The acquisition and sale of art are often driven by personal pleasure, yet when guided by a professional, the process also becomes a strategic exercise in research, selection, and long-term value creation.
On Buying Art
The acquisition of contemporary art requires thorough research and strategic consideration.
Key factors include the origin of the work, the artist’s career trajectory, current market positioning, and projected future relevance. These elements form the foundation for informed decision-making and long-term value assessment.
Prior to any acquisition, we conduct a detailed analysis of the artwork itself—examining materials, technical development, and conservation practices. This allows us to advise on the artist’s career outlook and guide you in selecting works with strong indicators of durability and cultural perennity.
On Selling Art
The art market operates through two distinct channels: the Primary Market, where artworks are introduced for the first time—typically from the artist’s studio to the gallery—and the Secondary Market, which involves the resale of works that have previously been sold.
In the Primary Market, it is the gallery that engages directly with the artist to establish the initial price. This process involves a detailed assessment of the artwork’s concept, technical construction, and broader context. As the work has no prior market history, its valuation requires a nuanced approach based on curatorial insight, research, and dialogue. The gallery expert formulates the first market quotation, presenting it to collectors and institutions with clarity and rationale.
Once sold, the artwork enters the Secondary Market if reintroduced for resale. The original sale price in the Primary Market plays a foundational role in shaping its value in the Secondary Market, where pricing is more directly influenced by supply, demand, and market dynamics.
Ricardo Fernandes Gallery offers comprehensive support in the valuation of contemporary artworks. We monitor key market indicators, including the artist’s positioning, institutional visibility, and collector demand. Our team regularly attends major gallery exhibitions and international art fairs, maintaining versatility across all media—from painting, sculpture, and works on paper to installation, video, and technology-based art.
Our Valuation Report is a formal document issued following a detailed study of the artwork. For existing works held by collectors, we request high-quality images (recto-verso), including visible hallmarks, stamps, and signatures, along with contextual information provided during an interview. When appropriate, we also arrange private viewings to ensure accuracy and depth in our assessment.