Investing in Aboriginal Art

Image source: http://www.aboriginalartshop.com/assets/big-slider-pic-test_1-930x400.jpg

Australian Aboriginal art has seen an unprecedented increase in popularity over recent years and this is not restricted to its native country. Internationally recognized as a unique form of art, it is welcomed overseas and respected and admired by art critics everywhere. Of late, it has also come to the attention of not only art investors but also to the wider audience, as astute buyers realize its potential in the marketplace. As international attention increases and art critics dont fail to express their respect for Aboriginal works, all kinds of collectors and potential buyers are becoming largely aware of the solidness of this investment if cautiously pursued. Described by renowned art critic Robert Hughes as the worlds last great art movement.Whilst steeped in what was from the beginning viewed as ethnographic historic, the works produced are very often remarkably modern in both design and colour and therefore aesthetically pleasing.

In Australia, Aboriginal art is the most fashionable genre of art and is far more in demand than any other kind represented in the art place. Many important Australian Art Galleries have devoted and converted over 60 percent of their retail premises to showcasing Aboriginal art. A roaring national and international success story, even prominent European museums have decided its time to invest. Proof hereof is the use of Australian Aboriginal Art in the design features of the new Musee de Quay Branly which opened in Paris in 2007. A smart investor will be able to make a sound investment. Worldwide interest is rapidly rising, as the Musee du quai Branley in Paris, instigated by French President Jacques Chirac will attest. Now is really a good time for the insightful investor to make a reliable investment with a profitable financial return.

Aboriginal art can be a wise investment but one must choose prudently. Works produced by well-known and respected artists has grown in market value considerably over the past few years and can achieve a substantial return if skilfully selected. $1,073.600 for Emily Kame Kngwarreys Earths Creation in May 2007 was followed just two months later by a dazzling $2.4 million for Clifford Possum Tjapaljarris masterpiece Warlugulong, auctioned by Sothebys to the National Gallery of Australia.

The first step towards a solid investment is to research the artist and his background in depth. With the amount of information available, it will be not that difficult to gather career data pertaining to the Australian Aboriginal artists and when you are informed you will start to recognize which artists are producing quality paintings that are known to sell well and are in demand.

Traditional Aboriginal Art varies widely across Australia, and it will be easy for art investors to gather a diverse collection. With Aboriginal Art, this is an extremely easy task. The art is country based that is to say, the artists proudly depict only the images and stories of their particular region.
All these Aboriginal societies have their own traditions in depicting the universe. Strongly rooted in custom, materials vary from acrylic paint in the Desert Regions to ochre pigment or gouache which gives a rich colour to contemporary art works from the Kimberley Region and northern Arnhem Land. Smart investors will take their time to become accustomed to the artists community and vision. It is an exciting thing to share their stories of survival, discover a part of their culture and in the same time know that what you are buying is not only an investment, but a piece of history.

As well as style of works, one should also consider further diversification to include emerging artists with a proven track record and high popular demand, as their works will be less expensive than the established artists and the probability of high dividends for lesser outlay is a sensible decision. Normally, age is not relevant as to quality of the artwork; however in Aboriginal art great importance is placed on age and the tribal elders are highly respected so it becomes especially significant that all aspects are encompassed style, medium, status of artist and age of artist. A body of works including all of these categories is desirable.

If youre going to invest in Aboriginal art, origin is of the highest importance. This factor will eventually decide the value of the work. Usually a Certificate of Authenticity is provided by the community where the Aboriginal artist works and lives, or by the gallery from where the painting is purchased. Further details such as the title of the painting, information on the story of the painting, a biography of the artist including their Collections and Exhibitions and other achievements normally accompany a purchase from a reputable Seller. Images of the artist executing the artwork and holding the completed work do not prove authenticity, however they are of immense interest and again, the best suppliers of artworks offer these where it is possible. A Certificate of Authenticity is of key importance and reputable sellers, who often work closely together with the Aboriginal communities and the participating galleries, should have no problem delivering this as well as the guarantee that the artists receive what they deserve.

You will find various possibilities in order to purchase. Its of major importance before the purchase can proceed that you trust the seller of the artwork in regard to determine the paintings provenance. Ask yourself the questions is this organisation offering good quality works, are the prices correct within the scope of the standing of the artist, are they being truthful with advice as to the particular need of the client. Alternatively you can purchase art works online. If you buy Australian Aboriginal Art online, make sure your money will be refunded if the ordered artwork doesnt live up to your standards or doesnt fit within your collection. Art Centre provenance in the main is a safe harbour; just remember that purchases directly from community based art centres dont automatically ensure best investment quality. A smart investor will never forget that authenticity is the key factor in order to make a good investment and maybe even more so when evaluating works by famous Aboriginal artists like Rover Thomas, Emily Kngwarreye, and Clifford Possum Tjapaltjari, Minnie Pwerle and Jack Britten.

Regardless of the fact that a financial benefit might be your first intent, never invest in a painting that doesnt appeal to you. When the primary objective is investment, many people discount this fact however, the best thing is to invest in art of which you are proud of. Dont hurry with a purchase, take your time buying a painting and combine the likelihood of an interesting financial return with personal fulfilment. You will most likely also enhance relationships with galleries trustworthy sellers and Aboriginal communities. In order to figure out the popularity of an art work, it will be worth your time to extend your research. Also research the careers of the European Masters - compare them with the Aboriginal artists. Consider which period of the artists career has produced the best and most sought after works. For instance, if one considers an artist such as Van Gogh, The Starry Night or Sunflowers command far higher prices than many of his other paintings.

Once you have found suppliers you can trust and artists you admire and whose achievements are visible in galleries and museums, you can be sure you have done your absolute best and you are ready to embark on a successful and rewarding project.

Australian Aboriginal artists not only produce wonderful and creative paintings, they look at art as a way of telling you about their world, their culture and their stories. Galleries specialising in Aboriginal Art are listed online showcasing their finest collections for you to choose from. A wealth of information on Australian Aboriginal paintings and artefacts, the most authentic art form in the world, is waiting for you to be discovered.