Leila Heller, the woman behind the coveted eponymous gallery in Dubai, suggests how to become an art collector.
- Love what you’re buying
- The most important thing is to love what you’re buying for your collection. It’s key to be able to live with something and love it as much as the first day you bought it, so it’s definitely important to have passion for the works you select.
- Invest wisely
- Make sure that you buy artworks from established galleries, where the artist has the potential to grow, so that your investment is sound. Galleries that place their artists in museums usually have an exponential growth. Global artists are more likely to be sound investments as well. Always check that the materials the artist is using are archival and will survive beyond your lifetime, so that you can retain the value of the artwork.
- Get to know the industry
- To create a collection, visiting museums, galleries, and artists’ studios is a good place to begin. Also, reading art books helps to ensure you’re collecting what you love but also that it’s a good investment. Stay updated on what goes on in the art market and the art world. Try to stay informed by subscribing to art websites, such as Artsy, and when traveling, visit local museums and foundations and famous galleries.
- Think global
- Collectors in the region are most attracted to local and Middle Eastern artists, and the ones who are more adventurous will also explore international artists. It’s important to visualize the artist within the scope of international art history.
- Protect your collection
