MAGEL CADAPAN is an independent art dealer representing artists Rogelio Guarico (impressionist watercolorist), Solano Cruz, Raymond Go (expressionist), and most of all, Inday Cadapan, her late mother.
Although there is a thriving community of art collectors in the Philippines, Magel is quick to point out that the art business, like any other business, is not that easy. “If you will look at the monetary return, you’ll get frustrated.”
This jives with what an art gallery owner said to me a few years ago—if you’re out to make a profit, there are other more profit-making activities than selling art. Indeed, between, say, hamburgers and paintings, more sales can be had with hamburgers. But this art gallery owner, like Magel, has stuck it out in the business because she really loves it and is happy with what she does.
During these tough times, it becomes even more challenging to push for art. Magel, who studied arts management at the Asian Institute of Management, says art dealers should look for creative ways to sell fine art. There are many ways to do so, as shared here by Magel:
1. Make available some affordable art. Magel took her mother’s artworks and printed them on t-shirts, umbrellas, and notebooks “for name recall.” She also makes sure to use only Philippine handmade products to promote the local arts and crafts industry. By having affordable art, young people who would otherwise not yet afford to buy a painting will be able to take home a form of artwork.
2. Go to the bazaars. Magel is not afraid to venture into the bazaar business to sell artworks and merchandise. She has been a regular for years at Noelle Bazaar at Manila Polo Club. She also regularly takes part in the Art in the Park event at Salcedo Market (the next schedule is in November). This year, Magel will join the Cubao Expo Artists’ Fair on October 3 to 5. By joining bazaars, costs are kept low while giving one direct access to the target market. Magel used to have art galleries in Makati and Tiendesitas but she gave them up as she prefers to go from one place to another to reach more people.
3. Consign to galleries. Since Magel does not have her own art gallery, this allows her to consign artworks to several art galleries. Paintings of the artists she represents can be found at PNKY, 1/of Gallery and Art Gallery Philippines. But Magel has a warning for art dealers: Don’t flood the market.
4. Give special deals. Magel offers installment schemes and even ex-deal or barter agreements. Sometimes would-be buyers tell her their budget and she works out a package for them.
5. Do collaborative works with other artists. “It’s a way of slicing the pie,” says Magel. For instance, PNKY makes furniture and incorporates Inday Cadapan’s tile works in them.
Magel agrees that it takes special skill—“and the grace of God”—to make it in the art business. Anyone who wants to get into it must, she says:
1. have an eye for good art
2. be responsible. Sell real works and issue certifications to protect the buyer.
3. network
4. help professionalize the art business. Negotiate well on behalf of the artist.
May 12th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
are you accepting works of the late mariano madarang? Papers are complete.
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Philippine Art to the International Art Auction
I was told by my boss to contact international Art Auctions like Christie’s, Bonhams to sell a Persian Art and I discovered that Philippine Art paintings have not been frequent at International art galleries art but there was a demand of it because especially in Dubai and in the Middle East countries where there are many buildings and high-rise apartments they need art paintings . The best way for Filipinos painters is to open art gallery In Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and in the cities of the Middle East because they really have the money to splurge, also our young Filipino yuppies woiuld love to show to their foreign friends this is a Filipino art. Also if Philippine art would be
in Europe both Eastern and Western Europe and even Russia where people who have the money will buy it as long as it is really a beautiful piece of art. Filipino painters can submit their art at international auction for evaluation and for selling in the auction. Filipino artist must go beyond the horizon they must internationalize to have more value for their art they can work as cooperative if they cannot be solo owners of their gallery. I would also like to see that each provinces in the Philippines have their own art gallery and partner with DHL or other international courier wherein tourist if they want to buy art they can have its shipped directly to their address just like in e-bay that if you buy art there is already arrangement for your art that it will be delivered yo your address. so there must be changed in the marketing of Philippine art it should be internationalize.
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:32 pm
[...] successful, independent art dealer provides five necessary actions for success… ART BarterNews.com has thousands of articles for you… BN Technorati Tags: fine art, barter, [...]