How To Cut Through The Chaos: Finding Art in 2023
Hello Next Up Collector Community! Today we are going to be discussing the ways in which we can cut through the chaos when it comes to finding art. I feel (even as an individual working in the industry everyday) that it remains complicated and confusing when it comes to finding artwork. Where do you even begin? What if you do not know your collecting style? All of these remain great questions that many within the art world try to solve, yet, I would argue, rather unsuccessfully thus far.
Finding Artists & Galleries
First, let’s discuss what platforms are available to search for artists or galleries. I would recommend always doing a quick search of what’s on in your area first, as a way to focus in on what events or opportunities you may have locally. For this, I would recommend using Galleries Now, a local art list (like Seb’s List, if you are in London), or Artsy.
A good tip to remember is that if you happen to go to a fair, like Frieze or Art Basel, and feel overwhelmed in the moment, Artsy serves as a great resource if you need to backtrack to find a certain work or gallery. Usually, all of the galleries showing at a fair or major event will have their works individually listed on their website along with artist information and where you can locate their works in several galleries, if they are represented in various locations.
Visit Local Gallery Events, like Private Views!
Private views happen the first day of an exhibition opening and are usually free and open to the public. Although, many galleries may have you fill out an RSVP on their website or social media account to attend. It’s a great opportunity to meet others, including artists and other patrons, and usually you can grab a glass of wine and enjoy the art up close and personal.
Ways to Follow An Artist’s Journey
Often times people have the misconception that in order to follow an artist, you have to already be an avid collector. I disagree with this — there are plenty of ways to engage with an artist that you may one day wish to collect or would like to know more about: follow their social media channels, visit the galleries where they are showing, and consider emailing them (if they include their email on their website or CV) in order to schedule a studio visit. Scheduling a studio visit is one of the best ways to get to know an emerging artist and many times they are very excited to show their expertise and engage with them firsthand. One of the most fulfilling aspects of collecting art comes from the human-to-human storytelling and connection, which remains at its peak during studio visits.
Schedule a Studio Visit!
Don’t be afraid to reach out to an artist and ask for a studio visit if you are curious about seeing and hearing more about their practice. It’s a great way to get to know the artist on a more personal level too.
Ways to Become Part of the Art Community
One of the best parts of being involved in the art world is the robust community of art lovers and patrons alike. If you are a young collector and serious about investing in artworks, then I would recommend seeing what Young Patron programs your local museums have. For example, in London, there are young patron groups at all of the major institutions, like Tate, V&A, and Serpentine.
If you are London-based, you can also join our community, Next Up Collectors! We host monthly book clubs and offer free and accessible resources to individuals through our membership option. We also plan to host several parties and events aimed at encouraging art collecting in 2024 and hope you can be apart! If you are based elsewhere — try to check on Instagram or Google for “art clubs,” “art events,” “art collector groups,” or visit local artist talks, or speaker series.
Join a Community or Group!
Try to see what local communities or patron groups exist in your city and try to become involved in some way possible. By expanding your network and meeting more people involved in the industry, you will also be expanding your knowledge base.
The art world can be very chaotic. Start locally and then build out in terms of learning about artists. Schedule studio visits with ones that you find interesting. Visit private views for galleries who show artists you would like to support. Join a community or patrons group to meet more likeminded individuals (it’s also a great chance to learn from others too). When it comes to these platforms or websites, it’s okay if you do not know what style best fits you. Learn to play around with what you like. Read a book about a period of art history that interests you. Be open to finding your style in a way similar to fashion — it takes time to develop a unique look that suits you, and that’s alright. Don’t rush it.
