Whether you have a hefty wallet or a modest budget, and whether you reside in a grand mansion or a humble apartment, buying art is for everyone, including you. But where do you begin? Nadine van den Bosch and Nienke van der Wal, authors of The Big Art Buying Book and founders of Young Collectors Circle, have some advice.
You can say what you want about boomers, but you can't deny their love for art. Many art collectors belong to the generation born shortly after the war. Generations X, Y, and Z buy less art. This got Nadine van den Bosch and Nienke van der Wal – born in 1989 and 1978 respectively – thinking: what does the future hold for art?
"Collectors play an incredibly important role in the art world," says Nienke. "Artists can only develop if their work is bought. Before their work ends up in a museum, they need years of support from buyers." So, if fewer people are buying art, the supply dries up. "That's the story we wanted to tell our generation. Our mission is saving the art world one artwork at a time. It sounds a bit dramatic, but that's how we see it."
Hence, they founded Young Collectors Circle, a platform for novice art buyers aiming to make the art world more accessible. As a member, you can join various places and events – from artists' studios to art fairs. You also get access to a crash course in art collecting, including explanations about its financial aspects. "Why does an artwork cost what it does? How is that price determined?" says Nadine. "When making another significant purchase, like a sofa, you often know what's available. You know what to expect from Ikea, or from a design store like VOS. With art, it's all a bit more unclear."
Where do you start if you want to bring art into your home?
Nadine and Nienke offer 4 tips.
1. DISCOVER YOUR TASTE
According to Nadine and Nienke, the only way to discover what you like is to see and experience a lot. Visit galleries, go to art fairs, or attend a graduation exhibition. Or visit the two-day festival Art For You, organized by Young Collectors Circle in April at various locations in the city of Groningen – from artists' studios to galleries, the art academy, and museums.
Nadine: "These are all places to build a reference framework for yourself: what's happening in the art world, what is there to see, and what do I personally like?" If you're afraid of getting bored with a purchase, they have a tip. Nienke: "An idea often lasts longer than an image. If you hang a pretty picture above the couch, it often barely catches your attention after a while. If you choose a piece of art whose story fascinates, intrigues, or even irritates you, it often remains interesting for much longer."
Nienke almost always chooses art by female artists. "I've always been more attracted to work by women, and when I discovered the huge gender gap in the art market, it felt logical to continue supporting female artists." Nadine loves art that makes her think. "I find it interesting when an artist looks at the world in a different way than I do, maybe because they grew up somewhere else, or have a different gender identity. For me, that's the best thing about art: sometimes it gives me such a fascinating glimpse into someone else's way of thinking."
2. LEARN ABOUT ART
Anyone can collect art – you don't need to have studied for it. But some basic knowledge can make artworks much more interesting, say Nadine and Nienke. In The Big Art Buying Book, the book they wrote together, they combined their collective knowledge. For example, Nadine knows a lot about the history of art as an art historian, and Nienke knows a lot from the practical side of the art world. In the book, you'll find a lot of background information about art history, selection (what to buy and what not?), and who plays which role in the art world (from curator to critic).
3. TAKE THE PLUNGE
Buying your first piece is exciting. Will you still like it in a year, is it worth the money? They can be brief about the latter: it's good to know what a reasonable price is, but the best reason to buy a piece of art is because it attracts you. Not because it might increase in value – because that doesn't happen often. Nienke: "If you want to get rich, art is not the best way." If you're attracted to a piece but still hesitate, Nadine says, "Don't be too afraid to take the plunge. Every piece you buy is part of your journey. Dare to trust your instincts." Nienke: "It's actually like finding a partner: if you've found something that suits you, then you know it's right."
4. MAKE ART A PART OF YOUR LIFE
Approach art in a way that suits you. Take friends to a fair and discuss what appeals to you and what doesn't. Nadine: "It's not only much more fun, but it also helps you understand your own taste." And don't be afraid to live near artworks, says Nienke. "Art collectors also have dogs, cats, and children. A house is not a museum, don't be too careful. It should remain fun."
BONUS TIP: DON'T BUY, BUT BORROW
Buying is not a must, of course. If you want something beautiful on the wall but not necessarily forever – or if you prefer to 'save up' for a piece of art rather than buy it all at once – then the Art Rental from Kunstpunt Groningen can be a solution. You'll find works by local artists in various styles, you can rent them starting from €7.75 per month, and you can switch whenever you want.
For more information: Youngcollectorscircle.nl. Festival Art For You takes place on April 20 & 21. More information: Artforyoufestival.nl
This article is published in KUNST.magazine #2.