There is a lot of help you can get out there about art collection. While the arts are mostly a visual culture, there is a lot of literature that remains undiscovered by new art collectors. Whether you're new to the art market or simply looking for new references for the contemporary art scene, here are 5 books about art collection to help you navigate the scene easily.
The $12 Million Stuffed Shark: The Curious Economics of Contemporary Art
by Don Thompson
If you're wondering why some artworks are priced at an astronomical value, Don Thompson is here to help you understand the economics and marketing strategies of art dealers when making this happen. Thompson also discusses how ego and pride take a big role in art pricing in today's art market.
The Intrepid Art Collector: The Beginner's Guide to Finding, Buying, and Appreciating Art on a Budget
by Lisa Hunter
Every new art collector should have this on their bookshelves. Lisa Hunter shares tips and tricks on buying art without spending a fortune on it as well as checklists to evaluate artworks and avoid buying counterfeit. Hunter also shares insightful conversations with dealers, curators, lawyers, and appraisers.
I Sold Andy Warhol (Too Soon)
by Richard Polsky
When should you sell an artwork you have on hand? Art dealer Richard Polsky shares a personal story of when he sold Andy Warhol's Fright Wig in 2005, only to find its value rising exponentially over the following years. Polsky shares how the 2000s became a time of growing art market in this fun book.
Provenance: How a Con Man and a Forger Rewrote the History of Modern Art
by Laney Salisbury and Aly Sujo
John Drewe was a British purveyor of art forgeries and he hired John Myatt to do the paintings for him. In this book, Laney Salisbury and Aly Sujo tell the story of these two. This book should tell you a big lesson not only about provenance but also on whose hands did an artwork pass through before getting to you.
The Value of Art: Money, Power, Beauty
by Michael Findlay
What determines the value of the artwork? Art dealer Michael Findlay breaks it down for you. From social, economical, to its commercial aspects, every artwork has a contributing factor that determines its value. The book should give you the upper hand when making deals and combating overpriced works and fakes.