Reading and Research

You can build on your knowledge of work that you have seen by seeking out critical judgement or background reading/context. Different publications have different approaches to artists' work and the workings of the art market. Art Monthly magazine, for example, includes many reviews written by artists; Art Tactic provides research and analysis of the workings of the art market. There are many highly respected art magazines you can subscribe to as well as numerous websites. Increasingly, there is also space for individuals to respond to exhibitions they have seen online, which you might find useful for a more informal point of view.

"Owning Art: A Contemporary Art Collector's Handbook" by Louisa Buck and Judith Greer (published by Cultureshock Media) provides a unique insight into the world of collecting along with practical advice on how to get involved. There are also several organisations that provide more formal learning opportunities on collecting contemporary art including the Whitechapel Gallery and Sotheby's Institute of Art.