a beginners guide to: buying artwork

GUIDES

May 1

The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living
Art of sculpture by Damien Hirst

Your art selection speaks volumes about who you are. And we can bet you don’t want to be the person that went into some random store, bought the cheap ‘live, love, laugh’ print on canvas, on sale (and no frame!), hung it up above your bar cart, and called it art.

Much like accessories (and even more so), the art in our homes should be a reflection of ourselves. They don’t have to be expensive, but they should definitely be in line with our style and beliefs. At the very least, when people ask you anything about the piece it would be great to have an interesting answer.

So now that you’re on the market to fill your house with some artwork, it’s time to put some thought into how, and where, to start. Just know that it may take some time (it should), and maybe a little bit more money than you initially intended, but it will be worth it.

Here are some tips:

Set up a budget: When purchasing art, and regardless of your budget, you should always think of yourself as a true collector. Just because you don’t plan on spending much on your collection doesn’t mean it will be devoid of real value. And hey, if you have a really good eye, you might even be on to something that can be worth a lot more in the future! Just run your numbers, and try to come up with a budget you’re comfortable with spending. Art should be an investment, so even if you spend $10 on a piece, try to do it on one that is unique
Choose your poison (or poisons): When starting a collection, most people decide either on a topic, a specific style, or a particular media (sometimes all). Some topics can be political statements like gender equality, world hunger, or Big Pharma. Other topics can be broader and on a lighter and more personal note like self-awareness, maritime landscapes, architecture, or dance. Styles refer to the' ‘artistic current’ category they fall under, and can be: Abstract, Pop-Art, Hyper-Realism, Expressionism, and so on. Media is how they’re made: They can be photographs, sculptures, tapestry knits, ceramics, etc. So now all you really need to do is think about what type of artistic style and/or subject usually appeals to you, and stick to it if you want to follow a single path and create a cohesive collection. On the other hand, you can always go the other way and create a diverse collection that speaks to your many layers too! Once you’ve made your decision please immerse yourself in it, stick to your gut, and start looking for REAL art that is in line with you, your beliefs, your style, and your budget.
Do your homework: Whether you're buying online, at a fair, at the flea market, or at a gallery, do some asking, and do some research. Who is the artist? What were his/her/their intentions, if any, behind the piece? What period and current does it belong to? What techniques were used to create it? Just pretty much whatever you might think could be relevant to its meaning. All of these basic questions should give you the information needed to make a more objective assessment of the piece and its relationship to YOU. And while we’re on the subject (no pun intended!), please never forget that art is always always SUBJECTIVE. in other words, art can try to answer some questions, or convey certain messages, and we can attempt to figure out what the artist wants to tell you, but in truth we will never know, we can only know what the piece tells US.

By the time you’re done, if ever, you will be proud to say annoying things like ‘this rare mid-century, abstract expressionist piece makes allusion to the socioeconomic hardships that followed the World War II in Europe’ And people will be like: Okay.