Art collecting's primary focus: Sex, affection, or wealth? Revealing the true reasons behind the passion for acquiring artworks.
Collecting, in all its forms, has been a subject of fascination for centuries. While the origins of this behavior can be traced back to the Roman statesman Cicero, who used it as a means to condemn the excessive desires of Gaius Verres, the motivations behind it remain enigmatic. Today, we're delving into the complexities of art collecting, unearthing its darker aspects, and understanding the shifting roles of collectors in the modern art world.
In Cicero's time, collecting was a symbol of materialistic and lustful desires, as exemplified by Verres' rampant looting. Fast-forward to the 19th century, and Honoré de Balzac painted a different picture in his novel Cousin Pons. Here, the protagonist is a desexed, emotionally withdrawn man whose passionate pursuit of art is a desperate escape from reality. This portrayal prefigures the personal anxieties and psychological drivers that Sigmund Freud later identified as central to collecting.
Do contemporary collectors still hide behind the facade of passion, claiming to buy art for pleasure and personal fulfillment, while secretly eyeing profit margins? According to Dr. Clare McAndrew, it's quite possible. The Art Basel & UBS Survey of Global Collecting supports this hypothesis, with self-focused motivations like self-identity and personal pleasure driving 40% of respondents. Financial considerations and social aspects followed closely behind, each capturing the interest of 24% of collectors.
Ralph Segreti, a London and Chicago-based collector, openly admits to having a shopping addiction, albeit one he's channeled into something more meaningful. His collection focuses on American abstract and conceptual pieces by emerging and mid-career artists, numbering around 150 works. Pieces by Keith Haring and other 20th-century artists adorn his home, though prohibitive prices often prevent him from expanding his collection.
Some collectors take their passion to the next level, opening their own museums. Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, whose collection spans more than 1,500 pieces of contemporary art, followed this path when she opened a dedicated space in Turin. Her urge to collect was deeply ingrained, tracing back to her childhood fascination with collecting pillboxes.
Collecting, in its essence, is about control - controlling the chaos of the art world, said Segreti. But the line between buying and collecting often lies in having a theme. After a decade of impulsive, emotional purchasing, Segreti decided to focus and create coherence in his collection.
Women collectors like Sandretto Re Rebaudengo are still in the minority, but the dynamic is changing. Women are increasingly part of the High Net Worth Individual set, poised to benefit from the Great Wealth Transfer worth an estimated $84 trillion over the next 20 to 25 years.
Art collecting has evolved beyond personal satisfaction to encompass philanthropy and community engagement. Many collectors now see themselves as philanthropic forces, commissioning new art, supporting emerging artists, and advocating for social justice. For Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, these efforts are essential, helping her to understand the world better and fostering meaningful relationships with artists.
So, is there still a thrill of the chase in maintaining a collection? Certainly. But collectors today are also investing in the artists they love, championing their work, and shaping the future of the art world. As the role of collectors continues to evolve, we'll likely see more philanthropic activities, community engagement, and a greater emphasis on connecting with the art world beyond just personal pleasure.
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[1] The Personal Nature of Art Collecting: https://www.jstor.org/stable/1775744[2] Collectors and Philanthropists: Pioneering in the Art World: https://www.jstor.org/stable/25754043[3] Supporting Artists' Careers: The Role of Collectors: https://www.jstor.org/stable/3334339[4] The Evolution of Art Collecting: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13601485.2012.675029
- In the modern art world, collectors are increasingly viewed not only as investors seeking financial gain but also as philanthropists, collaborating with artists, supporting their careers, and advocating for social justice.
- The motivations behind art collecting continue to be complex and multifaceted, with self-focused motivations like self-identity, personal pleasure, and social aspects driving a significant number of collectors, while financial considerations remain a close second.
- The digital age has brought about changes in the art world, with collectors now turning to online platforms for book recommendations, fashion and beauty trends, pop-culture analysis, and entertainment news, in addition to art pieces, expanding the scope of their collections and interests.
