How to build an eclectic collection of works by emerging artists

There are many reasons to buy artwork by an emerging artist. When you invest in a painting, photograph, illustration or installation from a new name in the art world, you become part of a much-needed support system for the artist at a crucial point in their development and career.

What defines an emerging artist? Most have been active in the art world for less than a decade, regardless of their age or educational background. When a buyer acquires one early-career piece, those funds can cover the costs of buying source materials, attending workshops and preparing for presentation and exhibition production.

For novice buyers on a modest budget, building a contemporary collection by new artists can be easier than collecting works by more established artists. Pieces from fresh pools of painters, photographers, illustrators, sculptors, installation makers or NFT creators (non-fungible token) are often affordable. Yet finding an emerging artist who adheres to your personal tastes, aesthetics and price point usually requires groundwork. Here are a few tips from leading experts on how to build a collection of rising art stars.

Engage in a fair exchange

Art fairs have been launching artistic careers for decades as they offer prospective collectors a place to investigate a plethora of global works without having to gallery or plane hop. Many artists who showcase their work at fairs, like Art Toronto, also attend – so the chances of having an insightful conversation about a piece are good.

The artist and/or curator or owner of a gallery can explain the inspiration and concept of an artwork and the materials and technique used to produce it. Visiting an artist’s studio or gallery so you immerse yourself in more of their work can also help guide your purchasing decision.

Toronto gallery owner and curator Daniel Faria, of New York Times-praised Daniel Faria Gallery, says scouting out new names in art is easier than ever at this year’s Art Toronto event (Oct. 24-27 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.)

“Discover [is] a section of the fair solely dedicated to galleries presenting emerging artists,” Faria says. “That is an excellent opportunity to learn [who] galleries have chosen to highlight.”

Celebrating its 25th year, Art Toronto, Canada’s oldest and largest international art fair is presenting exhibitors from cities across Canada, as well as from New York, London, Amsterdam, Buenos Aires, Seoul, Reykjavik and more.

Other fairs in the GTA include the Artist Project (May 8-11) and the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, held every July at Toronto City Hall’s Nathan Phillips Square.

Refine your search

The internet is populated with millions of newfound art makers, blogs, news sites and social media influencers and platforms dedicated to the art world. Searching through specific websites from galleries whose speciality is to incubate up-and-coming works may stop you from repeatedly falling into an online rabbit hole.

Exploring local art spaces that are run by collectives is a good start. A few notable artist-run hubs are Gallery 1313 in Toronto, Gallery Gachet in Vancouver and Diagonale in Montreal. There are also many important sources offline, says Mia Nielsen, director of Art Toronto. “International art magazines are helpful for new collectors to understand the global market and direction of the industry,” she says.

For a global overview, Nielson recommends publications such as ArtNews, Frieze, Juxtapoz, Hyperallergic and the Art Newspaper. “Canada also has a few niche online sources like Akimbo and Galleries West – which are great for learning about new exhibition openings. Border Crossings and C magazines offer in-depth artist interviews and esse.ca and artoronto.ca offer more local perspectives,” Nielsen says.

Whether it’s in print, on your phone or laptop, reading up on local and international art scenes will inform you on how to catch a new wave of artists that are making waves.

Research the market

For buyers who collect in hopes of growing future dividends, there are certain steps to take before purchasing a work.

Richard Kantor, gallery director of Mayberry Fine Art – located in Toronto and Winnipeg – says investigating who is behind your investment is something that many new buyers should consider.

“Not all art holds the same value. An artist’s reputation, career path and how their work fits into the art world can greatly affect its worth,” Kantor says. “Research helps you understand who the artist is, what their art is about and why it matters. Art prices can go up and down based on trends and the artist’s career.”

Kantor recommends checking past sales and prices of an artist’s work to help you guage whether you’re getting a fair deal. Beyond trending, Kantor also has advice for new collectors who wish to pass down their collection to another generation.

Bruno Canadien, A Reassertion in Denendeh, 2017. Acrylic, found images, satin ribbon, hardware on canvas, 48x24 x 2 in.

“Understanding the materials and condition of the art is really important,” he says, noting that some materials are prone to deteriorate. “Knowing what your art is made of helps you know if it will hold up over time.”

Discover a debut

Checking out grad exhibits, student group exhibits and inaugural solo shows is a wonderful way to learn about what the next generation of artists has to offer.

“These events are celebratory, marking the completion of an artist’s years-long commitment to their professional development,” says Jenna Bryant, associate director at the Harbour Gallery in Mississauga.

“Often galleries will look to graduating classes to find the next rising star,” she adds, pointing to schools like the Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design (ECU), the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD U) and the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) as a few of the places to start your brilliant collection.

Consult an in-the-know pro

Rob Cowley, president and senior specialist at Cowley Abbott Art Auctioneers, says his team will schedule time at an auction house to help novice collectors look for new names at a price that is right.

“We have monthly sales and a program for new collectors, with events,” he says, noting that the news and blog section of Cowley Abbott’s website is regularly updated.

At some auction events, key specialists are on hand to share their expertise and offer recommendations on which gallery exhibitions to attend.

“We can also provide new buyers with ways to learn and train your ‘eye’ towards art which may interest you.”

Cowley says buyers who want a fulfilling experience when purchasing works should talk to as many experts as possible.

“Art is meant to be social, and settings such as auction previews or art exhibits provide an array of artwork that will not only represent your focus but will also include work that complements and contrasts your interests,” he says. “You will find individuals in those settings that share your passion and are delighted to speak to the artwork on offer.

“I encourage collectors to embark on a journey that is rewarding and enjoyable [and] provides guidance and education without pressuring a client towards a sale.”

This sentiment is shared by Wil Kucey, director of Toronto’s Canadian Fine Arts Gallery. In a panel discussion for Art Toronto, Kucey encouraged new collectors to speak to art experts to get a sense of what kind of collection they want to build – be it with emerging or established artists.

“My team and I spend time at the gallery responding to collectors who say, ‘I’m interested in art, and I don’t know where to start,” he says.

When prospective buyers invest the time to do the groundwork, research and talk to artists and gallerists, the outcome can be enlightening and lead to a clearer decision about what to buy.

“Collectors have the opportunity to kind of step back and [begin to] read beyond just an artist’s statement,” says Kucey.