Collecting or gathering is something that humankind has been doing for millennia. It began with our early ancestors who foraged wild edible plants for survival continuing to our modern times where we collect all sorts of things that range in value. So clearly it is not some modern idea to collect items but a basic human instinct. The reasons for collecting are numerous. Some do it for pleasure; others to learn more about the objects; others seek status, and some just get attracted to a genre and form a habit. One such area of the collection which has had a major impact on individuals on a personal level as well as on the economy on a global level is art. So what has driven humans to collect something that had no practical value, unlike say grains or gold? What made something rather useless become so interesting and valuable that it sways the global economy? To understand, let’s dive into the nuances of why collecting art is substantial, both personally and practically.
Cyanotype prints by Jemini Jariwala
Art urges humans to look beyond that which is necessary to survive and encourages people to create for the sake of expression and meaning. Based on art collectors’ data, the motivation to collect art can come from a variety of reasons. Some are social, where one feels the need to connect with like-minded individuals or to convey wealth; some are emotional, where one connects to a piece of art through a transcendental experience or from an inclination to learn more about history since art reflects the strife and turmoil of human history; whereas some reasons are material, where one is motivated by the desire to possess or to diversify one’s wealth. So, regardless of the reason that appeals to you the most, the key aspect is warming up to the idea of acquiring an art collection.
