Investment
Some thoughts on this topic:
Investing in contemporary art can be a lucrative venture, but it requires knowledge and research. One of the most important ways to invest in contemporary art is through galleries. Galleries are the most important patrons of artists, promoting their work and making it available to a wider audience. Gallery owners are often the discoverers of new and relevant artists and play a crucial role in the development of their careers.
When considering an investment in contemporary art, it is important to learn about the artist and his/her work. This can be done by visiting galleries and exhibitions, attending art fairs and reading art publications. It is also important to know the market demand for the artist's work and his/her historical sales figures. As well as to be aware of the relevance of any galleries with which he/she works. If, for example, original works by the artist are offered on Ebay or other online shops in direct connection with simple decorative objects, inexpensive furniture or bric-a-brac, they are most likely not works of art with great potential to increase in value.
Also inform yourself by visiting galleries and exhibitions, attending art fairs and reading art publications.
Ask gallery owners questions and try to learn as much as you can from them. It is their job to tell you as much as possible about the artists and to give you information relevant to your decision. But here is an important point: how and how can you know whether this or that information is relevant for a buying decision or not? Well, first of all, you should pay attention to the substance of the statements made by the gallery owners or gallery staff. If they tell you something about the "energy of colours", the specially mixed green or some third-rate celebrity who has just bought a painting, you should probably leave it alone. There is always an exception somewhere - but let's just be honest... midlife crisis ego or even esoteric smears will never make it into a good museum collection. Likewise, extreme caution is advised with lithographs, heliographs, prints, linocuts, etc., especially when it comes to big names such as Chagall, Miro, Dali, Picasso, etc.. With these types of edition it is often very difficult to check the authenticity and there are extremely many forgeries (you can find very interesting reports on Youtube from various reputable TV channels).
Relevant information is:
1. exhibition history of the artist (here you should pay attention to whether exhibitions in museums can be found in recent years)
2. which other galleries does the artist work with? Do they make a serious impression? Which other artists do these galleries represent?
3. Are the artist's works to be found in relevant institutional and private collections?
4. Which subjects does the artist deal with in his/her works?
5. Is there already a secondary market for the works? If so, what are the prices?
6. What is the artist's (possibly also the craftsman's) development? Has something been done in the same style for years because it sells well, or is the artist constantly questioning his/her work and developing it further?
7. Do the works have unique characteristics or are they stylistic copies of stylistic epochs or artists of the past (e.g. newly interpreted, so-called pop art in the style of Warhol, but without their own intellectual input)?
8. Can I afford to make a bad investment?
Investing in the works of contemporary artists is always an investment in culture and society.
Consider:
When you buy one or more works by an artist, the artist can thereby finance his or her livelihood and the further development of his or her work. The gallery where you bought the work can further promote the work and thus the artist's work, finance catalogues and support museum exhibitions. In the long term, all of this helps to maintain the value of a work of art and, ideally, to increase it.
If, on the other hand, you spend a seven-figure sum on an Impressionist or, for example, a Picasso, this only benefits the seller, the dealer and your own brand awareness.
But if you invest the same amount of money over a longer period of time, let's say, in the purchase of the works of the 10 most important artists in, say, Germany, you will suddenly have a relevant, contemporary collection, which will not only bring you considerably more renown but also more interesting conversations, invitations and certainly a new view of the world.
In summary, investing in contemporary art through galleries can be a valuable opportunity, but one that requires research and diligence. Understanding the artist, the market demand for their work and the gallery that represents them are critical components of a successful investment strategy.
