THOMAS MAES INTERVIEWED BY ALESSYA SCHACHER

What is contemporary art for you?

Contemporary art always makes you really look at the world and the changes taking place in our time. It opens everyone’s eyes to current problems, solutions, ideas and most importantly it inspires.

The art world is changing, and as an art consultant, what can you say?

Always changed and will never stop changing. In addition, over the past 10 years, entirely new forms of art and means of expression have emerged thanks to the digital age. Digital art, virtual art and art marketing have fully opened up thanks to digitalization. Therefore, nowadays the vision of the artist can be seen everywhere and everywhere. This gives all artists the opportunity to be in the public eye and make money from their work. Something that the old masters didn’t have, but that they would love to get in their own time. Of course, for curators, art dealers, it has also become a great search for quality, hundreds of thousands of new talents that need to be understood, their value determined and what mission their art carries, what they are talking about.

Which art is more profitable to buy and why?

Old masters and recognized artists, of course, are always a stable investment. But, when it comes to new talents, it is important to always look at the quality of technology, Goals and VISION behind the work. Even digital works today, if there is a quality medium, a well-delivered technique with intelligence behind it, it is a growing work of art.

An art consultant is a very interesting job, but I would be very interested to know how you connect an artist with a buyer?

Every work of art, every artist has a collector. It’s all about the collector’s knowledge and the artist’s work to find the right match. As an art dealer and artist representative, it is important to know the artist well, his/her vision, biography, and every work it has become. Every collector must somehow find his “I” in the work. However, a representative or manager can only explain in general terms and project this onto the collector.

Most of the collectors we meet have come from the world of industry, banking, or celebrities. To achieve this requires years of communication, participation in many areas and in many countries. Something that also never stops. I personally prefer to arrange private evenings for the artist or artists, with dinner, music, in a beautiful place, thus creating a friendly and personal atmosphere. Thus, I bring the artist and collectors closer together. Even just an event for one evening with great care, inviting a few collectors and a few artists with different styles of work corresponding to the personalities and interests of potential collectors. Such a meeting of the artist and the collector creates a better and lasting bond.

What are the trends in the sale and purchase and Have you been observing the bits and conditions lately? All areas are for sale, but thanks to the internet, the popularity of contemporary art is growing, as well as new mediums such as digital art, NFT.

What advice would you give to contemporary artists so that they can get to the exhibition?

From my point of view, it is important to have quality work, behind which there is a VISION. This deuce always brings each artist individuality, a unique signature. Of course, a resume with this is a good thing to have to write and properly format.

Not all artists have their own art managers, but do they all want to sell their work? As an expert, what advice would you give them so they can sell them?

There is no urgent need to have an art manager, especially at the beginning of an artist’s journey. It is important to create a good resume, quality work and get representation in quality galleries with a successful track record.