Sheelah Moloney owns the 2020 Art Gallery on Cork’s North Mall. Her vibrant selection of Irish art has made 2020 a popular stop on the Cork culture trail for curious tourists and avid collectors alike.
We asked her for the inside track on becoming an art collector:
When it comes to buying art there’s one very important rule: buy what you love. You’ll never regret that purchase a day in your life. I’ve learned that the hard way. In the course of my career I have watched paintings I adored leave galleries, tucked under the arms of new owners, and I can remember each one like it was yesterday. As a result I am very lucky to look at my small personal art collection with as much love now as the day I purchased each work. Trust how you feel about an artwork when you see it and, if you need to, leave the gallery and go back to your daily routine. If you’re still thinking about it then you know it’s the one for you.
I don’t recommend buying art for investment purposes because it is too difficult to predict with any certainty, but I would suggest looking at the work of artists that are new to the market. At 2020 I have, from the inception of the gallery, focused on championing up-and-coming artists and have helped launch the careers of many successful young artists since. When you spot that artwork that sets your heart racing, ask the gallerist about the artist’s story. This will help give you some insight into how the piece might increase in value over time.
How much to spend on a piece of art is a very individual choice. People start art collections at all ages and stages of life at which times they have varying budgets. Some people start collections with a simple reproduction print, which can cost less than a meal out, while others jump straight in at several hundred or even several thousand euro. Some pay outright in one go others pay by installments. Every client is different. There’s no right or wrong way to start collecting but be aware: once you get started you’ll be hooked!
There are a few key points to remember when hanging pictures. The correct height puts the centre of the painting at eye level. Hanging pieces over furniture alters this, but it’s a general rule to apply. Avoid hanging artwork in direct sunlight unless it’s made of ceramic or glass. Likewise, don’t hang it over stoves that emit excessive heat or ash. Remember that paintings don’t always have to go on walls. Mantelpieces and shelves can also be perfect spots to showcase small works. Most importantly, hang your beautiful painting somewhere you can enjoy it every day, opposite your favourite armchair, for example, or somewhere it will create the most impact such as over a dining table.
Buying art has a reputation for being an intimidating thing to get involved in, particularly when you’re starting out. There’s a fear of buying in error or under pressure. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. There’s no mysterious knowledge that you need to get started, you just need to know one thing, do you like the artwork you see? Listen to your gut, if it’s sending you that unmistakable signal that you’re falling in love, go with it.
Photo of Sheelagh Moloney: Joleen Cronin
Main image: Decoist
