Courtesy LES ÎLES
need to know
Joven Caribeno (2019), by Walkind Rodriquez
How To Become an art collector Artistic talent from the Caribbean is vast and diverse, owing to our mixed cultural backgrounds, modern perspectives, and intricate histories and geographies. This diversity makes Caribbean art exciting and competitive in the global market. LES ÎLES (“the islands” in French) is a new online marketplace for contemporary Caribbean art. It’s also building its own private collection dedicated to living Caribbean artists, while encouraging new collectors to do the same. Shelly-Ann Inniss learns more 14
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Experiencing art increases dopamine in the brain, and captivating artworks can be found just about everywhere these days — not only traditional museums, but in social media and online galleries. With advances in digital technology combined with the volume of creative talent in our region, LES ÎLES was launched in 2020 to connect Caribbean artists digitally with the international art market — on a scale that can impact as many artists as possible, including both established and non-established figures who may not have had the opportunity to exhibit internationally before. “Investing in our own people is our collective path to success,” says Anjeni Ramtahal, founder of LES ÎLES. Opportunities to speak with the artists personally, visit their studios, and learn more about them have significantly increased due to online avenues, too. But how do new collectors decide where to start without breaking the bank? Ramtahal recommends understanding what you emotionally connect with, as a starting point. “Being a member of the Caribbean diaspora, I connected very strongly with Caribbean artists, as they address a lot of issues I recognise in my daily life,” she says, “particularly relating to identity and migration.” Joven Caribeño, a painting by LES ÎLES participating artist Walkind Rodriguez, depicts a young boy who leaves the Dominican Republic, the artist explains. He feels guilty about abandoning his country, and fears going into the unknown. Later, he learns new cultures and practices, which eventually enrich who he becomes — indicated by the colourful lines flowing through his body. This is one of the pieces featured in LES ÎLES’ private collection, and the personal story of many others in the diaspora. New art collectors might be apprehensive about investing via online shopping, but LES ÎLES takes a personalised approach to the journey. “Our hands-on support involves customised presentations of the artist’s stories, works and trajectories, theme, and aesthetic. We provide images and videos of the works, and also visualisations of them in the collector’s own space based on their budget,” explains Ramtahal. Fundamentally, there’s an immense difference between buying art and collecting it. You don’t have to be a collector to start acquiring pieces that you love. Buying is for fun and can be whimsical; whereas, collecting is more purposeful and strategic. Art collections are incredible investments that can have a profitable return in the future. Unlike stocks or financial investments, art is a tangible investment and its value remains even if the market dives. Keep in mind that investments are a waiting game as they take time before a profit is realised. Over the past year, LES ÎLES has seen artist value grow significantly due to factors such as major public commissions, museum acquisitions, and international exhibitions. “The trajectory is different for each artist, and this is what we consult on when recommending art as an investment — from artists who are just graduating, to those that are already represented,” Ramtahal says. In the end, the experience of art is always subjective; therefore, when purchasing a piece, buy what moves you, what you can afford. Be absolutely certain whether you are investing in an original or a copy, and document your purchases thoroughly. If you have any doubts about works you’ve purchased or refrained from buying, pause for a while, and engage in serious research and evaluation. Always remember that the quality of the piece is more important than the artist’s name, and art education is a continuous process.