Across the Line: Start Collecting Today

Why Collect Art? A Passion and Long-Term Investment

Art uniquely bridges personal passion and lasting investment potential.  At once an intimate and strategic decision, art is both a pleasure to live with, enriching your life, while also gaining value over time. Unlike many other investments, a beautiful artwork can be enjoyed in person, not hidden away in an account. And in South Africa, there’s the added benefit of no Capital Gains Tax on art, a valuable consideration for serious collectors. Globally, the art market has shown consistent resilience. In 2023, the international art market was valued at over $65 billion, with strong performance across modern and contemporary categories. Closer to home, South African art has seen a notable rise in interest and value, both within the country and internationally. Supporting artists also means playing an active role in the country’s cultural economy, contributing to preserving and promoting our creative heritage.

Where to Start? Some Aspects to Consider
Start by discovering what you’re drawn to, train your eye and explore your preferences. One of the best ways to begin is by immersing yourself in the art world: visit exhibitions, attend walkabouts and art fairs, and engage with professionals and fellow collectors. Most importantly, speak to an Aspire Art specialist for guidance.
 
It’s also crucial to consider an artist’s provenance. Have they exhibited widely, been included in collections, or received critical attention? These are strong indicators of career momentum and potential value. Many seasoned collectors also consult auction records (accessible via platforms like Artprice and Artnet) to track pricing history. Notably, works by emerging South African artists are increasingly being acquired by major institutions and shown at international fairs, encouraging signs of long-term potential.

Good Art is Not a Mystery. Recognising Quality, Relevance and Potential.
While market trends may evolve, the fundamentals of collecting remain consistent: quality, relevance, and the artist’s reputation are key. Whether you're buying modern or contemporary work, it is essential to ask informed questions, conduct thorough research, and consult with specialists. Over time, discernment becomes second nature - combining instinct with knowledge is the foundation of confident collecting.

Today, there is a growing focus on historically underrepresented voices, particularly artists from Africa and the global South. Discerning collectors are increasingly drawn to work that resonates with personal, political, or social narratives, valued not only for visual impact but also for cultural relevance and long-term significance.

What about a Collecting Strategy?
A Thoughtful Approach Builds a Meaningful Collection
There is no single strategy that works for everyone. However, every successful collection is guided by intent, even if strategies differ. Some collectors focus on acquiring a few high-impact works, while others take a broader approach by building depth across themes, mediums, or emerging names. The right approach depends on your personal collecting goals, whether aesthetic, intellectual, or investment-driven.
For those collecting with long-term value in mind, it’s often wise to hold onto certain works - particularly by younger emerging artists - as their markets develop. In fact, over the past five years, the strongest global growth has come from contemporary artworks priced under $50,000, demonstrating that meaningful returns are possible without spending at the top end of the market. That said, the most enduring collections are shaped by passion. Buy what resonates, because ultimately, you’re living with the work, not just investing in it.

Historic, Modern vs Contemporary: Distinct Approaches for Different Eras
When collecting historical or modern art, research is essential. Understanding an artist’s career, influence, and the socio-historical context in which they worked adds depth, and confidence, to your acquisition decisions. While there are many public resources available, Aspire’s art specialists are also on hand to provide expert guidance and insight.
 
Contemporary art requires a more dynamic, engaged approach. Seeing the work in person is vital. Attend exhibitions, pay attention to critical discourse, and follow how artists’ practices develop across time and platforms. Notably, contemporary African artists are gaining exceptional traction on the global stage. In 2022 alone, sales in this category rose by over 40% at major international auction houses - clear evidence of growing institutional and collector demand.

ASPIRE COLLECT. How Does it Work?
Aspire Collect is an exciting initiative designed to make art more accessible. It’s our flexible, interest-free payment plan that allows buyers to pay for their chosen artwork in three equal monthly instalments. It’s a simple, practical way to buy a work you love, even if you wouldn’t normally be able to afford the full amount upfront. Aspire Collect is our commitment to opening the art market and supporting collectors on their journey.

Caring for Artworks
Proper care is essential to protecting the value and integrity of your collection. For works on paper,  use acid-free tissue for packing and avoid exposure to moisture, dust or sunlight. Paintings should ideally be framed, and if left exposed, cleaned only with a soft dust blower, never a damp cloth. If you’re unsure, always consult a specialist or conservator. Damage from poor storage or handling can reduce a work’s value and, in some cases, be irreversible. A professionally conserved work can retain or even enhance its value, especially in cases where collectors have kept detailed condition records.

What’s the Advantage of Buying on the Secondary Market?
Buying on the secondary market gives you access to a wide range of works across styles, mediums, and price points. Online auctions, in particular, offer opportunities to diversify your collection. With the rise of digital platforms, global participation in online art auctions has soared. In 2023, online-only auction sales made up 15% of the global art market - and they continue to grow. At Aspire Art, we take pride in our research and the detailed information we provide with each lot online, helping you make well-informed decisions with confidence.

Why Young People Should Collect?

Collecting art is not only a sound financial decision, it’s an act of cultural stewardship. South African artists have long been at the forefront of reflecting, questioning, and shaping the nation’s social and political landscape. When young people collect their work, they actively participate in preserving and advancing this creative legacy.
 
Importantly, a generational shift is already underway: over 30% of new collectors in Africa are under the age of 40. With unprecedented access to auctions, exhibitions, and information, the barriers to entry are lower than ever - and the opportunities, greater.

Now is the time to engage. Take the step. Cross the line. Collecting starts here.