How to Buy at an Art Fair: Our Top Tips

Art fair season is in full swing, with key art fairs taking place in Brussels, Paris and London, in just the last month. If, like us, you’re attending as many fairs as you can fit in the calendar (in 2022, there were 346 fairs worldwide!), you’ve probably seen some great pieces. But, buying art at an art fair can be quite intimidating. To help you easily secure that dream artwork, we’ve put together our 5 top tips for successfully buying art at an art fair.

1. Do your research

Some art fairs have a lot of art. Art Basel, for example, showcases creations from over 4,000 artists from 5 continents. The impressive scale means it can be quite overwhelming seeing all the pieces for the first time on the day. To ease this feeling, we suggest taking a look at the fair’s website beforehand to see which artists and galleries will be exhibiting. We also suggest researching which fairs are best suited to you and your art collection. As certain art markets, like Asia, evolve worldwide, there are plenty of new fairs to visit; Frieze Seoul recently launched in South Korea and Paris+ by Art Basel took place for the first time in 2022. Some calendar classics include the Armory Show and BRAFA; Art Basel tickets are also a must. If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional contemporary art fairs, try TEFAF Maastricht or Paris Internationale.

2. Walk around the fair

Although we advise a quick pre-departure google search, do not substitute this for a walk-around of the actual fair when you arrive. Sometimes your next purchase is the one you least expect. In addition, not all galleries have decided on their final collection in advance, or they may change their selection at the last minute.

Even if a particular piece appeals to you, remain open minded as you walk through an art fair and you might discover some hidden gems. Artwork can look vastly different in person and there’s sure to be something you didn’t anticipate. At Urban Art Fair 2023 for example, Kraken’s solo show was an exciting surprise.

Whilst you’re walking you might notice red dots placed next to some artworks; the dots denote pieces that have already been sold. This will give you a feel for the artist’s success! If you love a work that has been sold, don’t hesitate to speak to the exhibitors. Not all works are on display and they will be able to suggest an alternative for you. According to Art Basel’s report, 14% of all art-fair sales in 2022 were made pre-fair. Pre-fair sales help galleries offset some of the expenses of participating in a fair.

3. Take notes at the art fair

If, during your walk through, you stumble upon an unexpected treasure, note it down! As you go from gallery to gallery, it’s easy to forget what you’ve seen and where. Recording the gallery name and booth number ensures you can find it again with ease. Or, you can take a photo of the work and the card that accompanies it. Make a note of any new artists you like, or any trends that stick out to you. We noticed a considerable number of geometric works at Art Paris 2023, and we’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for more! Remaining aware of trends will help you buy artwork that will retain, or potentially increase, its value, allowing you to resell it later.

4. Talk to the exhibitors

Talking to different exhibitors is the perfect way to find out more about a piece. You might just learn something new about the artist or their process that convinces you about a purchase. At art fairs, you have to ask for the price of an artwork, as these are rarely on display. If the cost makes your heart skip a beat, don’t be afraid to negotiate! Most vendors will have a pre-established margin of reduction, and, if you’re convincing enough, you can get a discount. For those on a budget, we suggest the Affordable Art Fairs. At last year’s New York edition, the average sale price was approximately $1,700. Even if you don’t end up buying a piece from the gallery, engaging with the exhibitors can build crucial relationships. 

5. Trust your gut

If an artwork resonates with you, don’t hesitate to make it yours! It is easy to second guess your tastes, especially when you’re surrounded by a plethora of artistic styles and preferences. Maybe your favorite piece isn’t inline with the current trends in the art market or maybe it’s unlike any art you’ve purchased before. Don’t let doubts and opinions stop you from buying the artwork that you love. The hidden value of art lies in how it makes you feel!

Ready to Buy?

Art fairs present a fantastic opportunity to explore a diverse array of contemporary art. From well-established galleries to smaller independent artists, there is sure to be something for everyone. If you’ve bought an artwork and paid for it in full, you’ll be able to take the piece home with you on the day! If not, or if it’s too large, the gallery will arrange to have the artwork shipped to you after the fair ends. We hope you have a great time exploring any upcoming art fairs and, if you can’t find something that’s to your taste, why not take a look on Artsper’s site instead?