If you’re looking to buy your first piece of art you needn’t spend a fortune, says Dominic Lutyens
For first-time art buyers, even stepping into a gallery can be intimidating. When you’re greeted – or should that be ignored? – by an unapproachable presence behind a desk, it becomes clear that some galleries specialise not only in art, but also in attitude.
Gallery owners value punters who buy art out of passion rather than for monetary investment, so first-time buyers should never feel unwelcome. Indeed, many gallerists are dismayed at the tendency to ‘collect with the ears rather than the eyes’ by blindly choosing works by hot ‘names’ instead of using personal judgment. “Art isn’t like any other commodity… Speculative buying is antithetical to it,” asserts Maureen Paley, founder of the eponymous gallery in London’s East End (www.maureenpaley.com).
“Always follow your personal taste,” agrees Fred Mann, owner of another east London gallery, Fred (www.fred-london. com). “Living with and enjoying art should be a major part of the process.”
The upshot is that buying art should be fun – which partly accounts for the recent proliferation of art fairs. London has Frieze and the more accessible Affordable Art Fair; Brussels has Art Brussels (which this year takes place from 18-21 April; artexis.com/ artbrussels); Madrid has Arco (www.ifema.es) every February; and Basel boasts its own world-famous fair (4-8 June; artbasel.com). In addition to these seasonal treats, the worldwide art scene has plenty to offer at any time of year. We round up some of the key galleries and artists to check out in London, Budapest, Berlin, Tel Aviv and Madrid.
London
In the past, the US art world viewed Britain as small fry but now, with the arrival of mega art fair Frieze (and its satellite show Zoo), the city attracts international collectors aplenty, and the London art scene has come to rival New York’s.
The famous Cork Street in Mayfair may be home to pricey galleries where some new buyers complain of a frosty reception, but smaller galleries like StART SPACE on Columbia Road on the Shoreditch/Hackney border are just as interesting and less intimidating. StART SPACE (www.st-art.biz) shows reasonably affordable photography, figurative and abstract painting and sculpture. Kirsty McLaren’s dreamlike photographic landscapes sell from €314 (£235), while Tania Britto’s canvases exploring human relationships start at €534 (£400).
England & Co (www.englandgallery.com), on fashionable Notting Hill street Westbourne Grove, is also a great port of call “for first-time buyers and those making costly acquisitions alike,” stresses owner Jane England. One particularly promising artist, she says, is Alberto Duman, whose silkscreen prints of iconic London landmarks, often quirkily represented by text, start from €802 (£600) unframed.
At the London Art Fair (www.londonartfair.co.uk), held every January at the Business Design Centre in Islington, artworks can be bought for as little as €67 (£50), and US magazine Art & Auction has described it as “a modern and contemporary art fair where collectors at all levels of experience can browse and mingle”. Its side show, Photo50, sells works by emerging photographers. Last year, pieces by Gábor Kudász were priced from €200 (£150). For more information on London’s art scene, buy Art in the City – London by Tiddy Rowan (published in April by Quadrille), part of a series that will also include Berlin (to be published in 2009).
Berlin
First-time buyers should make a beeline for Berlin, which is renowned for relatively affordable art. It’s best to bypass the city’s erstwhile art centre, Zimmerstrasse, whose galleries have become very top-end. The new hub is around Auguststrasse in Mitte, but even this is becoming very bourgeois, with rising rents forcing galleries to migrate to funkier neighbourhoods.
In the centrally located borough of Mitte, Heidestrasse is home to several vibrant galleries, including Haunch of Venison and Spielhaus Morrison, while the nearby Brunnenstrasse has Nice and Fit, and Klemm’s. Lindenstrasse in Kreuzberg boasts Gregor Podnar and Konrad Fischer, and nearby Reichenbergerstrasse has Gallerie 5213.
Another approachable gallery is Lorch+Seidel (lorch-seidel.de) on Tucholskystrasse in Mitte, which showcases work by emerging German artists such as Benjamin Bohnsack (a painter of abstract canvases), Charlotte Bedke (a figurative painter) and Daniela Florsheim (a watercolourist).
Rising stars to look out for include Julien Grenier, whose work is exhibited by Galerie 5213; Heinz Peter Knes, represented by the gallery Crone on Kochstrasse, Kreuzberg; and Philip Weigard, who is represented by Laura Mars on Sorauerstrasse, also in Kreuzberg.
Tel Aviv
As a city, Tel Aviv hardly screams ‘world art centre’, but it’s becoming the scene of intense artistic endeavour. By all accounts Israeli culture has become more international and less parochial in the past 10 years, and young artists are intrepidly embracing edgier media.
Although a medium more associated with museums than domestic settings, there is an abundance of video art in Tel Aviv, suggesting that many art lovers buy it for their homes. “Tel Aviv is very rich in trends,” explains Noemi Givon, co-director of one of the city’s most directional galleries, Givon (www.givonartgallery.com). “‘There are about 10 contemporary art galleries altogether, as well as more alternative spaces. At any given moment, one could view about 15 interesting exhibitions in Tel Aviv alone.”
