Are you a broke art lover looking to start your own contemporary art collection? With a little bit of creativity and some strategic thinking, you too can join the ranks of fancy art collectors without breaking the bank.
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Start with prints and multiples: These are like the fast food of the art world - cheap, delicious, and always satisfying. Plus, you can tell your friends you own an "original" without feeling too guilty about the price tag.
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Look for emerging artists: These guys are like the food trucks of the art world - they may not have a fancy storefront, but they are usually just as talented as the big shots. Plus, you can feel good about supporting an up-and-coming artist and possibly getting in on the ground floor of the next big thing.
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Attend exhibitions and art fairs: These events are like an all-you-can-eat buffet for the art world. You can stuff your face with as much art as you can handle and maybe even score some discounted pieces. Bonus points if you can sneak in a flask and pretend to be a fancy art critic.
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Consider alternative mediums: Just because you can't afford a painting doesn't mean you can't collect art. Photography, video, and installation art can all be just as interesting and often more affordable. Plus, you won't have to worry about finding wall space for that giant canvas.
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Be strategic about your purchases: Don't just buy the first thing you see because it's pretty. Do your research, ask for advice from gallerists and other collectors, and be willing to negotiate on prices. You may also want to consider purchasing works on paper or smaller-scale works, which can often be more affordable than larger pieces. And if all else fails, just pretend you paid way more than you actually did and brag to all your friends about your amazing art-collecting skills.
With these sneaky tricks, you'll be well on your way to building a budget-friendly contemporary art collection that will make all your rich art collector friends jealous. Happy hunting!
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