OFF THE WALL

Ready to make a big-ticket buy? Maree Di Pasquale, the director of this month’s Melbourne Art Fair, shares her tips for taking your appreciation IRL

IT’S IMPORTANT TO LOVE WHAT YOU ARE BUYING FIRST

and foremost, but it’s also important to be an informed purchaser [and] confident in your decision. Research galleries and artists before you get to the fair so you know what you are looking for. The fair’s website and social media platforms are the first stop, and Artsy (artsy.net) is also a fantastic information source for galleries and their work. Art magazines such as Art Collector, Art Guide, Artasiapacific and Vault also have valuable online sites with weekly newsletters, which give a great snapshot of what’s going on in the art world.

THE GALLERIST SHOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO SPEND TIME

explaining things to you. Ask them about the artist’s history and find out what exhibitions and collections they are part of, as these show their works have already been recognised by curators as being worthwhile. Ask them to explain the price: have the artist’s sales and commissions seen a steady rise? Regardless of the amount, the price should be justifiable.

TAKE YOUR TIME TO FIND OUT MORE BEFORE DECIDING

but don’t wait too long – art fairs are fast-paced and the work may not be there when you return. If you miss out, join the gallery’s mailing list and ask them to update you when new works are available. Follow the artist on social media and utilise platforms like Artsy to see what they are doing internationally and locally.

ART FAIRS TAKE A LOT OF THE GUESSWORK OUT.

The artists and their representing galleries have been handpicked by a panel of curators, so you know that the work has critical interest – it’s now about whether you love and want to live with it. Look at the fair’s floorplan, mark the galleries and artists you want to see and prioritise them. Note on your map what you like and what you respond to. An art fair is as much about educating your eye as it is about purchasing work.

Melbourne Art Fair runs August 2-5 at the Southbank Arts Precinct; melbourneartfair.com.au