It is clear that the old saying that "only a dead artist is a good artist" is a thing of the past. Contemporary art is one of the most sought-after genres in the art market today, overtaking old masters and 19th century art. There's never been a better time to invest in it.
Today's collectors are increasingly seeking works by living artists, spurred by new tastemakers such as brands, celebrities and social media influencers.
But art is much bigger than genre trends. People will always buy art because it gives quality to life, lifts our spirits and brings such inspiration. A significant part of the "return" is the joy we get every day from seeing it in our home, office, garden (or yacht). Buying art is like an intense love affair.
There is often nothing rational about it, and taste is personal, so what one person likes may be indifferent to you, and vice versa. You can get all the advice in the world about collecting art, but at the end of the day, after doing your research, you have to start by buying what resonates with you. Explore, experiment, take risks, but above all, follow your heart. Given that you'll be living and spending with your new collection for years, it's essential that you buy pieces of art that you love. For most collectors, buying art is attractive for reasons that go beyond the potential financial benefits. The passion for art is what drives them the most. Even considering the long-term investment value, they buy art because they love it.
The aesthetic qualities of a work of art, the story behind it and its ability to inspire are the most important factors that encourage art collectors to choose a work of art for their collection. The added value of these types of purchases is cultural contribution, support of artists and preservation of art for the future, which may also be of interest to collectors. Whatever your motivation, the best way to buy art is to follow your own preferences. It's a personal, passion-driven purchase that should reflect who you are. Buying what you love is the first and most important step in defining and building your collection.