Interior Design Insights: Art Attack

... Or a beginner's guide to starting an art collection.

Written by Lynn Malone, exclusively for Luxaflex with expert art adviser, Brenda Colahan of Brenda Colahan Fine Art.

Street walking for art
Entry to many London galleries and museums is free including the Tate Modern. Without question Tate Modern is steeped in history and its collection of modern and contemporary art is extraordinary; however, my interests were in the streets. Finding London street art and commercial galleries was equally intriguing and time well spent visiting... Here are my picks.  Happy trails.

Hebru Brantley Six, 2014. Courtesy of Mead Carney Fine Art, London

Mead Carney
meadcarney.com
Representing megastar artists Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst, Mead Carney are on top of their game when it comes to identifying artists who have potential to be highly collectible and purchase prices to soar. Hebru Brantley is one of those handpicked by Mead Carney and the Gallery hosted his first international exhibition. Brantley’s work first came to attention at Art Basel in Miami when hip-hopping zillionaire, Jay Z acquired several pieces.

David Zwirner Contemporary
davidzwirner.com
Fostering the careers of some of the most influential working artists today and estates of internationally acclaimed artists, David Zwirner Contemporary Gallery is one not to miss. While the Gallery represents a wealth of talent, my selection as an emerging artist to watch comes closer to home and is Matt Glenn, a London-based, Australian-born visual artist and coincidently the David Zwirner gallery assistant manager. Glenn is represented in Sydney and Berlin by Michael Reid Gallery.

Matt Glenn, Green screen for an action film, 2011. With permission of the artist.

Street Art London
streetartlondon.co.uk
Here today and gone tomorrow literally describes London’s street art scene with the city council removing artworks often before the paint dries or artists painting over redundant works and viewing the works becomes a moveable visual feast – if you know where to look. East London is the most prolific precinct with Street Art London operating private and group walkabouts. Their guides know where to find the best pieces and in many instances, is one of the artists whose work is viewed.

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Your art starts now

When it comes to starting an art collection – there are seemingly endless choices of galleries, artists, genres and media and the process may prove daunting. Brenda Colahan of Brenda Colahan Fine Art and a Sydney-based professional art consultant, shares her expertise on how to start an art collection:

1. Visit leading galleries
By extensively viewing new and emerging talent at leading galleries way before you purchase you will understand the genres of contemporary art that appeal to you and what you can expect to pay for artworks.

2. Seek professional advice
The ever-changing art world is a confusing place for many, particularly the novice collector. More than ever I recommend that professional advice or second opinions be sought, from gallerists, consultants and art dealers. Ask a lot of questions!

3. Buy what you like
The idea of art as investment has been around for a long time, but with markets changing rapidly it’s hard to pick, even for the experts. It’s important to choose what you relate to and will enjoy having on your walls.

4. Subscribe
Knowing the trends, featured artists, prizewinners and whose works are included in leading public galleries are essential reading for the collector. There are fantastic fine art journals to subscribe to and art books galore at gallery bookshops.

5. A personal journey
Make your collection a personal one by choosing art which you love and which speaks to you. Your collection will become your own self-portrait as you look back on how it has formed, expanded and matured.