Our View on Art (Part I)
Art has a very long tradition and a rich history all across the ages and the existence of mankind. There is a so much to discuss and to showcase, that it would be impossible to compile it all into one article. That said, we want to take a look at modern or contemporary art for now.
We‘ve been working closely with artists, galleries and collectors over the years and are glad to assist our clients with all kinds of needs and wishes in and around the art market. Prices for all kinds of famous artworks have skyrocketed in the recent past and auction results have set new records time and time again. We think that this has to be attributed to different factors, not because art is suddenly more popular but because different types of investors have gotten a taste for the added value of art as an alternative investment in their portfolio. We‘ve had a lot of requests, especially in recent times, to help find artworks of Picasso, Lichtenstein, Warhol and the likes. There is a big appetite for contemporary art and it just keeps growing.
The Demand
We have clearly identified, that the strongest surge of demand has come out of Asian countries as well as the Middle East, where people, companies and investment funds have started to collect or aggressively expand their collections. Let us consider the following. The stock markets are overheated. The real estate market doesn't yield enough return. Art is a sophisticated way to invest. It is a great way of diversification. It is not surprising that art has seen such a surge in importance over the last years, given the considerable creation of new wealth around the world.
Forgery galore
That said, it is very tricky to navigate the art market without the right advisors by your side, as this is probably the market (or industry) with the highest rate of fraud. The pricier the painting becomes, the more counterfeit versions of it will be floating around on the market. Among the ten most copied artist you will find household names but also artists that are only know to art lovers:
Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot (1796–1875)
Giorgio de Chirico(1888–1978)
Honoré Daumier (1808–79)
Salvador Dalí (1904–89)
Kazimir Malevich(1878–1935)
Amedeo Modigliani(1884–1920)
Auguste Rodin (1840–1917)
Vincent van Gogh (1853–90)
Frederic Remington(1861–1909)
Maurice Utrillo (1883–1955)
The most expensive artists
Interestingly enough, the list of the ten most expensive artworks doesn't correlate with the forgery hit list. There is only one name that you'll find on both lists and that is the one of Amedeo Modigliani.
The 10 most expensive artists in the world are the following:
- Leonardo Da Vinci
- Willem de Kooning
- Paul Cezanne
- Paul Gaugin
- Jackson Pollock
- Mark Rothko
- Pablo Picasso
- Amedeo Modigliani
- Roy Lichtenstein
- Edward Hopper
This list is compiled based on auction results for single paintings.
The art world is as multi-facetted as mankind. There are so many styles and movements. There are countless media that are used to express artistic talent. All of it is wonderfully subjective and can only be beautiful in the eyes of the beholder.
Why do we buy art?
The purchasing decision of any work of art should primarily be based on taste and preference. Buying shouldn't be based on what is in style today. It doesn't matter what is "trending". You shouldn't care which artist's auction prices are enflamed. If you're going to collect art then you must listen to your own heart. Listen to your gut. Follow your instinct. In the end you must be able to enjoy your painting rather than locking it away in a safe. Art shouldn't be a trophy you are too scared to loose. We believe that what we do in life has to have meaning and has to bring us joy. That is the only real value we can acquire and that value will never be measurable in money or gold.
Don't get me wrong, there is a monumental difference between buying art for your private collection and investing in art for a return on your money. One has everything to do with your emotive state and the other has nothing to do with it at all.
Regardless of which of these two scenarios is on your mind right now, the team at Veltracon Lifestyle is at your service to help you navigate the market and to find what you desire.
