The world of art is strongly influenced by famosi collezionisti who, with their choices, determine the value of artists and works, contributing to shaping the global market.
Some of them are famous for their museum collections, others for strategic investments in emerging artists.
Here are some of the most famous contemporary art collectors to follow.
1. François Pinault
Founder of the Kering group and the auction house Christie’s, Pinault owns one of the most extensive and valuable collections in the world, with over 10,000 works. His collection includes artists such as Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, and Cindy Sherman. His works are exhibited at Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana in Venice.
2. Bernard Arnault
President of the LVMH group, Arnault is one of the most influential collectors of contemporary art. With the project of the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, he has created an important artistic hub where he exhibits works by Gerhard Richter, Jean-Michel Basquiat and other great artists.
3. Eli and Edythe Broad
Eli Broad, entrepreneur and philanthropist, left an indelible mark on the art world with The Broad Museum in Los Angeles, which houses an extraordinary collection of works by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Yayoi Kusama. His influence continues to be significant even after his passing.
4. Dakis Joannou
The Greek entrepreneur Dakis Joannou has one of the most eclectic collections in the contemporary art scene. With the DESTE Foundation for Contemporary Art, he has supported artists like Maurizio Cattelan, Jeff Koons, and Takashi Murakami, promoting innovative exhibitions.
5. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Sheikha Al-Mayassa
The royal family of Qatar is among the largest art buyers in the world. Sheikha Al-Mayassa, president of the Qatar Museums Authority, has invested billions of dollars to acquire works by Paul Cézanne, Mark Rothko and Francis Bacon, making Doha a significant artistic hub.
6. Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo
Prominent Italian collector, Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo is the founder of the Foundation that bears her name in Turin. Her commitment to the promotion of contemporary art includes artists such as Doug Aitken, Cindy Sherman, and William Kentridge.
7. Maja Hoffmann
Heir to the pharmaceutical giant Roche, Maja Hoffmann is one of the most important art patrons. With the LUMA Arles project, she has transformed the French city into a hub for contemporary art, supporting emerging and established artists.
8. Leon Black
American financier and founder of Apollo Global Management, Leon Black is known for his record acquisitions, including “The Scream” by Edvard Munch for 120 million dollars. His collection also includes works by Pablo Picasso and Willem de Kooning.
9. Charles Saatchi
Advertiser and British collector, Charles Saatchi played a key role in promoting the Young British Artists (YBA), including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin. His gallery helped redefine the contemporary art market.
10. Josef Vascovitz
Collector and investor, Josef Vascovitz is known for his targeted acquisitions in the contemporary art market. He owns works by emerging artists and great masters of the 20th century, influencing the trends of the sector.
Following these art collectors means understanding market dynamics and discovering emerging trends. Their choices influence exhibitions, auctions, and the value of artists, making them key figures for anyone interested in the world of contemporary art.
As expert in digital marketing, Amelia began working in the fintech sector in 2014 after writing her thesis on Bitcoin technology. Previously author for several international crypto-related magazines and CMO at Eidoo. She is now the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Cryptonomist and Econique.
She is also a marketing teacher at Digital Coach in Milan and she published a book about NFTs for the Italian publishing house Mondadori, while she is also helping artists and company to entering in the sector. As advisor, Amelia is also involved in metaverse-related project such as The Nemesis and OVER.
