For emerging artists, social media platforms are becoming a necessity for building their name and their following. Instagram is an especially valuable platform for sharing art, connecting with fans, and promotion.

There has never been so much opportunity for artists to reach their audience, especially for niche genres. However, there are a number of pitfalls and challenges that come along with using social media for self-promotion. We take a look at some of the pros and cons of social media for artists.

Pros

Democratization of Art

The democratization of art comes down to making art more accessible. This mindset is often tied back to the French Revolution, which resulted in a democratization of culture in France. This branched out into the idea of sharing art with the people.

It’s an important concept in the art world, turning art from a leisure of the elite to something embraced by the people. It helped to revolutionize art in new and interesting ways.

Today, social media is allowing for the democratization of art at a scale and speed we have never seen before.

Artists are not only able to better reach the people but they can more specifically connect to people interested in their specific niche. Through the use of hashtags, sharing, mentions, and collaborative work, artists can find like-minded audiences all around the world.

It’s not just the artists who benefit. Instagram gives regular people the opportunity to keep up with artists and view their latest work at the tip of their fingers. It’s easier than ever for people to appreciate, experience, and connect with art.

Widespread Distribution

The use of social media allows for widespread distribution without affecting or devaluing the art. Artists can share images of their art around the world without affecting the number of prints. That allows them to maximize promotion, even if selling limited edition art prints.

The artist is now able to share their art with anyone, anywhere in the world – all they need is an internet connection. This especially valuable for more niche genres, like erotic nude art.

There are a lot of people around the world looking for erotic art prints, but the communities are small in many places. That can limit their access and exposure to the art they’re looking for. Through social media, erotic artists can reach their niche audience more effectively.

Grow & Connect With Fanbase

One of the great aspects of artists using social media is that it’s a two-way conversation. Artists have a direct line of conversation with their audience. They get the opportunity to find out what resonates with people, what they want more of, and what they’re hoping to see next.

Social Media can even help determine the best places for them to set up galleries by seeing where their audience is. Their audience can further help by sharing their posts, growing the artists’ reach and visibility.

Another popular audience growth technique artists are using on social media is cross-promotion. Through collaboration, sharing, or mentioning each others’ work, artists share exposure with each others’ fanbases.

Cons

Banning Accounts

For many creatives, especially erotic artists, social media can be tumultuous due to seemingly arbitrary rules. Instagram is especially notorious for this. Artist will sometimes receive a ban as a result of the content of their art.

The problem is, there’s no clear indication of what will cause a ban. Sometimes the platform deems nude art as perfectly fine, other times an artist receives a ban for art that is too suggestive (even without nudity). The rules guiding this are inconsistent, and artists are at the mercy of Instagram’s whims.

This is more than just a concern for censorship. When an artist receives a ban there is often no warning, and they can lose their entire following. While they can set up a new account, they have all the hard work of rebuilding their following. All with the possibility of losing it all again.

Competition

Another big challenge is that with social media being so accessible and providing so much opportunity is that there is a lot of competition. There’s a lot of noise out there, and the louder it gets, the harder it is to be heard.

On social media, artists aren’t just competing with other artists, they compete with every other account. They need to be found in a sea of memes, celebrities, CrossFit videos, heavily-filtered food pictures and so on.

Having good content and regular posting isn’t enough. Artists need to devise and pursue follower strategies to grow their account. There are loads of strategies ranging from buying followers to bots that schedule mass following and commenting strategies. Artists have to test out different techniques to discover what works best for their specific audience.

Limited Distribution Options

When artists share their art through an online art gallery they can offer better distribution options. The gallery can offer superior print quality, framing, shipping options, and service. Many artists on social media are left to their own devices.

This can mean they need to manage the printing, handling, shipping, and fulfillment themselves. A time-consuming process many artists find tedious and unfulfilling. Their alternative is often using web services that fulfill the printing and shipping for them. Unfortunately, many of these services result in lower profits for the artists and a lower quality product.

Many social media platforms limit what the artist can share. While Instagram allows video and images alike, it only allows a couple of display formats for images. This may not align with the shape and style the artist would prefer their art shown as. Artists need to work within the parameters of the platform. They can also only leave one link that sits on their profile. So fans can’t buy individual art pieces by clicking on the image.

