Art Collectors: Collecting Habits and A System of Support Ho See Wah
Collectors support artists in more ways than acquiring their works. They are also often patrons of public institutions, and provide support through their foundations and private collections. With the onset of Covid-19, however, the essential quality of this role — to collect art — has had to adapt to changes in the art circuit. Owing to travel restrictions and social distancing measures enacted on a global scale, conventional platforms for the acquisition of works such as through exhibitions, art fairs and studio visits, have slowed down. This precipitated a wave of online activations as the industry adopted new ways of showcasing art with virtual art fairs like OPPO Art Jakarta 2020, and digital viewing rooms on galleries’ platforms like Manila-based Silverlens Galleries and G13 Gallery in Petaling Jaya. Accordingly, collectors have visited Online Viewing Rooms (OVRs), attended virtual auctions, browsed e-catalogues from galleries, and attended studio visits on screen when it comes to viewing and buying art. In spite of these adaptations, the consensus is that viewing artworks online simply cannot replace the experience of encountering them in person. Melbourne-based Indonesian collector Konfir Kabo says, “Part of the joy of art collecting is the interaction with the artist, the space and the curator… the social aspect. The other part — the more important one — is the ability to observe the tactile nature and the presence of the works.” Indeed, while many digital offerings have popped up in the past year, many are thankful for the easing of restrictions that has allowed for art viewing in real life again. Malaysian collector Tan Hon Yik is also glad he has been able to attend a
The Road Ahead
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