Insider Tips for Collecting Contemporary Art

Oh So Arty's local guide in San Francisco, Marissa Halbrecht, has merged two of her passions—Israel and art— through her company Projex Connect with the vision of creating awareness and exposure of Israeli art and culture within international communities. Her personal art collection is a reflection of these dual interests. Continue reading to see some of the pieces in Marissa's vast collection. 

Jonathan Goldman

What is your personal philosophy when it comes to collecting art for yourself?

When it comes to collecting art for myself, for now, I have committed to mainly purchase contemporary Israeli art. There are a number of phenomenal contemporary Israeli artists who are under the radar in the art world and not only do I love their work but it’s my goal to support their careers. I also have a rule that I only purchase works that I really like.

Oded Balilty

Can you tell us about one of your favorite pieces you have collected?

A couple years ago I bought a work by artist Ariel Reichman at Frieze in NYC. I had been following Ariel on Facebook & Instagram and I was drawn to his work from the beginning. Then I found out that he would be showing at Frieze in NYC while I was in NYC for Frieze. I went to the booth at the fair and met his gallerist from Berlin. She asked if I wanted to know the story for the 5 works of his that the gallery was showing. She then proceeded to tell me the story “During the war in Gaza in the summer of 2014, Operation Protective Edge, Israel used an antimissile defense system called Iron Dome.” I, myself, happened to be there during that war and was very familiar with Iron Dome. She continued, “On the tip of the missiles that come from Iron Dome that intercept the missiles coming from Gaza there are cameras. This is the last image that one of the missiles took before it intercepted a missile coming from Gaza.” I was sold. Not only does the piece have deep and relevant meaning but I love the artwork aesthetically itself.

Ariel Reichman

What is your advice for other contemporary art collectors today?

My advice to other contemporary art collectors is to buy what you love. And if you don’t know what it is yet there are fabulous art advisors that can help you figure out what you like that fits in your budget. I also recommend going to as many galleries, museums and art fairs to open your eyes to all that the contemporary art world has to offer.

Rona Yefman

Read Part 1 and Part 2 of interviews with our guides about their personal art collections.

Ruby

Take a tour with Marissa in San Francisco to discover more!

San Francisco Art Guide - November

As a native Californian, I feel incredibly lucky to have our special neighbor of Mexico. Mexico is an extraordinary country that has brought a lot of inspiration, vibrancy and beauty to our Californian culture. Therefore, in gratitude I will highlight two exhibitions in San Francisco that I recommend which clearly share some of the magnificence of this incredible country and culture. In Addition, make sure to visit the curated exhibition by Anna Nearburg and Evan Rieser in Space 151 before it closes on the 16th.

I.

Exhibition: Vecinos
Artists: Gwladys Alonzo, Cynthia Gutierrez, Gonzolo Lebrija,
Gabriel Rico, Eduardo Sarabia
Venue: Cult
Dates: Until January 20, 2018

Aimee Friberg re-opens Cult Exhibitions in it's new location in the hopping area of NOPA with the exhibition VECINOS. With it's vibrant colors and elegant style, this exhibition includes a group of 5 prominent artists from Guadalajara, Mexico. VECINOS "explores the relationship between memory and place. With varied
types of production and distinct methodologies the artists explore notions of modernity, citizenship and socio-political impact. Each has an embedded micro-history that speaks to the narratives and traditions of place and a distinct socio-cultural landscape. Throughout the exhibition, these artists examine collective memory and individual perception, whether putting a lens to narratives that define place, or utilizing materials and processes associated with a specific region". This thoughtfully curated show by Friberg, clearly shows the vast talent of Mexican artists today.

Vecinsos - Eduardo Sarabia : “Untitled"

II.

Exhibition: Teotihuacan: City of Water, City of Fire
Venue: de Young Museum
Dates: Until February 11, 2018

Teotihuacan was one of the earliest and most thriving cities in all of Latin America. Today it is now the most visited archaeological site in Mexico as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 'Teotihuacan: City of Water, City of Fire', through the artworks and architecture gives the viewer insight into the lives and culture of the people of this civilization. When wandering through the exhibition the magnitude and importance of the city is clearly present.

Teotihuacan  - Circular Relief: Sun Pyramid

III.

Exhibition: Linchpin
Artist: Joe Ferriso, Conrad Guevara, Chelsea Pegram
Venue: Some.Time.Salon
Dates: Until November 16th

Linchpin, is the first collaboration between curators and gallerists Anna Nearburg and Evan Reiser in a fabulous location in Potrero called Space 151. The group exhibition consists of recent sculpture by artists Joe Ferriso, Conrad Guevara and Chelsea Pegram. The artists work's, all very architectural, come together very nicely in a space that lends itself perfectly to the show. I hope to see more collaborations going forward with Nearburg and Reiser.

Linchpin - Joe Ferriso “Bent Entrance"

Take a tour with Marissa in San Francisco to discover more!

