The art you like says a lot about you: Here’s a starter guide to collecting

From reflecting your personality to being a good investment, not to mention the cultural capital you will accrue from it, collecting art has many benefits. Here are some expert tips to start an art collection if you're new to this world.

Written by Rishika Singh
New Delhi | Updated: October 20, 2023 12:02 PM IST

3 min read

Did you know the art you like can say a lot about your personality? (Source: Artix/ Representational)

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Collecting art pieces is often thought of as a good investment, just like buying a home or a classic Hermès Birkin. All the richest billionaires are a testament to that statement. But did you know the art you like can say a lot about your personality?

“Whether it’s in the secretive demeanour Da Vinci depicts in his subjects, the intense melancholy reflected in Amrita Sher-Gil’s self-portrait, or the muted tones used in American artist Mary Blair’s whimsical pieces, art has a way of putting personality into colour and context,” wrote visual artist Gunjan Shrivastava in a LinkedIn post, and in most cases, this belief of art representing ‘the self’ is transferable from artist to admirer.

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She’s not wrong. A British study that surveyed over 90,000 people in 2005 on their artistic preferences revealed telling details about the personalities of the respondents.

Conducted by Goldsmiths University and the University College of London, the survey found that participants who preferred representational art like impressionism were significantly more agreeable and conscientious and less open to new experiences. Those who were more open, rated the abstract works higher.

Another study conducted by James Cook University in 2018 found that people who have neurotic tendencies — anxious, shy, moody — find abstract and pop art more appealing.

From reflecting your personality to being a good investment, not to mention the cultural and social capital you will accrue from it, collecting art has many benefits. Here is a guide to start an art collection, from Payal Kapoor, founder of Arushi Arts Gallery, if you’re new to this world.

ALSO READ | Italy’s famous Farnesina Collection debuts in India with 72 contemporary artworks

Newbie tips to start an art collection

Identify good art galleries, which are institutions that collect, display, and exhibit remarkable works of art and culture. They frequently showcase a variety of artists, provide educational opportunities, and offer a stage for artistic expression.
Hunt for skilled artists who can convey their distinctive viewpoints and experiences through works of art that resonate with audiences and add to the vast tapestry of human expression. They are in entrusted with moulding culture, provoking thought, and disseminating ideas.
Never give up looking for reputable museums that are a treasure trove of important historical, scientific, artistic, or cultural artefacts, works of art, and objects.
Try to keep with the trends by learning about art history, different art movements, and the artists whose work are meant to bring revolution.
Diversify your collection by bringing in paintings, sculptures, photography, or digital art by emerging artists.

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