Publisher's Synopsis
Today's art market is incredibly dynamic.
There are so many compelling works, shows,
and exhibitions to choose from and new
galleries are opening all the time. Because
there is so much to discover and see, many
people are getting interested in collecting
art. But since it's impossible to keep track
of all developments, becoming an art collector
is not easy.
A Poor Collector's Guide to Buying Great Art
provides relief and offers sound advice to
those who want to buy art but don't know
how or where to do it. They might have
preferences in terms of styles or techniques,
but they're not familiar with how the buying
process works. Perhaps they already
have specific pieces in mind but don't yet
trust the rules of the art market —if such
rules actually exist. What does someone
actually need to know to prevent their personal
tastes from leading them to make the
wrong investment decisions?
On his way to becoming a passionate
art collector himself, Norwegian adventurer
Erling Kagge had to learn these ropes
and answer this exact question. His years
as a mountain climber and visitor to both
poles undoubtedly helped him to explore
and assess the extremes of the art market.
Thankfully for us, his experience also
gave him the desire and skills to impart
his knowledge to others in A Poor Collector's
Guide to Buying Great Art.
This book illuminates all aspects of
becoming an expert at buying art that one
will enjoy for many years, such as how to
get started, how to take one's tastes seriously,
how to do a targeted search for pieces,
how to learn to appraise prices, and how to
find trustworthy partners. Kagge's practical
yet entertaining step-by-step guidance also
includes ways to identify and avoid pitfalls
and deceptive temptations. As an extreme
athlete, he knows very well how to follow
rules yet trust his instinct where it counts.
This know-how has benefitted Kagge on
the art market and now it will benefit all
readers of A Poor Collector's Guide to Buying
Great Art, too.
