There's no one secret to making all the right acquisitions, but for CULTURED's 2024 Young Collectors, passion is the driving force behind their collections.
Whether it's their personal connection to a piece or a recurring theme that dictates their direction, these art patrons have all found a method in the madness. From New York to Los Angeles, and everywhere in between, we’ve gathered a curated list of insights from some of the year's top changemakers.
1. Let Your Home's Color Palette Guide You
"I know most of the artists I collect and I love their work, but I also love their stories and their processes ... I'm definitely attracted to light, pastel, happy colors, and artists I can relate to. I have to see a work in person to fall in love with it." - Abby Smidt, New York
2. Envision How the Piece Will Evolve Over Time
“[In New Mexico, where we're opening a foundation, we're commissioning objects] that will live in the massive open space in perpetuity, engaging with the geography over a very long time, hopefully well beyond us.” - Jen Rubio, New York
3. Get To Know the Creatives Behind the Work That Resonates
“I acquire pieces that resonate with me personally, both on an emotional and visual level ... establishing a personal connection with artists adds a deeper layer of intimacy to the collection.” - Patrick Finnegan, New York
4. Select Work That Captures Who and Where You Are
“I choose art that makes me feel a certain way, that is reflective of the work I do. [I'm fascinated by] how art represents a moment in time.” - Lacey Tisch, New York and the Hamptons
5. Make Art a Part of Your Everyday
"I was born into art ... My grandparents taught me that art is not separate from life. It is a way to enhance life through history and beauty—to continue finding new inspiration and modes of expression."- Samara Furlong, Detroit and New York
6. Collect Only What You Can’t Live Without
"I believe in buying art you feel you can’t live without. I believe in the power of surrounding yourself with beauty. In my job, I am constantly pulling inspiration and references from all over. I love living in a space where I get that by walking in the door." - Noora Raj Brown, Los Angeles