Follow Art Provocateur Gallery On Instagram

While there are some challenges in using social media platforms like Instagram, it’s hard to deny the overwhelmingly positive impact they’ve had on the art community. The juice is worth the squeeze for any artist looking to grow their audience or connect with their fanbase.

You can follow us on Instagram @art.provocateur for our erotic art gallery’s latest prints, photos, sculptures, and paintings. Artists looking to sell art online can submit for an assessment to see if your work is the right fit for our gallery.

Where to Find Erotic Art

Today, there is no shortage of ways to discover art. Galleries, shows, and social media provide easy access for long time collectors or first-time buyers. Erotic art, however, has remained more elusive. Art Provocateur Gallery is the premier online gallery for erotic art.

So, you know about sex?

And indeed, she does. Dr. Laura Henkel is a sexologist and a specialist in erotic art. Laura’s curated exhibitions, performances, film premieres, and artists’ talks, have been instrumental in bringing erotica into the public sphere in a thoughtful, visually fascinating and provocative way. She’s got the smarts, charm, confidence and beauty to enthrall.

In addition to these platforms, Laura is the founder of the groundbreaking gallery in Sin City Gallery, the site of over 100 exhibits, including an amazing Bunny Yeager exhibit as well as the contemporary artwork of Jeff Wack.

Dr. Laura Henkel is a sexologist and a specialist in erotic art.

The captivatingly smart and beautiful Laura is also the brain behind the well-known 12 Inches of Sin, Juried Exhibition of International Erotic Contemporary Art, now in its fifth year. This year saw the publication of a series of four books, one for every year of the exhibition, delightfully illustrated with artist’s statements, critical essays and forewords by people in the field: artists, performers, critics, curators and collectors.

As Laura puts it, there is so much art they can barely fit it in. Only a Texan with this much charm can enchant so many people into releasing their inhibitions about erotic and provocative art.

The Interview.

APG: So Laura, have you always been so “sex positive?”

Laura: My ‘sex positive’ nature stems from my upbringing. No subject was taboo and my parents taught me to respect diversity.

APG: Interesting. Do you think it’s intimidating to be in a relationship with a sexologist or just totally fun?

Laura: A little of both.

APG: Tell me about your favorite artistic expressions of sexuality –contemporary, modern, historic?

Laura: My favorite historic-artistic expression is sculpture and primarily marble. Michelangelo’s ‘The Slaves’ is absolutely exquisite. There are so many other art forms that I enjoy: performance, video, photography, paintings. I like art that is intellectual. To me, that is sexy.

APG: Tell me more about your background please?

Laura: My undergraduate studies focused on transpersonal psychology. Transpersonal psychology is concerned with the study of humanity’s highest potential, and with the recognition, understanding, and realization of unifying, spiritual, and transcendent states of consciousness. When I decided to attend graduate school, I knew I wanted to continue those studies by specializing in human sexuality. For me, human sexuality embodies body, mind and spirit, as a whole in its truest form.

APG: This is such a complex concept, and yet you make it clear with such ease. So okay, can you explain what a sexologist is?

Laura: Sexology is the scientific study of sexuality. A sexologist is someone who has studied all areas of sex including anatomy, physiology, sexual development, sexual orientation, the dynamics of sexual relationships, as well as the mechanics of sexual contact/acts. A sexologist looks to other disciplines to understand human sexuality such as history, sociology, psychology, biology, gender studies, and more, in order to see how sex works in the context of social, cultural and religious environments.

APG: What’s the craziest “sex-focused artwork” or “sex-focused artistic performance” you’ve organized?

Laura: Hmmm, craziest. I think that may be a moving target as to what may be considered reasonable. I do think ‘The Operation’ by Marne Lucas and Jacob Pander is one of the greatest artistic films ever made.

APG: People often seek tips, ideas, or sexy things like erotica to stimulate a relationship; do you have any standard advice for spicing things up?

Laura: As long as it is responsible, respectful and consensual… anything goes.

APG: I like this advice. So…Seduction: what is it?

Laura: Seduction is an art form in its own right. It is enticing. It is desirable. It is alluring.

