Art & Object Fall Fair 2024

BEYOND THE BASICS

CERBERA GALLERY

AFFORDABLE ART 101

Joan Miró, Lithographier Originale, lithograph, 1961.

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, La Missionnaire , lithograph, 1897.

ness even further, though many artists now issue digital certificates of authen ticity to assure collectors. While this arena remains untested for segments of the art world—many museums are still hesitant to add NFTs to their col lections, though the Los Angeles Coun ty Museum of Art (LACMA) and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) are among several that have—they have proven popular with collectors for their relative accessibility and affordability. But understandably, collectors contin ue to voice concerns. While exploring all the big questions about new media may lie beyond the borders of this article—and collectors should always perform due diligence as it pertains to any purchase—there may be a more familiar way to frame those concerns. As with all new forms of expression and reproduction of art, change can be difficult until the tech nology is proven useful. Video art was one widely ridiculed among art cogno scenti, but today you’ll rarely find a con

temporary-art museum that does not feature a video in its collections or exhi bitions. But here’s another catch: videos typically exist in multiples and editions, too. Does this diminish the work’s abili ty to be shown or enjoyed by the public? Not really. Multiplicity simply enables more of the world to enjoy more art, no matter the medium. Tips for Beginning Collectors Collecting multiples provides an acces sible and fun way to engage with orig inal artworks. But as with any venture, it is essential to do your homework. Be sure to research the artist, their meth ods, and the specific print or prints that interest you, all of which can be key to understanding a work’s context, its per ceived and actual value, and whether it makes sense for your budget. Next, confirm the piece’s edition, if any, and check to see if it is numbered and/or contains the artist’s signature, initials, stamp, or other identifying ele ment. This is also true, albeit in a digi

tal format, for NFTs. Be sure to purchase a work of art directly from the artist or from the gallery that represents them. This will help to ensure that you are purchasing a work that has been vetted—and even better, it is more likely to come with a certificate of authenticity. Moreover, doing so helps to support the artist in the creation of further works that might someday find their way into your blos soming collection—a win for every one involved. Continuing to gain a deeper under standing of the ever-evolving arena of multiples can help you as a collector to discover greater acquisition opportuni ties, to make more informed decisions, and to build a much stronger comfort level as you explore a brave new world building an art collection that you can be proud of—and afford. A Jennifer Dasal , an art historian and a former museum curator, is the author of the upcoming book, The Club: Where American Women Artists Found Refuge in Belle Époque Paris (Bloomsbury, 2025).

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Fall 2024 | Art&Object