Five tips for buying art at an international art fair | Berkley One
If you’re a regular gallery goer and frequent flyer, there are over 200 global art fairs annually that beckon with the promise of culture, cuisine, and discovery. The Art Basel fair franchise alone now has five iterations –
Doha
Hong Kong
Paris
Miami
and the flagship in Basel, Switzerland.
Other international highlights include Zonamaco in Mexico City; I-54 in Marrakech; ARCoMadrid in Spain; TEFAF Maastricht in the Netherlands, and FRIEZE in London and Abu Dhabi. There are opportunities to see and acquire art at fairs every month of the year, and visiting these commercial venues outside the United States is especially exciting. In addition to the multitude of booths, thousands of artworks, and a fast-paced environment, there are opportunities to learn more about the local cultural infrastructure and engage with artists in a different cultural context.
Being prepared in advance is essential. Here are five practical tips to help you navigate an international art fair to browse —and potentially buy— with confidence.
1) Do Your Homework Before You Arrive
Preparation is key. Research the fair’s exhibitor list, featured artists, and special programs ahead of time. Many fairs publish floor maps, educational programming and local cultural engagement online weeks before the event. Identify galleries, museums, and artists you’re interested in and map out your priorities. This will help you focus your time, set priorities, and avoid feeling lost in the crowd.
Pro Tip: follow galleries and artists on social media before the fair. You’ll gain insight into their artist roster and works that may be available.