Yesterday I attended a panel discussion on how to collect affordable photography hosted by Aperture. It was moderated by the lovely and photogenic Laurel Ptak (more on this later), Aperture's Educational Programs Manager, Kellie McLaughlin of Aperture's Limited-Edition Photographs Program, Amani Olu, founder and executive director of the Humble Arts Foundation and Director of the Bond Street Gallery, collector Ruben Natal-San Miguel of ARTmostfierce arts blog, and photographer Brian Ulrich.
Although the discussion was geared towards first-time and young collectors, I attended hoping to learn what sort of advice was given to collectors and how, as a photographer, I might fit into that. The basic and obvious advice given was "To buy what you love". I was especially struck by Amani Olu's description of how he founded Humble Arts Foundation; it was simply a desire to host online group shows of photographers he admired without regard to their market value. "If I look at a photograph I just ask myself if I like it or not. I don't worry about whether it will sell." He did admit to some new challenges to this philosophy now as director of the commercial Bond Street Gallery. It will be interesting to see how he balances both roles.
I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting Ruben Natal-San Miguel, one of the most approachable, enthusiastic and charming art collectors I've come across. He was very passionate about photography (which he now exclusively collects) and advised potential collectors to do their homeowrk by thoroughly researching artists. With the presence of the web, almost all information regarding artists/art fairs/events can be found. He also cautioned, "If you see a limited edition photograph you think you may want buy it before it's too late. Time is of the essence."
The main conclusion of the evening was that technology has resulted in a paradigm shift that has helped to circumvent the gallery system in many respects. The informational resources we have access to has made collecting art and photography more democratic.
