Art Fairs have grown globally over the last 10 years, but visiting them may still be intimidating to some. Art Fairs can be an enjoyable experience and an amazing opportunity to discover new talents and trends. It can also provide a way to see a wide range of works from different genres of art under one roof. Here are a few tips to see you through your next visit to an Art Fair.

Research

As with anything in life, preparation is key. Research the galleries and artists exhibiting. The fairs normally provide a list of exhibitors on their website a few weeks before the event. Check out the caliber of galleries exhibiting at the fair, the committee and selection criteria used to select the exhibitors for the event.

This research will provide an insight into the quality of the art exhibited. It will also help you focus on what you are looking for and narrow your search at the fair. However, be open and explore as well, as there might be a few pleasant surprises, which you might not have considered previously.

Preview Evenings

Attend a preview evening if you can you. I find these to be more sociable with drinks and nibbles provided. You also get the opportunity to meet fellow art collectors, art lovers and have a more in-depth conversation with artists, curators and  even the organisers of the event. The ticket to preview evenings normally cost a little but more, but I think it is definitely worth it. You get to see the art firsthand before the general public.

Fair Catalogue

On arrival at a fair, get the fair’s catalogue. Some fairs offer this for free, but you may have to pay for it at others. The major fairs tend to charge for their catalogues. The catalogue will provide you with a complete list and more information on all the exhibitors. The catalogue will also serve as a good roadmap during your visit and a useful reference point after the show.

Guided Tour

I will recommend signing up for a guided tour around the fair, which is often led by an art professional like an art historian or curator. The tour guides are mostly aware of the hidden treasures of the fairs and are happy to show them and point out their favourites. I find my visit to be more of an educated experience when I go on a guided tour around the fair. The tour normally last between an hour or two, depending on the size of the fair. Major art fairs normally charge for this privilege.

Ask Questions

Do not be scared to ask questions about pieces you are interested in. Galleries and artists are always willing to talk about their work, the techniques used in the creations and the inspirations behind each piece. Ask questions about the media, context of the work, history, the biography of the artist, past and future exhibitions of the artists.

Buying Art

We all engage and experience art differently, for some it is a personal and vulnerable encounter and for others it is a rational and logical engagement. When looking at an art piece you may be considering to buy. Ask yourself the reasons why you want to buy the art. Investment or enjoyment? If it’s for pleasure, how does the art make you feel? Does it bring back memories? Can you bear looking at it every day? Will it fit in with your decor or existing collection? Do you have room for it? How does it need to be looked after? I buy art with my feelings, I have to connect with a piece of art, it has to move me in some way. I have to feel it in my entire being before I make a purchase.

Price

If there is a piece you absolutely love, but think you can’t afford it. I believe there is no harm in negotiating on price or ask for a payment plan. In the UK, the government runs a scheme through the Art council encouraging people to buy art, via “The Own Art scheme” designed to make it easy and affordable for everyone to buy contemporary works of art and craft including paintings, photography, sculpture, glassware and furniture. You can borrow up to £2,000, or as little as £100, and pay back the loan in 10 monthly instalments interest free. In my experience, If you are hoping for a discount, the last day of the fair is good for negotiating, as galleries are more susceptible to offers.

It is worth noting, that my tips on asking questions, buying art and negotiating on price can be applied to other art establishments as well and are not just limited to Art Fairs.

Dress Up

Have fun and dress up and show your creative and artistic style through your fashion when visiting the art fair. I met a couple at the Berlin Art week and  bumped into them again at FIAC in Paris and they were all dressed up, it made for a more interesting experience, seeing visitors embracing artistry and showing their own unique style through fashion at art events.

Foot Wear

Last but not the least, wear comfortable shoes as you could be on your feet for hours. Visiting an art fair is like shopping. An art fair is not a place for 5inch heels, but if you own a comfortable pair, go for it!:)

That’s it for now. If you have any tips you wish to share, please comment and share this blog post with others. I leave you with a link to FIAC Paris for an insight into a major art fair experience. Enjoy.

 

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2015-09-11T19:02:36+00:00