ART IN THE LIVING ROOM
Art sets the mood and atmosphere of a space and creates a talking point. “I cannot visualise any home without the added element of some kind of art, be it a major work or inexpensive photographs or prints,” says Leila Heller of Leila Heller Gallery. “Artwork from any period enriches the atmosphere of any dwelling.”
Works of art need to fit the size of the room but there’s no need to match them to the colour of the walls or furniture. “My recommendation is that you love the art you buy and go with your gut,” says Leila. “I also recommend that you do your research about the reputation of the source you are buying from, be that a gallery, auction, private dealer or art fair.”
Salma Shaheem, joint venture partner and head of Middle Eastern markets at The Fine Art Group, agrees. She also points out that your research needs to cover the history of the piece. “This is very important for any genre, especially when we look at historical references for genres of the past (i.e. impressionist and modern art and post-war),” she says.
The provenance of the work and its condition also need to be on your checklist. “This is especially relevant in secondary market acquisitions; the photo may not always be a true representation,“Salma adds.
Don’t forget to look to the future as well as the past. “If you’re acquiring an artwork from the primary market and it’s by an emerging artist, it’s important to know what major collections they appear in,” Salma continues. “Have they been; or will there be any future acquisitions by museums or institutions?”
Salma suggests working with an art advisor if you’re new to buying art. “Advisors are equipped with the knowledge and network to make an informed decision,” she explains.