Creating an art collection is a path that combines passion, culture and investment, allowing collectors to build up a heritage of great value over time and with the right choices.
Many collectors, even starting with small budgets, have developed collections of works of art of historical and economic significance, achieving not only personal gratification and social recognition, but also a solid revaluation of the invested capital. However,the creation of a collection requires an in-depth knowledge of the market and the criteria for selecting works, elements that contribute to building a coherent collection of lasting value.
UNDERSTANDING THE ART MARKET AND INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Mattia Masciullo – Trium Art Gallery
The art market is divided into two main segments: the primary market, which concerns the first sale of works through galleries and artists, and the secondary market, which comprises the resale of previously purchased works, often through auction houses and specialised dealers.
One of the first decisions to be made concerns the choice between investing in an established or an emerging artist, with the possibility – and the advice – to consider a balanced mix of both categories. Buying works by established artists with a solid track record, such as Giorgio Griffa, Mimmo Rotella, Agostino Bonalumi, Mario Schifano or Emilio Tadini, offers a low investment risk. The value of their works is generally stable, with gradual growth over time, as demonstrated by Giorgio Griffa’s quotations, which have steadily increased over the last 25 years. However, the potential return is more limited, precisely because prices are already well defined by the market.
An example of an established artist with a relevant CV:
Giorgio Griffa (1936), Segni orizzontali, 1977. Acrilici su tela grezza. 75 x 96 cm. Courtesy Trium Art Gallery
Investing in emerging artists, on the other hand, involves a higher degree of risk, but offers very interesting opportunities. On the one hand, it allows the collector to closely follow the artist’s growth path, establishing a direct relationship and gaining a deeper understanding of his or her evolution. On the other hand, the increased volatility of quotations can result in significant gains, but also in the possibility of the artist losing relevance in the market.
In both cases, for both established and emerging artists, it is essential to analyse a number of key parameters before making a purchase: collaborations with prominent galleries, the quality and type of exhibitions, the institutions in which the artist has exhibited, stylistic coherence, professionalism and the recognisability of his artistic production.
An example of an emerging artist with a relevant exhibition route: Patrizia Casagranda (1979), Purple golden fighting for change, 2024. Mixed technique on panel. 150 x 95 x 2 cm. Courtesy Trium Art Gallery. Currently exhibited at Banksy & Friends, Promotrice delle Belle Arti, Turin
The key factors that determine the value of an artist
The value of an artist is never random, but responds to a number of factors that affect his visibility and the demand for his works. Among the most significant elements are:
- Representation by recognised art galleries: the support of a solid and established gallery is a guarantee for the collector and a sign of growth for the artist.
- International presence: an artist represented by several galleries or a single leading gallery tends to increase his or her notoriety and, consequently, the value of his or her works.
- Solo and group exhibitions: exposure in renowned spaces and prestigious institutions helps to legitimise the artist’s career and attract the interest of collectors and critics.
- Publications and critical recognition: articles in specialised magazines, monographs and exhibition catalogues confirm the artist’s importance in the contemporary scene and consolidate his reputation.
- Retrospectives and historicisation: the organisation of retrospective exhibitions and the artist’s presence in museums or public collections are indicators of a consolidation of his position in the market.
Tools for assessing an artist and his works
In order to move consciously in the art market, it is essential to use reliable analysis tools to gather information on artists and their quotations. Among the most useful platforms for this purpose are:
- Artfacts.net: offers detailed data on artists, the galleries they work with and their international ranking based on their exhibition activity.
- Artsy: an online platform that collects contemporary art works, allowing you to monitor quotations and trends.
- Social media and trade publications: analysing an artist’s online presence and critical reviews can provide a clear picture of their visibility and growth trajectory.
Artfacts.net about Mimmo Rotella. Courtesy Artfacts.net
How to choose works of art for your collection
After having identified artists of interest, the next step is to select the right works for one’s collection. Some basic criteria to take into account are:
- Follow your passion
In addition to investment aspects, an art collection should reflect the taste and sensibility of the collector. Buying works that arouse emotions and fit into one’s personal context is essential to fully enjoy the experience of collecting.
- Focus on quality
The quality of a work is determined by multiple factors, including technique, originality and stylistic consistency. It is always preferable to invest in a limited number of high quality works rather than accumulate works of lesser value.
- Consider the rarity and type of the work
In the art market, paintings are generally the most sought-after category, followed by sculptures, works on paper, photographs and multiples. Single works tend to be more valuable than multiple editions, but even the latter can be good investments if they come from appropriately selected artists.
- Evaluate the artist’s CV
Examining an artist’s exhibition history, the galleries that represent them and the institutions that have hosted their works is a crucial step in estimating their growth potential.
- Analysing quotations and market trends
Monitoring the evolution of an artist’s prices over time allows us to understand whether he is in a growth or stabilisation phase. A work that appears undervalued compared to the artist’s career could turn out to be an interesting investment opportunity.
Emilio Tadini (1927-2002), Oltremare, 1992. Acrilici su tela 70×60. Courtesy Trium Art Gallery
How to choose works of art for your collection
Building an art collection is a fascinating journey that requires study, passion and a well-defined strategy.
Trium Art Gallery offers a free art advisoryservice , supporting collectors of all levels in their choice of artists and artworks, ensuring an accurate and personalised selection that reflects not only the growth potential of the market, but also the individual taste and preferences of the client.
Find out how Trium Art Gallery is revolutionising the art market, turning it into a concrete investment opportunity: read the full article here.
Contact them to start building your collection with the support of industry experts.