The Art of Collecting: Expert Strategies and Insights for Building a Meaningful Art Collection

Art collecting is a pursuit driven by personal passion, investment, and aesthetic appreciation. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just beginning your journey, understanding the motivations and strategies behind successful art collections is key. Sam Lewishohn’s essay, Is Collecting an Art?, offers a wealth of wisdom that can guide collectors in creating collections that are not only valuable but also personally meaningful. This article explores Lewishohn’s insights and provides practical strategies and tactics for building a collection that resonates both aesthetically and emotionally.

Start with Research

Before making significant art purchases, it's essential to begin with thorough research. Whether you're investigating an artist’s background, evaluating the provenance of a piece, or simply exploring new trends in the market, understanding the landscape is crucial. One great resource for collectors is Art Collector IQ, which provides valuable insights into fine art auctions, artist performances, and market trends. Subscribing to such platforms ensures you stay informed about auction results and which artists are gaining momentum in the art world.

Types of Art Collectors

Lewishohn identifies two main types of art collectors: name collectors and historical collectors. Name collectors are primarily interested in owning works by well-known artists, focusing on the prestige that comes with having a famous name in their collection. These collectors often seek out rare works or pieces by artists who are highly regarded by their peers or the market. However, this approach can sometimes overshadow the intrinsic beauty of the artwork itself.

On the other hand, historical collectors are more interested in the context and chronology of an artist’s career. They may prioritize understanding the influences that shaped a particular piece, often approaching art with an archaeological mindset. While this can deepen one’s appreciation for the artwork, Lewishohn warns that overemphasizing historical context can detract from the aesthetic experience of the art.

Aesthetic Appreciation vs. Historical Significance

One of Lewishohn’s core arguments is that the primary motivation for collecting art should be aesthetic enjoyment, rather than the historical significance of a piece. While it is certainly valuable to understand an artist’s influences or the period in which a work was created, the emotional and visual impact of the artwork should take precedence.

For collectors, this means prioritizing how a piece resonates with them personally. Does it evoke a strong emotional response? Does the artwork invite deeper contemplation over time? These questions should guide purchasing decisions, rather than focusing solely on the artist’s reputation or the work’s place in art history.

Creating an Aesthetic Experience

Lewishohn also discusses the importance of curating a collection for aesthetic cohesion, rather than historical accuracy. He compares arranging a collection of artworks to creating a new piece of art in itself. By considering how the pieces interact visually—through their colors, compositions, and rhythms—collectors can create an immersive experience that enhances the beauty of each individual piece.

This concept is particularly relevant when designing a gallery space or curating a personal collection. Instead of arranging pieces chronologically or by theme, collectors should focus on how the artworks work together to create a harmonious and engaging environment. This approach can elevate the overall impact of the collection, making it more than just a series of individual works.

The Importance of Patience and Open-Mindedness

Patience is a critical component of art collecting. Lewishohn emphasizes that many people make the mistake of dismissing artworks they don’t immediately understand or that don’t align with their preconceptions. He likens art to a language that requires time and practice to fully appreciate.

For collectors, this means being open to new experiences and giving each piece the time it needs to reveal its deeper meanings. It is essential not to rush to judgment or rely solely on first impressions. Instead, take the time to engage with a work of art slowly, allowing its complexities to unfold gradually. By doing so, collectors can avoid passing over pieces that may ultimately provide long-term satisfaction and enjoyment.

Avoiding the Pitfall of Narrative Focus

One common mistake in art appreciation, as identified by Lewishohn, is the tendency to search for a narrative or story within a painting. Many viewers expect a painting to function like a work of fiction, conveying a clear plot or message. This approach can limit one’s understanding of the artwork, as it reduces the painting to its subject matter rather than focusing on its aesthetic qualities.

Instead, collectors should train their eyes to appreciate the formal elements of a piece, such as composition, color, light, and texture. By moving beyond the search for a narrative, collectors can engage more deeply with the artwork and appreciate the visual and emotional impact it provides.

Balance and Cohesion in Art

A key principle in evaluating art, according to Lewishohn, is balance. A successful painting must hold together as a cohesive whole, with its various elements—such as color, light, and rhythm—working in harmony to create a satisfying composition. This principle of balance applies not only to individual works of art but also to the overall curation of a collection.

For collectors, this means looking beyond the individual merits of a painting and considering how its different parts contribute to the overall effect. Even a piece with exceptional detail can fall short if it lacks balance as a whole. Similarly, when curating a collection, collectors should think about how the individual pieces work together to create a unified aesthetic experience.

Curating with Intentionality

Building a collection is not just about acquiring individual pieces but about curating a cohesive and meaningful whole. Collectors should approach their collections with intentionality, thinking about how each piece fits into their overall vision. This may involve considering how works from different periods, styles, or mediums interact with one another, or it may mean focusing on a specific theme or aesthetic that ties the collection together.

When curating with intentionality, collectors can create a collection that reflects their personal tastes and values while also providing a more engaging experience for viewers.

Avoid Over-Focusing on Market Trends

While it’s tempting to focus on market trends and the potential financial value of a piece, Lewishohn advises against letting these factors dominate one’s collecting strategy. The art market is notoriously volatile, and what is in vogue today may fall out of favor tomorrow. Instead, collectors should focus on acquiring pieces that resonate with them personally and that they will continue to appreciate over time, regardless of market fluctuations.

By collecting based on personal taste and aesthetic enjoyment, rather than market trends, collectors can build a collection that brings lasting satisfaction.

Engage with Art on Multiple Levels

Art offers multiple layers of meaning, and it is essential to engage with these different levels to fully appreciate a work. This includes understanding the historical context and technical execution of a piece, as well as its aesthetic and emotional impact. However, as Lewishohn notes, historical context should always remain secondary to the aesthetic experience.

For collectors, this means approaching each work with an open mind, considering not just its surface-level qualities but also the deeper meanings and intentions behind it. Engaging with art on multiple levels allows for a richer and more fulfilling collecting experience.

Building Relationships with Galleries and Artists

One of the best ways to stay informed and find unique opportunities is by building strong relationships with galleries and artists. Galleries are often the gatekeepers to the art world, and maintaining a good rapport with them can provide access to exclusive opportunities, new works, and insider knowledge.

Additionally, developing a personal connection with artists can deepen a collector's appreciation for the work and provide insight into the creative process. Collectors who establish these relationships are better positioned to stay informed about emerging trends and opportunities.

Document and Insure Your Collection

As with any valuable asset, it’s important to document and insure your art collection. This includes keeping detailed records of each piece’s provenance, purchase price, and any restoration work. Proper documentation not only protects your investment but also ensures that the collection’s value can be accurately assessed over time. Having up-to-date insurance is essential to safeguard against potential damage or loss.

Conclusion

Sam Lewishohn’s essay, Is Collecting an Art?, offers timeless advice for art collectors, emphasizing the importance of aesthetic enjoyment over status or historical significance. By prioritizing emotional and visual impact, approaching art with patience and open-mindedness, and curating with intentionality, collectors can build meaningful collections that provide lasting satisfaction. Ultimately, the true value of art lies in its ability to inspire and move us, and by following these strategies and tactics, collectors can ensure that their collections reflect this deeper purpose.

References

Lewishohn, Sam. “Is Collecting an Art?” PARNASSUS, November 10-December 10, 1947.