ART BUYING GUIDE - murama.co.uk

BUY ART FROM MURA MA

OUR GUIDE TO BUYING ORIGINAL ART

Painting by Emma Richardson in the home of an art collector

Contemporary art has never been so accessible to buy and collect. Buying art is an investment into culture and should reflect your values, it is a rewarding creative pursuit and the art you select can hugely influence an artist’s career.

Visiting art galleries, large museum shows in different cities, art fairs as well as small independent and artist-run galleries, and of course, online is a great way to explore different art styles, mediums, and genres to identify what resonates with you. Take photographs and start to build a library of what you like.

Contemporary art often pushes boundaries and challenges traditional norms. Be open-minded and willing to explore new and innovative artistic expressions. Your collection can be a reflection of your openness to different perspectives and ideas.

Identify your style and use art to break your own rules

Take note of existing creative expression in your home, how you decorate and arrange furniture and objects, your colour schemes, use of pattern or textures, the pictures you already have on your walls, as well as the period of your home and the style of furniture you have. Is it formal or relaxed? Do you like minimal design or are you a maximalist? Start by taking photographs of your living room and try to see it objectively. All the clues to your style are already there.

Having said that, a piece of art is not necessarily about matching an existing interior, it could be a way to disrupt a harmonious scheme and provide a pop of colour, energy and excitement or make a challenging statement.

Think about space

Take into account the size and layout of the space where you plan to display the artwork. Sometimes a space can really handle something larger than you think. Feel free to break the rules and make the artwork the centrepiece of the room. Small works often get lost on large walls, think about a large piece to fill the space or create a salon hang of smaller works of different sizes. A downstairs bathroom for example is a great place to have fun with artwork.

Mix Mediums, Styles and Scale

Don’t be afraid to mix different art forms and styles. Combining paintings, sculptures, textiles, photographs, and other mediums can create a dynamic and eclectic atmosphere in your home. Consider putting a large picture above a console table with a piece of sculpture or objects to create a focal point. Scale is really important and should be considered in proportion to the room and the furniture, but again break rules if you think it works.

the art of collecting

Good art is not created for a market, find artists who are attempting to express their ideas and have an art practice that is developing, rather than sitting with a style that sells. Cultivate your own taste and understanding of contemporary art and to learn about emerging artists and their work.

Authenticity is not hard to spot and art should not look slick. Learn about contemporary artists and their work by attending gallery openings, art fairs, and exhibitions to discover emerging talent.

art is a cultural investment

While it’s essential to choose art that you love, it’s also worth considering that you are investing in an artist’s career. Research the artist’s reputation, career trajectory and market demand.

Create a budget for your art collection to guide your choices. This will help you narrow down options and prevent overspending. Keep in mind that there is great original art available at various price points.

CONTACT US

view our current collection