First Edition: Collecting Demystified
July Newsletter
This month I thought I’d do a brief musing on the term “collector.” It is so interesting to me that the word can be so unapproachable when in reality, aren’t we all collectors in one way or another?
🌊 Deep Dive: Am I A Collector?
It is my personal mission to ensure people can feel comfortable and confident seeking out and enjoying art - from visiting museums to browsing online.
This sentiment became even more apparent when I had a really wonderful conversation with a gallerist in Mexico City (for a special project we are working on at Peggy 👀). The gallerist and I were discussing the concept of being a collector and she immediately mentioned how she’d been a collector her whole life, sharing vivid memories from her childhood gathering everything from shells to concert T-Shirts. I am certain everyone can relate to this — I know I can — and I was so inspired by the way she took the word collector and made it so relatable. As I firmly believe it should be!
Why is it then when you place the word “art” in front of “collector” so many people get an automatic case of imposter syndrome? Maybe it has to do with what one considers art, so let’s take a look at the definition;
art /ärt/
noun
1. the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.
"the art of the Renaissance"
Similar: fine art, artwork, creative activity
the various branches of creative activity, such as painting, music, literature, and dance.
"the visual arts"
Now, I am going to double down on this because I guarantee each and every one of us has at least two things in our possession that can be enjoyed for their beauty or emotional power. So, aren’t we all therefore art collectors on some level or another?
Why am I sharing this thought breakdown in this month’s newsletter? Well, because I feel like so many terms and concepts in the art world status quo make people feel like outsiders, including the term collector, and it is really so important to me that as many people as possible can participate in art. After all, art and visual culture are made to serve as a representation of our time for viewers, i.e. you.
All that to say, next time if someone asks if you are an art collector, take the plunge and say yes, even if you don’t think you are.
Also — if you are curious to hear my conversation with the gallerist, you will have to download the Peggy app once live and have a listen… 🎙🔜
🔥 Trending
Tokyo 2020 Olympics
Seeing as the Olympics are in full swing I thought I’d make a timely recommendation to check out this Culture Type article from 2019 highlighting two painters who focus on portrayals of gymnasts. How fitting!
💸 Advisory Picks
Two stellar West-Coast-based art fair viewing rooms to kick off the month…
Felix — until August 1st.
A new personal favorite fair taking place in person if you happen to be in Los Angeles this week!
Frieze LA — until August 1st.
Lots of great artworks on view in this iteration. Two personal favorites are Jordan Nassar at James Cohan (pictured) or Deborah Segun at The Breeder. Also, for the first time (I believe), there is a special section devoted to digital art.
👋 Parting Words…
I have to keep it short and sweet this month as I am heading to New York! Really looking forward to re-immersing myself into as much art as possible. (I am using and highly recommend downloading the amazing gallery app called See Saw, it is super easy to navigate and serves as a real-time exhibition guide in NYC, LA, Paris, and London.).
If you have any must-see recommendations be sure to let me know!
Until next time…
XX, B