How to collect contemporary art with Sarah Murray
We speak with Sarah Murray, Associate Director at Niagara Galleries, for her insider advice on how to begin a contemporary art collection. Nexus has been working with the Melbourne for decades selecting art works for interiors and clients, and Sarah’s knowledge, eye and empathy are next to none.
What’s your best advice to people who want to begin collecting Contemporary art?
Niagara frequently works with established collectors, but also people who are just starting out with their collecting and are completely overwhelmed by the process. Those who are new to collecting can often be quite intimidated by a gallery space and it’s always been our priority to put them at ease.
The thing new clients often say is ‘we don’t know anything about art.’ There are no right or wrong answers here. What do you love? I always suggest doing a bit of research first to figure out what you’re drawn to. Look through catalogues and online and visit lots of different exhibitions, too.
After some looking, you can get a sense of what you respond to; maybe it’s pure abstraction, photo realism or something with a bit of humour. If you share this information with gallerists, it gives them somewhere to start. Once you build a rapport/relationship of trust it allows them to suggest different artists to you and keep you up to date with shows by new artists.
What about collecting art versus buying art? And what if your budget is more fish and chips than champagne?
Of course, not everyone is a ‘collector’. I also love collaborating with designers and architects to find the perfect pieces to enhance spaces they have been working on, as well as with clients who are simply looking for one or two works to finish their homes. Budgets can vary greatly, too and I am mindful of this. Our works on paper drawers hold the most wonderful prints and drawings, starting from around $500. This can often be a more affordable way of accessing works by an artist whose paintings might be out of reach and are equally as wonderful.
What are the benefits of buying from living artists?
Buying from living artists is fulfilling on several levels. By purchasing work from living artists, you can directly impact their career, helping them to produce further work, with a flow on effect to the community at large. What these artists are doing is valuable, and by purchasing their work, you’re acknowledging that.
You can support early career artists by attending graduate and university shows, and the great thing is, emerging artists are usually affordable. Jumping in at the beginning of an artist’s career and watching them progress is wonderful. You feel invested in their success.
Should you buy for love or money?
Love always. I’m all about the emotional and physical response. I want people to wake up every day and eat their muesli looking at something they love. For me it’s all about the absolute joy of living with unique pieces by people who have put their heart and soul into making them.
Image credits: Kindly provided by Sarah Murray