Art Collector's Secret: Love Over Profit

Art offers a rich dimension beyond its aesthetic appeal, encompassing financial value. Designer and art curator Srila Chatterjee believes that while artworks can appreciate significantly, investment should not be the main driver for acquisition. Her own collecting journey began unexpectedly in 1991, evolving from a personal passion into a lifelong pursuit. She recalls an early purchase of a Manjit Bawa painting, bought for ₹2 lakh, which later sold for nearly ₹1 crore, aiding her in purchasing a house for her mother.

Chatterjee advises new collectors to trust their instincts, encouraging them to look, ask questions, and develop their personal taste. The most crucial aspect, she states, is that the art holds personal meaning. She believes that an emotional connection is paramount, urging individuals to question their own liking for a piece and its price, rather than seeking external validation of its worth. Understanding the story behind a work can also deepen its significance.

Addressing the economics of the art world, Chatterjee notes that gallery commissions can be as high as 50%, a model she finds questionable for established artists. She advocates for fairer commission structures and stresses that buyers should respect the value placed on art by artists and galleries. Her personal approach involves maintaining lower commissions, fostering mutual understanding.

She champions making art more accessible by bringing it beyond traditional spaces like galleries and auction houses, citing the Kochi-Muziris Biennale as an example of successful public engagement. Chatterjee advocates for more public art and dynamic museums to foster familiarity. She believes art encompasses not just famous paintings but also crafts and everyday objects, connecting them to daily life and personal evolution. Ultimately, collecting is a personal journey driven by love and enjoyment.