A Sociological Theory of Contemporary Art Collectors

Abstract This article presents a theory of contemporary art collectors. Using data from in-depth interviews with twenty-eight art collectors in the United States, Latin America, and Europe, recruited from art fairs and social media platforms, we describe the pathways into collecting and the types of social positions that collectors assume in the contemporary art field. Interviews describe three entry points into art collecting: purchasing art for decorative reasons; exposure to the art through attending college; and growing up in a family that participates in the arts. The interviews describe two ways that collectors interact with the art field. Sometimes, collectors are “hierarchically oriented” when they buy and sell art in ways meant to increase their status and financial position. At other times, collectors are “communally oriented” when they collect art that reflects personal relationships with artists and artist organizations. The discussion section addresses collecting as a lifestyle, study limitations, and avenues for future research.