Art Investments

Introduction to Investing in Contemporary Art in the Philippines

You have some spare cash and some disposable income, and you enjoy art as well. You’re debating whether investing in and collecting art is a good idea for you. Some people may be wealthy and spend their money on yachts, fast cars, vintage cars, or luxury automobiles. Janis Joplin stated that she assisted her Porsche-owning friends, so she begged God, “Oh, Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz?” According to Marilyn Monroe, diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Shakespeare once said, “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” Things of beauty can be a good way to invest your money in tangible objects that will not depreciate over time, such as expensive cars and trendy designer clothes and bags. It will not fade away like fine dining in five-star hotels or fade away like an expensive perfume. Art remains on your wall, perched on a pedestal or table, or placed on the floor until you decide to sell it.

If you appreciate art and are considering parting with your legal tender to bring in some beauty into your life, where and how do you begin? Here are some tips which can serve as gingerbread crumbs on your path to art investing and art collecting.

1) Be conscious of your own preferences, whims, fancies, and fascinations.

Everyone has their own preferences and pet peeves. When you go to an ice cream shop, you know what flavor to get and you don’t order something based on its popularity, keeping up with the Joneses, or looking hip or classy. Simply selecting and eating the flavor you prefer provides comfort and pleasure. Similarly, in art, you must be aware of what forms, styles, colors, and subjects pique your interest. Do you prefer an abstract or a representational style, also known as realism? Do you prefer color splashes or planes, or do you prefer to see a human figure, an animal, flowers, greenery, clouds, or an ocean? Do you like bright colors, pastels, warm earth tones, or black and white? What colors do you like to look at? What colors or styles would you choose for your home or office if you enjoy interior design?

2) Decide on a budget for acquiring artwork.

Be practical and realistic. You do not have to break the bank if you decide to invest in art and begin collecting works of art. Determine how much play money you want to set aside for art investments. Just as there is a car or a diamond for every budget, there is an appropriate artwork that can cater to your tastes while remaining within your budget. It is not the end of the world if your play money cannot purchase a Picasso, Van Gogh, Juan Luna, or Ben Cabrera. There are numerous viable options available. When you’re dumped, there are a lot of fish in the ocean, as the saying goes. The same is true for works of art. All you have to do is keep an open mind and look in the right places. This brings us to the next point.

3) Look for art in the right places.

Just as you wouldn’t look for the love of your life in seedy bars, you should look for art in reputable places such as art galleries, art fairs, and auction houses. This way, you expose yourself to genuine pieces while avoiding potential frauds, forgeries, and scammers. You can look through the online catalogs of art galleries and auction houses. Ask for advice and opinions from experts in these art establishments. Spend some time going to galleries. Participate in a live auction. Attend an art fair and mingle with artists, art experts, art collectors, and art enthusiasts. Walking around art fairs is a great way to become acquainted with a variety of artists, as well as their distinct styles and price ranges. Art has a visceral and sensual quality to it. Nothing beats actually seeing art, taking it all in, and figuring out what grabs you, what entices you to say, “Yes, I will pay for you and take you home with me.” There is still more beneficial information that we can impart. This collection of articles will continue with a new installment. Keep an eye out for future updates.

Written by Cherry Fulgar

 For more information, contact Imahica Art at +63 917 894 5646, or email thegallery@imahica.art