The commas and zeros associated with buying art are enough to scare any aesthetes away from a purchase. However, social media has proven to be a perfect platform to find pieces from up-and-coming artists at reasonable prices. Here’s some guidance in narrowing the search for affordable art on the world wide web and some artists you can invest in.
Where Do I Start?
Although buying art may feel overwhelming at first, Carlos Gallostra, an art professor at University of Miami, said to start by identifying what you love most. “Discover for yourself what makes art aesthetically compelling, pleasurable, appreciated with time and, in short, great,” said Gallostra. Exploring online art galleries, according to Gallostra, can also further expose you to emerging artists and help develop your taste.
After establishing your budget and style preference, read up on artists’ trajectories and where their work is coming from. Putting time and effort in the process develops a deeper trust and connection to art. “Choosing art is a very personal experience—everyone has different styles and making a decision of buying art requires research and passion,” said Gio Henao, a representative for Bekanze, an expressive art gallery in Coconut Grove.
What Makes Art Valuable In The First Place?
Some may wonder why certain art is considered priceless while others of similar style are significantly less expensive. “One important thing to remember is that what makes art valuable isn’t only linked to the artist quality, but may sometimes be related to its past origins and historical significance,” said Henao.
However, the price of a piece ultimately comes down to the negotiations set by the buyer. “The real value of art comes from the love and passion someone feels and is willing to invest in a piece of art,” said Henao.
Buying art can be negotiable. Don’t be afraid to come to an agreement with the seller on a price that measures both your value for a piece and the seller’s value of their work. “Take the time to review an artist’s track record and general range of price estimates,” said Gallostra.
From Small Artists Themselves
Emerging artists have found impressive success through social media, as is the case with Tatiana Cardona. Cardona is a Miami-based artist behind the ceramics brand Female Alchemy, which has racked up over 355,000 followers on TikTok. She describes her pieces as “lively, empowering, functional and meant to brighten up any space.” Cardona found that sharing product photography on social media has allowed her to continue gaining success. Besides finding clients for commissions and growing her business, Cardona’s creative network has grown internationally with Instagram and TikTok, giving her opportunities to meet people from all over the world.
Jacqueline Dubois, a UM senior majoring in creative advertising, has also turned to social media to connect with other artists, buyers and friends. Dubois said when she first introduced her paintings on social media, she didn’t intend to develop an art business. “I got a few direct messages from people interested in purchasing. I just about died. And the rest is history,” Dubois said. “I never felt like I could be a ‘real’ artist.”
SUPPORT SMALL ARTISTS
Emerging artists—especially students—are just as deserving of support as seasoned collectors. Gallostra encourages people to think of it as “an opportunity to become part of their support system—part of their human experience.” Here are a few you can check out on Instagram.
Jacqueline Dubois—Paintings
@artofjqwellin
Tatiana Cardona—Ceramics
@female.alchemy
Manuela Escobar—Pop Art
@me.artmiami
Loginowski—Pop Art
@loginowski_art
Cj Priester—Paintings
@priestterr
Kit Agar—Prints
@kitagar
DISCOVER YOUR STYLE IN-PERSON OR ONLINE
If you’re feeling creative and want to get out of the house, check out these galleries that are just a short drive from campus.
Bekanze
3094 Fuller St #13, Miami, FL 33133
Art Fusion Galleries
2085 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127
Flowerbox Projects
5708 NE 4th Ave, Miami, FL 33137
Virtual galleries are an innovative way to safely find inspiration and excitement in buying art.
Return on Art—online art gallery
www.returnonart.com
Artsy—online art gallery
www.tsy.net
Saatchi Art—online art gallery
www.saatchiart.com
words_nina phan. photo_sydney burnett & tatiana cardona. design_avani choudhary.
This article was published in Distraction’s winter 2020 print issue.