Collecting Online? How the Internet is Creating Accessibility for Collectors w/ Josh Diepenhorst.

5 Minute Read

Tell us a little bit about your collection and how you became interested in contemporary art.

My collection can be defined as something between hyper-contemporary and fine art. Being from Texas, I like supporting emerging and established artists from my state, but my interests extend across the globe via the Internet.

My grandfather had an antiques and collectibles store for over twenty years. I grew up appreciating a multitude of these special objects, and the emotional and financial value we attach to them.

I got a desk job out of college and was not following my dream of becoming an architect. In my boredom, I did some lengthy Instagram scrolling and stumbled upon some exciting work in the social media art scene. I did not plan on getting involved, but it brought so much joy and fulfillment into my life. I needed and change and now I feel like a kid again, finding and learning new things daily.

Art inspires feelings that cannot be communicated with words. I always remind myself how much more I have to learn. “The more we learn, the less we know”. I believe this to be especially true in art.

What is the biggest difference between buying a work online versus buying a work in person?

Buying work online is a double-edged sword. Sometimes pieces look better virtually due to editing, but most of the time they look much better in person. It is exciting to discover the nuances that a picture on a phone or computer cannot capture.

Making a purchase in person adds an incomparable level of assurance. You can visualize how the piece will look and feel in a space, and you also have the privilege of sharing the moment with the artist or gallerist. This is ideal compared to a series of heart emojis sent back and fourth.

How does buying work online differ from buying in a gallery?

Viewing and collecting online is very exciting; especially the “discovery phase” and establishing direct communication with an artist. There is a lack of personal connection in not visiting the studio and hearing the artist speak about their art.

Buying from galleries is interesting right now. Demand is high and the market is booming. Galleries are flooded with first time inquiries and still need to balance meeting the needs of long time collaborators. In this way I understand “gatekeeping”. Pieces are often pre-sold before they have even been viewed.

In my experience visiting the gallery is a better method. This year I am focused on travelling to visit galleries and artists to establish more personal relationships. It adds so much meaning to my appreciation of the work at home. A virtual connection only runs so deep.