Visit your FIRST ART FAIR

There is a new fair in town and we can think of many reasons to visit! FIRST ART FAIR: The first fair to kick off a new and exciting year full of art. Whether it is your first art fair of the year or your first art fair ever; one thing is for sure; this is the perfect way to start 2018. Make the most of your experience with these simple guidelines:

How to approach the fairground

The contemporary art fair features a broad spectrum of artistic disciplines, set within the spectacular surroundings of the Passenger Terminal in Amsterdam. The fair brings together over thirty galleries from all over the country. Of course, part of the fun is letting your eyes spontaneously wander from booth to booth. But make sure you grab a map as soon as you walk in, because fairgrounds can be like a maze. Our tip is to start with a loop around the entire fair and take photos and notes of objects that capture your attention so that you can return to them later (don’t forget the label and booth number).

 ^{Passenger Terminal Amsterdam, 17-21 januari 2018}

Talk Talk Talk

The key is not to be intimidated, fairs have been designed to make visitors feel welcome and at ease, especially to approach gallerists and art dealers. Any gallery worth its salt should be more than happy to provide you with extra information. They are the experts after all and would love to share their knowledge with you and engage in an interesting discussion about their work.

Even prices are not a forbidden question. Knowing the price also means you can start comparing and getting a feel for the art market, which is an important first step if you intend on becoming an art collector somewhere along the way.

Don’t miss the extras

Most of the time a fair comes with extracurriculars, like tours and educational programs. Especially for a novice collector, this is a great opportunity to develop your knowledge and train your eyes. At the FIRST ART FAIR Artist Talks, six artists will share their stories. The classically trained artist Simon Pasini for example will give an insight into his oeuvre and his motives to help you understand his work even better. Be there at Thursday 18 January 17.00 o'clock.

^{Simon Pasini, Cozy Couple, Galerie Terbeek - Stand 31}

Check out the secret storage

Galleries will often present their fines artworks in their booths. But this is only the tip of the iceberg. If you’ve fallen for the style of a certain artist, don’t hesitate to ask about his other work. Maybe the gallery brought a similar work that you might even like better. A nice bonus is that a look into the secret fair storage spaces will make you feel very special.

Treat yourself

It’s important to always keep hydrated, especially because the air often gets dry within these big event halls. Luckily catering is a big part of the art fair, and the bars always offer a fine assortment of alcoholic beverages. A nice glass of champagne alongside an oyster is just part of the experience. Furthermore, the bar is also a great spot to meet people from the art industry and to discuss the works that made a particular impression on you.

You might not go home alone, so bring your car

If you do become the proud new owner of an artwork at the art fair (congratulations!), then don’t be surprised if the art dealer gives you the option to take it home with you the very same day. So if you are really set on buying a piece, then public transportation is probably not the best option. 

Surrounded by thousands of art objects, you can train your eyes, meet the experts and even take the artwork that you loved the most back home. Happy art hunting!

^{Walter Elst, Vijgen na Pasen, Morren Galleries -Stand 25}

^{Gan-Erdene Tsend, Karussell, Kunstbroeders Chinese Contemporary Art - Stand 17}
 

^{Jorg Karg, March in December, Grachtengalerie - Stand 12}

^{Anton Roosken, Birds with figure, Okker Art Gallery - Stand 32}

Interesterested to see more art online? Please have a look here at Gallerease, Europe's fines art at your fingertips!