Monday, March 7, 2011

Insights into building a good art collection

A recent news report by Tinesh Bhasin in The Business Standard (Making your portfolio arty) publication, differentiates between collectors who buy high value art with no intention of selling it and buyers who want to buy cheap and hopefully sell at a profit. For them, art is not a long term investment avenue. The reason could be that art unlike most other asset classes like property and stocks do not help a person earn regular returns in form of dividend, rent or interest income.

It does not really generate any tangible income just by holding it. No wonder, when gallerists find out that these aspects often deter potential art buyers. The informative news report points out:
“Many collectors prefer to keep works of celebrated artists. But works of M F Husain, S H Raza and Tyeb Mehta run into crores. However, there are smaller works as well. Give priority to established galleries over new ones and dealers.
“Established galleries often commission artists to work for them and they know their art. They will also have better collection as compared to newer ones, the reports mentions Geetha Mehra, owner of Sakshi Gallery as saying. In a way, buying art is often ‘an emotional affair’ and the collector must ideally like it and also relate to it.

Before buying, visit the gallery or auction house to check your selection. Its invoice is the most key document you need to retain you as long as you own the work. It serves as the proof of the work being authentic and genuine, especially in case of certain artists who are no more there. If the work of the artist whose work you own or want to own features in any catalogue or publication, keep the copy with you.

Last but not the least, you need inputs from experts to collect right pieces. Approach a specialist dealer who will demystify the process of collecting. Harbor a comprehensive and holistic approach instead of a bits and pieces. Know what to collect, at what price to buy, and where as well as how to buy. All these aspects are crucial to make art a good investment.

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