collecting strategies

Collecting strategies

There are two conventional collecting strategies:

• A "broad," often “eclectic,” approach that combines diverse works from several artists

• An "in-depth" approach that focuses on a select number or group of artists, whose work is collected in significant depth over an extended period of time. 

Americans, in particular, often take a broader approach to collection building, acquiring one or two pieces by several artists. Demand fuels supply, often resulting in a familiar sameness of artist brands and dealer relationships. Focused collections are often associated with a more European tradition, where the emphasis is on developing a cohesive collection with an aesthetic or intellectual foundation.

Ultimately, the most critical attributes in collection building are the collector's passion for and commitment to the ideas reflected in the art. An advantage of working methodically with an advisor is leveraging their knowledge, expertise, and relationships to identify artists and select individual works, avoiding impulsive decisions and purchases.