How Collectors Justin Green & Micheal Silberberg use the Internet to acquire their collection.

5 minute read

What route do you take from discovering a new artist to actually acquiring a work?

There are many routes one can take; it depends on the artist and the stage of their career. I usually try to acquire works from “emerging” artists that may or may not have dedicated gallery representation. For young, less established artists, I often try to contact them via Instagram. This is an amazing way to informally connect and chat about their art. If possible, I try to buy the piece from them directly so that they receive the full amount paid.

For artists like this, I always bounce ideas off my collector friends to reassure myself that the work is as good as I think. I never buy on a whim and try to do as much research about the artist as I can; the galleries they work with and the techniques they use.

Working with galleries is challenging. There is usually much more money involved and this creates complexities and complications. Established artists are in high demand and it is difficult to get your hands on their work. I have tried to limit myself to a few galleries I like and trust, and deal with them more often. This helps build my pedigree and gain access to the artists they work with.

What is one of the biggest hurdles when acquiring work without seeing it first?

You never know what you are going to get when acquiring work without seeing it. Living in Canada, I don’t think I have ever been able to see a piece in real life before adding it to my collection. Although this is a challenge, I think it also adds to the allure of trusting my gut and the talent of the artist. In fact, the real “hurdle” for me is the lack of in-person connection to the artist or gallery. Most of the time I am just a faceless name in one of many random E-mails. Ideally I would love to visit these amazing galleries and studios, and make real connections.

What does collecting online mean to you, being that the world has been shut down the past few years?

Online collecting has actually increased my accessibility through Instagram and virtual exhibitions. I also had more free-time study and learn about different artists. This would not have been possible in the hustle and bustle of my pre-Covid life. I like to think that the pandemic changed the way I approach collecting and, in some cases, has made me better, more well-rounded collector.

How can collectors who do the majority of their shopping online support and artist without making a purchase?

Sharing, reposting, giving feedback, and all things social media are helpful for artists. There may be monetary value in buying an artist’s work, but the private transaction does little for their exposure and career. Introducing friends and fellow collectors to art they have not seen is another good way to help build an artist’s “brand”.

What kind of collection do you aspire to have?

Honestly, one that makes me happy, and makes people stop and ask questions. I have a strict policy to only buy art that I love. If you buy a piece for any other reason, it can adopt a negative personal value for you. I want to walk downstairs every morning and admire my collection with all my heart.