Founding director of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair

When starting a collection, do the research and see as much art as possible – speak to art dealers, galleries and artists and go to art fairs to develop an understanding of what it is you would like to collect and what’s on the market. If you’re not sure, don’t buy something expensive first. Accumulate five or six pieces that you’re drawn to and you’ll start to understand the artists, mediums and eras you like.

Building a collection takes time. I find it’s best not to think about how much it might be worth, just be true to your taste and buy what you love. It will likely be in your home for a while.

Art from the African continent, or South America or Asia is often more accessible as those artists are not as visible, or part of the most eminent collections which are traditionally of European or American artists. For other more affordable options, look into art coming out of residency programmes and degree shows. And don’t neglect the auction houses, they can have great deals.

Rising talents I’m watching at the moment include February James (februaryjames.com), Nabeeha Mohamed (@ nabeeha_m) and Michaela Younge (@michaela_younge) and my favourite art Instagram accounts are @mobaala, @afrogallonism, @princejyesi, @alicemann and @armando_ marino_artist.

I suspect if you take the top hundred collectors in the world, their collections are very similar, filled with the top contemporary artists of the moment. Staying true to yourself and buying things that you like and which represents you rather than what’s popular will make your collection unique and engaging. A collection should bring joy!