Here is some hot off the press news for you... The Art Market is changing. Yes, the economy is affecting Art. While I doubt you've given this much thought, I also suspect you don't find this to be a huge surprise. There are, however, some changes of interest that accompany the obvious effects of the downturn. For example, high end sales at auction houses continue and collectors continue to collect. Emerging artists are still making strides and getting noticed, and the White House is getting a new art collection.
So what is driving these segments of the Art Market to trend upward ? Opportunity. The opportunity to grab an Old Master work at auction for far less than it was cataloged last year. The Opportunity for an emerging artist to get their work in a gallery less likely to accept them last year, and the Opportunity for a new family, a new political dynasty to make a lasting impression of their impact to America by way of "fresh paint" on the walls.
The point is not that the wealthy are still buying stuff - rather, the collector is still collecting and new collectors are seizing the opportunity. But why ?
Because art in our home, or on our body for that matter, is a statement of who we are. Art is a direct reflection of what inspires us, and what challenges us. Art allows us to make a definitive, or ambiguous statement about ourselves. The craving for individuality is not only immune to economic fluctuations, it's in fact strengthened by economic crisis. We seek opportunity to break away from the pack and seize life.
We are redefining material need. Who doesn't think that celebrity excess is the new "tacky" ? Art isn't about filling a space - it's about creating a mood and a statement and feeling. The need for Art isn't material, it's spiritual.
Want to know the hardest thing about owning an Art Gallery ? (Besides being poor...) Living daily with beautiful creations by amazing people - and wanting each work for myself. I connect to the work, I connect with the artists vision and message and I see how each work relates to my own ideas and personality.
I'm sure you've made some material changes in your family too. "Stuff" is just so silly now. So as you begin to pull out of the fear and into celebrating your life and lifestyle by tiptoeing back into refreshing your home - make sure your feeding your soul, not your wall.
Cheers,
Vanessa
ps....check out our new Exhibit : (e)scape ....starting June 20th !!