Not a huge art scene, then – but the work on offer is hugely diverse. Givon alone nurtures the work of 19 artists, including the video and sculpture pieces of Erez Israeli; the photographic tableaux of Anan Tzuckerman; and the faux-naif, cartoony paintings of Maurice Ganis.
Other notable Tel Aviv galleries are Dvir (dvirgallery.com), which represents Israeli and international artists; and Rosenfeld (rg.co.il), a large and long-established gallery focusing increasingly on spotting new talent.
Madrid
The Spanish capital has a thriving art scene. At Pepe Cobo (www.pepecobo.com) you’ll find the edgy concrete-and-glass sculptures of Ibon Aranberri and the ghostly silkscreen prints of Cristina Iglesias. Those who prefer established artists should check out the gallery of Helga de Alvear (www.helgadealvear.com), who represents an international mix of well known names, including French-born Jean-Marc Bustamente and British artist DJ Simpson.
Galeria Jorge Alcolea (www.galeriajorgealcolea.com) has a stable of up-and-coming names: there’s Miguel Angel Iglesias, who paints brutalist architecture in unexpectedly psychedelic colours; Jordi Marsal, who specialises in strongly graphic portraits; and David Casals, who creates photorealist rural landscapes. Other artists to look out for when you’re in Madrid include painters Luis Feito and José María Sicilia, and photographer Chema Madoz.
Budapest
The ultra-romantic atmosphere of Budapest lends itself effortlessly to the leisurely pursuit of art-buying. A good area to zoom in on is the street Falk Miksa in the city’s District 5, which teems with galleries selling everything from contemporary art to antiques.
Kieselbach (www.kieselbach.hu) sells older, early 20th-century art, while Várfok Gallery (www.varfok-galeria.hu) is one of the first privately founded galleries in Hungary devoted to contemporary art, and offers lots of scope for first-time buyers. Another space, Dovin (dovingaleria.hu), is highly specialist, zeroing in on landscape painting by artists such as Andrea Huszár, Gergö Kovách, Norbert Kotormán, Réka Nemere, Zoltán Otvös, Krisztián Horváth and Levente Baranyai.
A broad spectrum of genres and periods is shown at the Vintage Gallery (www.vintage.hu), while Erdész & Makláry (www.juditreigl.com) is another respected gallery that’s well worth a visit.
Fun of the fair
Fairs are a handy way to get an overview of a city’s art scene, as well as what’s going on in the art world internationally. Here are some upcoming art-fests to put in the diary:
The Affordable Art Fair London
(13-16 March, www.affordableartfair.com)
The name says it all; at this easy-going fair in Battersea Park, artworks are priced from €67 (£50), and none exceeds €4,000 (£3,000). A wine bar, café and children’s crèche are all on hand.
Battersea Contemporary Arts Fair
London, 16-18 May, www.bcaf.info
This fair spotlights the work of more than 150 established and emerging contemporary artists, photographers and sculptors, who visitors also get to meet. Prints, photography and sculpture can be bought direct from the artist, without galleries or agents taking the usual hefty commission. Work is priced from around €53 (£40).
Art Forum Berlin
Berlin, 3-6 October, www.art-forum-berlin.com
This international fair plays host to more than 120 galleries, and provides a platform for emerging artists. A newer event taking place on similar dates is Preview Berlin (October 2-5; previewberlin. de). Held in a disused hangar at Berlin’s Tempelhof Airport, it attracts around 55 galleries specifically showing work by promising young artists.
marching orders
Put a spring in your step this March – fill your wardrobe with gorgeous new pieces from the spring collections, take a weekend break in Belgium’s ‘Little Versailles’ or just enjoy a gaudy night out on the town
Manoir de Lébioles
Spa, tel. +32 (0)87 791 900, www.manoirdelebioles.com
Situated in the heart of the Ardennes region, the Manoir de Lébioles, Belgium’s ‘Little Versailles’, offers guests refined luxury in secluded surroundings with excellent service and exquisite attention to detail. And unique to the Manoir is the Gourmet Restaurant, and its high level of culinary excellence. There’s no better place for private meetings or receptions. It’s also the ideal venue for functions and its professional team is always able to cater to guests’ requests, however specific they are.
The Stage
Anneessensstraat 10, Antwerp, tel. +32 (0)3 226 50 00, www.thestage.be
Whether you want to mark a special celebration, or just spend quality time with friends, The Stage has got everything you need for a spectacular night out. Just leave your preconceptions at the door, and let us take care of you and your guests, with our friendly service, exquisite food and fantastic performances.
High and Mighty
Avenue Louise 125, B-1050 Brussels, tel. +32 (0)2 537 16 00, www..highandmighty.com
High and Mighty’s reputation for quality and style is well deserved. They have been providing “fashion that fits” for European men of stature for over 50 years. From the classical designs of Pierre Cardin and Polo Ralph Lauren to cutting-edge chic of Kayak, Cottonfield and Animal, there’s something special for every big or tall man. Visit their luxurious Brussels store now open on the fashionable Avenue Louise.