San Francisco Art Guide - September & October

These are some of the top Gallery and Museum shows that I highly recommend for the end of summer and beginning of fall in San Francisco.

I.

Exhibition title: Begin Anywhere: Paths of Mentorship and Collaboration
Artists: Amanda Boe, McNair Evans, Kevin Kunishi with Jason
Fulford, Todd Hido, Mark Mahaney, Mike Smith and Alec Soth as
mentors
Venue: SF Camerawork
Dates: Until October 14th

This exhibition, Begin Anywhere: Paths of Mentorship and Collaboration (which was curated by Monique Deschaines), is the evolution of the artistic practice during the exploration of mentorship, collaboration and sharing of ideas and inspiration. The 3 artists, Amanda Boe, McNair Evans and Kevin Kunishi, all go back to their roots exploring the ideas of home, family, identity and landscapes.  The distinct artistic styles and influence of the well known and respected mentors can clearly be seen in the work created by their mentorees. In conjunction with
the exhibition SF Camerawork released the stunning publication Begin Anywhere.

II.

Exhibition title: Grinding
Artist: Takis, Kazuo Shiraga, Tom Sachs, Sterling Ruby, Jour
Pour, Oscar Murillo, Petra Cortright, Petra Collins, Mario Ayala
Venue: EVER GOLD [PROJECTS]
Dates: Until October 21st

Ever Gold [Projects], based at the Minnesota Street Project, presents Grindings, a group exhibition featuring work by Mario Ayala, Petra Collins, Petra Cortright, Oscar Murillo, Kour Pour, Sterling Ruby, Tom Sachs, Kazuo Shiraga, and Takis.  This vibrant group exhibition includes several young and international artists who all work in various mediums. Although quite young in age many of these artists are quite established and have work in well-known museums and collections all around the world. The works created by the various artists, all distinct in style, play off each other very nicely to create a very interesting and cohesive exhibition.

III.

Exhibition title: Soundtracks
Artist: Venue: SFMOMA
Dates: Until January 1, 2018

Soundtracks is the first exhibition that the SFMOMA has had which explores the role of sound in relationship to contemporary art. This group exhibition is cross-generational and includes artists from around the world. Included in the exhibition are various mediums and several of the works are interactive; making this exhibition fun to explore for all.

Take a private tour with Marissa in San Francisco to discover more!

San Francisco Art Guide - June - July

These are some of the top Gallery and Museum shows that I highly recommend this Summer in San Francisco.


I.
Exhibition title: Here and Home
Artist: Larry Sultan
Venue: SFMOMA
Dates: Until 23 July, 2017


This major retrospective of Larry Sultan (American, 1946–2009) Here and Home, examines the work and 35-year career of the internationally renowned photographer.  The exhibition includes more than 200 photographs, a billboard created with conceptual artist and frequent collaborator Mike Mandel, a film, as well as "Study Hall" — a room offering a unique glimpse into Sultan’s exploratory process. Sultan’s often intensely personal images — many drawn from his own family’s history — blend documentary and staged elements in their explorations of storytelling, family, and domesticity. Sultan had deep ties to the Bay Area as both an artist and an educator.

II.
Exhibition title: Soundsuits
Artist: Nick Cave
Venue: Anderson Collection at Stanford University
Dates: Until 14 August, 2017


Interdisciplinary artist Nick Cave (American, b. 1959) challenges conventions on what it means to be a visual artist, a performer, a crafter, and an educator. Cave is well known for his Soundsuits, which are full-body sized sculptures, often worn as costumes and performed in and conceal the wearer’s identity leaving the viewer with no indication of race, gender, or age. Cave's Soundsuits are made of everything from collected and repurposed buttons, to wooden sticks, beaded baskets, doilies and sequined fabric. While seeing Cave's exhibition you can also have a look at the fabulous Anderson Collection upstairs. 

III.
Exhibition title: Order of Appearance
Artist: Jim Jocoy
Venue:  Casemore Kirkeby @ Minnesota Street Project  
Dates: 16 June - 29 July


One of my favorite art galleries in San Francisco, Casemore Kirkeby will be presenting Jim Jocoy: Order of Appearance.  Jim Joyce (Korean, b. 1952) was born in South Korea to his Korean mother and American Father.  Moving to Sunnyvale in 1969 with his family, in 1976, at the start of the San Francisco punk scene, Jocoy became a student at UC Santa Cruz. The exhibition is an intimate and revealing selection of images embracing the burgeoning San Francisco punk club scene from 1977-1980. The opening will take place June 16th with a reception and book from 6-8pm, Order of Appearance, will contine through July 29th. In addition, on Saturday, July 15th, the artist will be in conversation with music journalist and critic Sam Lefebvre at Casemore Kirkeby at 5pm. After viewing the exhibition take a peek at all the other current exhibitions at MSP and then try the new restaurant. 

- by Marissa Halbrecht