FOR the noob art collector, getting into the art world can be a thorny issue, a most pretentious exercise, and the craziest activity since the Great Depression if we are to compute the out-of-this-world, stratospheric prices of art. Who wants to get into a great bubble (assuming)? Will the lifestyle prove to be sexy and self-generating? Can I make money and achieve social and cultural domination because of this?
Everything the newbie needs to learn about art collecting has often been a guarded secret kept by one’s jealous superiors, so that the newbie falls flat on his face and resigns from the rat race of neoliberal consumption. The less paddles are raised in a heated art auction, the less competition, and the less one has to worry about the final hammer price exceeding your net worth. So let’s keep the neophytes away and be truly intimidating, shall we? But it’s not a nightmare world. How would the noob suggest getting started?
PLUNGE INTO THE SCENE
The first thing you need to do is sharpen your eye. Do this by visiting art fairs. These events are packed with as much art as the Louvre, so the noob can become an insider quickly if he talks to dealers who are eager to recruit you. If you’re open to learning about the work, they’re interested in sales.
Ask the following queries: Is this art? Age of artist and how popular? Don’t be afraid to ask for a discount when you learn about the price. Find galleries and dealers that you can follow up, ask to be on their mailing list, and visit at their actual or virtual locations.
GET EDUCATED
Read books, schmooze with stakeholders, visit artists and be cute throughout. Otherwise, make the great leap forward by attending a short course in Hong Kong. The University of Hong Kong, in collaboration with Art Basel and Central Saint Martins in London, is unveiling an eight-day course for 25 students. Starting in January with the university’s School of Professional and Continuing Education Centre for Degree Programs, the course includes a module taught by a lecturer flown in from Central Saint Martins and culminates in tours of Art Basel Hong Kong (from March 14 to 17) and local galleries. With a focus on painting, the upload covers a variety of Western, Asian and—most excitingly—Chinese perspectives. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Course cost: HK$29,000, or £2,300. At the end, expect that you will have the ability to judge what is worthwhile to buy.
FIND FRIENDS
Open an alternative Facebook profile, add artists and dealers, meet them in the flesh and see what pleasure socialization brings. Remember not to kid artists into giving you a work for free; that seems to scare them away until you can find an ex-deal or the cash to pay them. Find a role model.
In the film Herb and Dorothy (tinyurl.com/ocagaf3), a humble postal clerk amassed a million-dollar collection and dishes the wild story on how he and his wife became major collectors of some 4,000 pieces, including LeWitts and Lichtensteins. Even better, they give advice on how you can do, too. What was their secret? They bought early-career artists before the galleries and critics discovered them, and bought relentlessly.
MAKE A BID
Don’t be afraid to go to the top art venues. The lure of buying at an auction is that you can get a steal for what it would sell for below retail. Check out Leon Gallery (leongallerymakati@gmail.com) for the best in Philippine sales.
For international giants at an affordable price ($5,000 and up) go to Paddle8.com where an ongoing auction features Damien Hirst’s latest biological experimentations. For example, a must-buy skull sculpture, The Immortal Spin Head, is now going for €18.000 despite the estimate of up to €30.000.
OTHER GUIDELINES
Take your time and do your research. Find bargains at charity auctions, but never buy cheap art. Buy the national artists for security. Don’t buy something because you think you’ll flip it. Buy what you like—and buy to keep. Think of your collection as part of your whole being.
Image credits: Samito Jalbuena