Affordable Art: Fact or Oxymoron?
Modigliani Expected to Sell for $100 Million or More
If you think you have to be mad, or one of the Mad Men, read how it might still be possible to buy art in the 21st century.
With prices like that it seems like it would be impossible for anyone to become an art collector these days.
Of course, it was the very wealthy who were the major collectors and art supporters in the past.
But not all artists made it big while they were alive. Modigliani, whose 1917 painting, “Reclining Nude” will probably sell in the 9 figures this November when it is auctioned off by Christie’s, died penniless.
Some people view buying art as a luxury. Others think of it as an investment.
It really shouldn’t be either.
Fortunately for art lovers, including actor John Slattery of Mad Men fame, there are ways for all of us (even non-actors) to purchase art for a mere fraction of what a big name gallery or auction house would charge. Namely, the Affordable Art Fair.
At the Affordable Art Fair, it’s hard to duck the affable gallerists – who have come from Hong Kong, Barcelona, and Paris, as well as across North America – eager to explain the nuances of the photographs, lithographs, prints, oil paintings and myriad other works on display.
AdvertisementThis year, while the top price was $10,000, the bottom was $100, and a lot of the pieces on display were in the range of $750 to $2,000 – a far cry from anything in a typical New York gallery, much less an auction house.
Whether you have a lot of money to spend or not, focus on buying art that brings you pleasure. Don’t try to buy something just because you think it will increase in value. Even though this Modigliani did, a lot more art did not. So buy what you like. Display it proudly and enjoy it.
Thanks to Suzanne McGee of the Guardian for the original article. Read it here.
Photograph of John Slattery: Janette Pellegrini
