ART WORLD Q & A: Edition 3
9/24/2015
In this edition of Art World Q&A, LivWill Art is privileged to have Blair Clarke, founder of Voltz Clarke LLC, share her invaluable insight on the art market.
About Voltz Clarke:
Voltz Clarke LLC is an independent company spearheaded by Southern entrepreneur Blair Clarke. Focusing on the exposure of contemporary artists through private consulting and public exhibitions, the company has a particular emphasis on introducing international artists to the US market. Clarke’s experience combines over fifteen years of East coast gallery associations, curatorial projects and a consulting relationship with Sanford L. Smith & Associates.
1. How has the art market changed over the last 20 years?
2. Who are the contemporary artists that will stand the test of time and why?
I believe artists like Richard Prince, Yayoi Kusama and Alex Katz will all have a lasting impression on the art world. Not only do they have a palatable aesthetic, they’re making waves when it comes to social media, and that almost serves directly in their favor in terms of publicity and recognition.
3. What is the difference between market and value in the art world?
4. What role do you think taste plays in the decisions that important collectors make when buying new work?
5. What would you buy with $10k, $100k and $1 million?
This may be biased, but with $10,000 I would definitely commission a piece from Bradley Sabin, one of Voltz Clarke’s ceramic artists who does wonders with his installations. For $100K, I would definitely move more in the way of Gerhard Richter or one of Damien Hirst’s Pharmaceutical paintings, for $1 Million, definitely would go towards several John Currins, as I absolutely love him.
6. What are the advantages/disadvantages of buying at auction versus buying through a commercial gallery?
Buying through the auction block, you oftentimes can snag pieces at their reserve, which is much cheaper than buying through a commercial gallery. However, it can also lead to much more inflated prices. The energy within an auction house can’t be beat, either.