Don’t be intimidated
The art world can be intimidating, especially when you hear art scholars and industry experts using jargon like “publishing,” print, “” modern, and “contemporary.” Rest assured that there is no such thing as a “dumb question” at Strauss & Co, and that no nose-up art consultant will laugh at your requests. We are passionate about art, and part of the joy of our job is helping and educating potential buyers and art lovers to expand their knowledge. Our art specialists are always ready to answer your questions, make recommendations, and show you works of art and collectibles that will bring you joy.
When shopping for art for their homes, consumers often look to retail outlets and purchase mass-produced decorative pieces that match their curtains and cushions, due to the perception that original art is prohibitive. But we sold artwork on our online auctions only for less than what you could spend at a chain store. When you buy a work of art at auction from Strauss & Co, you can be sure that our art specialists have verified the provenance and authenticity of the work and that it is offered at a realistic market price. , based on previous auctions.
Find out what you like
The secondary art market has the luxury of offering the work of hundreds of different artists in a single auction, with a wide choice of media, eras and prices. Auction houses often exhibit works of art under the hammer before a major live sale. These exhibitions are the perfect opportunity for potential buyers to familiarize themselves with the offerings, to compare different artists, eras and styles, and to find out what they like.
Whether you’re interested in contemporary sculpture, ceramic art, mid-century modern furniture, or abstract painting, a pre-sale exhibition allows you to sample a wide range of works of art. You may like traditional landscapes, but as you expose yourself to a greater variety of styles and more artists, you may find that you also begin to appreciate abstract compositions or develop a liking. for the work of artists from a specific era or region. in preference to others.
It’s also a great idea to visit contemporary art galleries and chat with curators and owners of upcoming artists who are making waves in the industry.
Browse online
Strauss & Co has a huge online database of all the artists and works of art they have submitted, as well as digital catalogs of previous actions and information written by art specialists and giants. Of the industry. It’s a great, free resource to jumpstart your arts education, or just a nice way to spend some time browsing through the high resolution images. Social media has also allowed artists and galleries to market art to new audiences and most have their own websites or other visible presence online. Social networks allow you to follow your favorite artists while discovering new talent. Visit the Strauss & Co website www.straussart.co.za or follow them on instagram at @strauss_and_co
Support young creatives
We believe in supporting young emerging artists. Strauss & Co has ongoing relationships with The Bag Factory, a non-profit contemporary visual art organization, and Artist Proof Studio, leaders in art printmaking education, both of which are committed to investing in the development long-term young artists. Organizations like this offer amazing and innovative new artwork at affordable prices, and when you buy art from them, you are supporting a young designer. Hopefully the piece will increase in value and eventually could be sold in the secondary art market at a profit, unlike mass-produced retail products, designed to satisfy consumer whims and changing fashions, which rarely retain their value. Investing in the creative community turns the wheels on, allowing artists to continue to create and develop.
Why are you buying art?
Is it part of an investment portfolio and do you expect it to appreciate over time? Want something beautiful and decorative to adorn your walls?
There is a perception that art collectors need deep pockets and the right relationships and that it is only worth investing in big names, but it is not. The art market is more accessible than ever for novice collectors, and information on artists and works of art at all investment levels is readily available.
If you collect to invest and expect your artwork to gain value over time, it’s always best to buy from a reputable auction house or gallery. This way you have the peace of mind that the part has gone through a due diligence process to assess and authenticate the work.
Works by leading artists like William Kentridge, Walter Battiss and Robert Hodgkins sell for millions of rand at auction, but their published works on paper offer a foothold for collectors determined to invest in one of these pillars. auction, without applying for a second mortgage on their home.
That being said, I’m a big fan of buying what you love, because you’re going to have to live with this piece of art and look at it every day. So if you walk past a collection of canvases by the side of the road and one of the pieces speaks to you on a deep, visceral level, making you fall head over heels in love – go ahead and buy the artwork, you are supporting an artist and acquiring something special for yourself.
