Three art advisors share their insights on Miami Art Week, market trends and meaningful collecting.
Portrait of Michelle Azout PHOTO: BY CARLOS ARISTIZABAL, COURTESY OF MICHELLE AZOUT
As hybrid investment guides, creative connoisseurs and collection managers, contemporary art advisors conduct artist research, monitor art markets and master logistics. We asked three Miami advisors how they navigate trends, client curiosities, and Art Week fervor.
Work by artist Alberto Cavalieri and interior designer by Deborah Wecselman. PHOTO: BY ZINA PERLMAN , COURTESY OF MICHELLE AZOUT
MICHELLE AZOUT, ART ADVISOR
Market insight:
The market has experienced a downturn of late; however, that lull translates into buying opportunities and, most importantly, more time (and less frenzy) to make selections.
Work by artist Natalia Juncadella PHOTO: BY SETH CAPLAN, COURTESY OF MICHELLE AZOUT
Art Week musts:
I go to large fairs like Art Basel Miami Beach and Art Miami, but my favorite is Untitled Art Fair. It has the widest range of artwork across media for my clients and their budgets. I never miss the Institute for Contemporary Art Miami openings, where I serve on the Young Board, and I’m excited to see Lucy Bull’s exhibition this year!
Portrait of Laura Randall PHOTO: COURTESY OF LAURA RANDALL
LAURA RANDALL, ARTS AND MUSEUM CONSULTANT
Market insight:
Miami’s art market offers diverse collection opportunities, as galleries open from Kyiv, Buenos Aires and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Art Week musts:
I visit Meridians and Positions sectors of Art Basel Miami Beach. Positions promotes emerging artists and galleries and has featured killer artists like Karon Davis, Sungi Mlengeya and Carlos Herrera.
Rewards/challenges:
Akin to finance, real estate and retail sales, you may devote time and energy to a deal that is never completed. However, visiting museums, galleries, art fairs and artist studios are enriching.
Portrait of Laura Raiffe. PHOTO: COURTESY OF ART MARKET LIAISON
LAURA RAIFFE, FOUNDER & CEO OF ART MARKET LIAISON
Market insight:
The art market is down from peak 2022, but there are silver linings. Less competition increases accessibility, and you can get iconic pieces for better prices. Collectors often want more, so we offer insider knowledge and a savvy approach to pursue several works— possible in today’s market.
Art Week musts:
Miami Art Week is my Super Bowl week as everyone I speak to yearlong visits my hometown. I’ve attended Art Basel Miami Beach since it started, and the fair’s opening day always pulls me in with clients. I also love the Design Miami, Untitled, NADA, and Art Miami fairs.
Rewards/ challenges:
We find amazing artworks on the primary and secondary markets, build curated collections, help with strategic deaccessions and develop full collection sale strategies. Pricing expectations can be tricky— sellers hope for full figures and buyers want a deal. We have strong market expertise on a local and global level.
‘Positions promotes emerging artists and galleries and has featured killer artists like Karon Davis, Sungi Mlengeya and Carlos Herrera.’
Photography by: Photo Courtesy: Michelle Azout; Laura Randall; Art Market Liason
