Two things that I have taken away from these experiences, which I hope will inspire you to a visit now we can again! Art and antiques fairs are the place to see a wide variety of disciplines all under one roof. I wander the fair before opening to the public and the hustle and bustle and have one on one conversations with exhibitors. The other important learning is that having so many disciplines together in one location really helps you to develop your own ideas and taste in art.
Having these experiences from an early age made me realise that as much as I loved the specialisation of the family business, I really also started to love contemporary art.
Visiting fairs and having various disciplines all under one roof made me look at various things. Some I will never get and some I really started to love and learn more about.
At first, of course, I too was nervous to ask questions to get a better understanding, but as I know what it is like to be ‘on the other side’, I did ask! A dealer/specialist is always happy to share his or her passion with you! Do not be afraid!
The variety of art on display during an art fair also gives you a different perspective on things, how does a photographer and a sculpture approach the same subject? What impact does a painting have versus an installation? How ‘old’ can look new and vice versa.
I would like stress that your first thought should not be: well I am not going because I cannot afford it! My philosophy is, go to art fairs, and yes also to those representing the top of the market, here you will see the best and learn from the best! And it all starts with: ‘Do I like it? Does it appeal to me?’ It is that simple! There are (contemporary) artists that are at the top of the market, have international acclaim and…..I will never get it! And if you do fall in love with a piece a wise person once told me: buy the best within the budget that you have!
Browse, Be inspired, Start collecting!
Some of my go to art & antique fairs (in no particular order of importance) and possibly forgetting some:
Arts & antiques
Modern & Contemporary Art
Photography