased has gone up in value enormously.
    Posted by Doug on linkedin Group: The Gallery Network.

    ReplyDelete
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