So.. Today we at MAO introduce our first part of an interview with expert Art Collector and Author Lisa Hunter.. Hey, we figure it's about time something intelligent is posted on this website!! So of course we had to find another blog writer!!
You may already know Lisa Hunter from her great Art Blog - The Intrepid Art Collector. Or you may already have pre-ordered your copy of her amazing new, Must Have Book - The Intrepid Art Collector. So, if you haven't ordered one yet.. there's still time.. I think there's still one or 2 copies left on Amazon...click here to get one while you can!
Our first MAO help session question.. is a bit near and dear to the Art Obsessed heart.. so it may sound just a little too familiar...Let's just say, We will file this one under.. getting fucked over by looked over by the hot NYC gallery system..
MAO Question #1 : So there’s this young super hot artist, and you’ve fallen in love with their work. In your heart, you already know they are the next Andy Warhol. You've saved up the last several months (or even years), enough money to buy one of the artist’s signature works. But the gallery that represents the artist seems to only want to sell the work to Museums, “Important” collectors and Institutions. They don't return your calls or emails, since your last name is not Perlman, Rockefeller, Gund, Kravis or Lauder... What do you suggest the small unknown collector with an obsession a passion do?? Maybe changing our last name to Broad, Tish, Bronfman or Stern would be easier ?
Answer Lisa Hunter : This situation stinks for a collector who really loves the work, but the dealer has the artist's best interests at heart. After all, being in the “right” collection is part of what makes the artist “the next Andy Warhol.” For the locked-out collector, there are still a few back doors to try:
For starters, align yourself with an art world power. Most people assume this means hiring a well-connected art consultant, but you could also take an entrepreneurial approach. For example, if you're involved with a contemporary art museum (and you SHOULD be if you plan to collect seriously), approach the curator and ask if they want the artist's work in their collection. If so, you might be able to make a deal whereby you’d purchase the work and let the museum have it on long-term loan. That would satisfy the dealer’s desire to have the work seen and recognized, and you'd get to own it -- although, obviously, you'd rather have it in your living room. (Collectors with deeper pockets sometimes agree to buy a work to donate outright to a museum for every work they’re allowed to buy for themselves.)
You could also pay through the nose when the work finally comes up for auction. Or just wait for the next recession. When the economy tanks, someone is likely to auction “the next Andy Warhol.” I bought things in 1992 I could never afford today – back when the first Andy Warhol was going for a (relative) song.
Stay tuned for Lisa Hunter Interview parts 2 & 3.
In the mean time.. I'll be at the NYC court house.. changing my name.. I'm thinking maybe Mike Perlman sounds like it has a nice ring to it, or maybe Michael Kravis ??....hmmmm....What do you think?