The Art of Collecting: Five Common Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid

AKAA

Collecting African Art: An Intentional Act

Behind Every Acquisition Lies a Perspective, an Emotion, a Vision

Collecting African art is not simply about acquiring works—it is about cultivating a gaze, affirming a sensibility, and taking part in a cultural narrative still being written. Behind every acquisition lies an intention, emotional, aesthetic, or intellectual. Yet many new collectors fall into common traps, often driven by excitement or a lack of guidance.

Building a collection that is coherent, lasting, and sincere requires time, curiosity, and a certain discipline. Here are five mistakes to avoid when beginning a collection of contemporary African art.

• Betting Only on What’s ‘Hot

  
  Over the past decade, the African art market has experienced unprecedented visibility. Between 2015 and 2022, art fairs, auction houses, and institutional exhibitions have highlighted a scene long pushed to the margins, often focusing attention on specific regions or aesthetics deemed “bankable.” But buying according to trends or the hype of the moment often prevents collectors from building a coherent and personal collection. Great collections are not defined by their alignment with the market, but by the consistency of the collector’s eye.

  Learning to listen to your eye before listening to the market means understanding that every work is first and foremost an intimate connection before it is an investment. Each artwork, even before joining a larger ensemble, carries its own story—its own intimate resonance. Over time, through acquisitions and encounters, a collection begins to tell a narrative of its own. It becomes the reflection of a journey, of discoveries, and of emotions—much more than a series of financial transactions.

• The Buying Frenzy

  
  The excitement of starting out can sometimes lead to buying too quickly, too often. Whether it’s a sudden crush on an artist, an inspiring conversation with a gallerist, or simply the desire to build a collection as fast as possible, this rush can undermine the coherence of the ensemble. The rise of the market and the growing number of fairs and exhibitions dedicated to African art have also contributed to creating a sense of urgency.

  A collection is built over time. Each artwork deserves to be understood, contextualised, and truly appreciated. Taking the time to meet artists, understand their approach, and observe the evolution of their practice is an essential part of the collecting process.

• Failing to Explore Beyond Your Usual Circuit

  
  Limiting yourself to a single network or a narrow type of art can restrict the development of your eye. Visiting galleries, studios, or exhibitions outside your usual circuit allows you to expand your references, discover new talent, and gain a deeper understanding of the market’s diversity.

  Collecting is, above all, an act of curiosity: it’s about learning to see beyond established circuits to appreciate the richness and variety of contemporary African practices. Restricting your focus to a few well-known names or galleries is to overlook the vitality of the continent and its diaspora.

• Not Seeking Professional Advice

  
  Gallerists, advisors, or independent curators can guide you, help you avoid market pitfalls, and sharpen your eye.

  Although the African art market has grown significantly, it remains relatively unstructured, especially when it comes to emerging artists. Surrounding yourself with professionals—gallerists, advisors, or independent curators—helps you avoid common pitfalls: uncertain provenance, non-compliant certificates, overvaluation, or impulsive purchases. This guidance does not diminish the collector’s freedom; on the contrary, it provides the tools to exercise that freedom with awareness and expertise. Knowing how to seek the right support also means actively contributing to the professionalisation of the market.

• Neglecting Documentation
  

  The value of a work relies as much on its quality as on its traceability. Invoices, certificates of authenticity, exhibition history, or correspondence with the artist—these elements form the living memory of a collection. This is particularly important for works acquired directly from an artist or an independent dealer. A certificate signed at the studio becomes a mark of credibility and a tool for future valuation. Preserving the history of each acquisition also contributes to the story of the contemporary African art market, which is still being written. Never overlook this crucial step.