SN3
Frankrijklei 46-48 / Kipdorpvest 37-38, 2000 Antwerp, tel. +32 (0)3 231 08 20, www.sn3.com
Antwerp’s sleekest fashion boutique SN3 offers an exclusive, hand-picked selection of ready-to-wear designer brands and must-have accessories. The 1000m² store houses luxury labels like Chanel, Prada, Gucci and Dior. Its multi-brand section stocks lines such as Miu Miu, YSL, Balenciaga, Marni and Marc Jacobs. And then there are the latest accessories, whether it’s those Prada platforms or this season’s Chloé bag. For women who love fashion, and know style, SN3 is the perfect one-stop shop.
FR Direction art
Pour les investisseurs débutants dans l’art, même entrer dans une galerie peut s’avérer intimidant. Et cependant les galeristes insistent sur le fait qu’ils chérissent les acheteurs qui parient sur l’art par passion plutôt que par volonté d’investissement financier.
Acheter de l’art devrait être un plaisir – ce qui explique en partie la récente prolifération des foires à l’échelle mondiale. Londres a Frieze et la plus accessible Affordable Art Fair; Brussels propose Art Brussels (qui se tient cette année du 18 au 21avril; artexis.com/artbrussels); Madrid a Arco (chaque année en février; ifema.es); et Bâle est réputée pour sa fameuse foire internationale (juin 4-8; artbasel.com).
A ces joies saisonnières s’ajoute la scène internationale de l’art qui a constamment des événements à offrir tout au long de l’année. A Londres, de plus petites galeries comme StART SPACE (st-art.biz) à la frontière de Shoreditch/ Hackney ne font pas de discrimination entre les acheteurs novices et expérimentés. Pour de plus amples informations sur la scène de l’art londonienne, investissez dans un exemplaire de Art in the City – London de Tiddy Rowan (publié en Avril par Quadrille).
Les acheteurs novices devraient s’amasser à Berlin. Dans le quartier central du Mitte, dirigezvous vers la Heidestrasse, qui recense les quelques galeries palpitantes, dont Haunch of Venison et Spielhaus Morrison.
Tel Aviv est une ville qui se positionne difficilement comme ‘centre mondial de l’art’, et pourtant sa scène est intense, avec une sérieuse activité artistique. L’une des galeries les plus en vue est Givon (givonartgallery.com).
La scène artistique de Madrid est florissante. Chez Pepe Cobo (pepecobo.com) vous trouverez les sculptures aux arêtes vives de béton et de verre de l’artiste espagnol Ibon Aranberri tandis que ceux qui préfèrent les artistes établis devraient plutôt se rendre à la galerie de Helga de Alvear (helgadealvear.com).
Budapest est une autre ville intéressante pour l’achat d’art. Concentrez-vous sur la rue Falk Miksa dans le District 5 de Budapest, qui regorge de galeries vendant de tout depuis de l’art contemporain jusqu’aux antiquités. Ou essayez la Vintage Gallery (vintage.hu), qui offre un large spectre des genres de différentes périodes.
NL Kunstwijzer
Voor beginnende kunstkopers kan een kunstgalerie binnenwandelen wat intimiderend zijn. Toch zien galeriehouders liever klanten die kunst uit passie kopen dan als investering.
Kunst kopen moet leuk zijn. Dat verklaart wellicht mee de recente toename van het aantal kunstbeurzen wereldwijd. Londen heeft Frieze en de meer toegankelijke Affordable Art Fair, Brussel heeft Art Brussels (dit jaar van 18-21 april -www.artexis.com/artbrussels), in Madrid is er Arco (telkens in februari; www.ifema.es) en ook Bazel heeft zijn eigen vermaarde kunstbeurs (4-8 juni; www.artbasel.com).
Naast deze vaste afspraken op de kunstkalender heeft de wereldwijde kunstscène het hele jaar door veel te bieden. In Londen verwelkomen kleine galeries zoals StART SPACE (www.st-art.biz) tussen Shoreditch en Hackney beginners even hartelijk als ervaren kopers. Wil je meer informatie over kunst in Londen, koop dan een exemplaar van Art in the City – London van Tiddy Rowan (gepubliceerd in april door Quadrille).
Wie voor het eerst kunst koopt, kan niet om Berlijn heen. In de Heidestrasse, in de centrale wijk Mitte, vind je verschillende interessante galeries, waaronder Haunch of Venison en Spielhaus Morrison.
De stad Tel Aviv heeft misschien niet meteen een kunstzinnig imago, maar er heerst wel degelijk een intense artistieke bedrijvigheid. Een van de toonaangevende galeries is Givon (www.givonartgallery.com).
Madrid heeft een bloeiende kunstgemeenschap. Bij Pepe Cobo (pepecobo. com) vind je de hoekige beton-en-glassculpturen van de Spaanse kunstenaar Ibon Aranberri. Wie op zoek is naar meer gevestigde namen moet zeker langs bij kunstgalerie Helga de Alvear (www.helgadealvear.com).
Ook Boedapest is een geschikte stad voor kunstaankopen. De Falk Miksastraat in District V telt de meeste galeries. Je vindt er alles, van hedendaagse kunst tot antiek. Of probeer Vintage Gallery (www.vintage.hu), dat een brede waaier van stijlen uit verschillende periodes biedt.
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