APG: On the other side of the spectrum… You were once quoted saying that you have watched over 300 hours of porn. Was this part of your studies? Did this expand your knowledge of human sexuality and make you more open, or can this desensitize a person?

Laura: This was required curriculum for my graduate studies. The objective was to discover what my own judgments might be and the feelings associated to particular subject matters in order that I would not project or transfer my position onto someone else. The experience definitely made me think more openly and be clear about my own personal likes and dislikes.

APG: Fascinating! Are there particular types of people that seem universally appealing? Are they scientific or cultural reasons?

Laura: Sappho, from the Greek Island of Lesbos, was an intellectual poet who wrote many love poems to other women in 600 B.C. There has always been a fascination and fantasy in this context.

APG: People were excited about the work by Japanese illustrator Hajime Sorayama. It will only be the second exhibit of the artist’s work in the United States, so this is quite notable. I love his imaginative, humorous, and sexy work.

Laura: Yes we are so delighted to organize Hajime Sorayama’s show. Of course, I am a fan of the work; he is a true artist with an amazing imagination.

APG: I noticed that many women sexologists are also activists in some capacity, are you?

Laura: I believe that arts and culture are essential to creating an even greater community, and improving the quality of life of its citizens. Art challenges boundaries, fascinates, arouses and captivates by affording a peek into ourselves and others in its truest form.

APG: Thank you Laura, this has been really intriguing!

Art Provocateur is the premier online gallery of erotic art prints. Browse our galleries of limited edition and one-of-a-kind artwork. We have the largest selection of erotic and nude art from both established artists and rising stars.

JUDGE ME. While the word “judge” could be considered harsh, it is not a word that must always have a negative meaning. All of us make judgments daily. It is human nature, part of survival. When observing erotic art on someone’s wall, it is natural for many to draw some conclusions about that individual. While an individual’s morals or character can not necessarily be judged by the art on their wall, one’s individuality and respect for a woman’s body can certainly be assessed by which works of art adorn their home.

To display tasteful erotica and provocative art in one’s home can actually be a demonstration of appreciation, respect and even reverence towards a woman’s body. What an individual hangs on the walls of their home represents, in a sense, their own perspective. No matter the genre, it is apparent when a particular piece of erotica has been chosen carefully. The effort it took to choose the piece and hang it required contemplation and energy. Investing in art and the motivation behind it. That piece may lend a fresh perspective of their relationship dynamics, or what they prioritize. At the risk of oversimplifying, what one hangs on their wall does indeed express in some measure who they are.

If a collection of erotic art demonstrates an owner’s individuality, it can simultaneously demonstrate their knowledge of what art is as well. The ability to judge a person by the art on their wall applies powerfully when getting a feel for what sort of person they are, in the face of open-minded discussion. As all art forms can be controversial, those who display art (erotic especially) tend to be open to and may even invite hearty and intelligent debate. The judgment can usually safely be made that they are open-minded, understanding, and motivated to educate and be educated in many areas.

The pictured etching done by Picasso poses an unerring example of the power art can wield, as it is certain to ignite lively conversation due to its controversial depiction. The overstated vagina, as well as the large and shady faces of the men viewing it, in contrast to the smaller face of the woman, makes an audacious presentation of the differing societal views of genders. Conversation on a piece such as this can lead to the realms of feminism, respect, and the different powers of gender. Erotic art is not only eye-catching, but it has the potential to encourage types of conversation between people that otherwise may not have taken place. Those who display erotic art in their homes understand this and customarily embrace it.

Conversation and intellectual stimulation begin as a result of viewing erotic art.

The sharing of their own understanding and comprehension of taste and beauty contribute a healthy, cultured perspective to those who have not made such realizations. Indeed, it could be said that collecting erotic art is an intelligent choice for a buyer and a favor to the intellect of those entering their home. It also must be added that one doesn’t require a college degree to appreciate and understand the art of any form.

Another judgment to be made when encountering erotic art in a person’s home is of the sexual perspective of the individual displaying the art, versus our oftentimes sex-saturated society of pornography. To display an erotic, proud depiction of artwork is to embrace sexuality in a fresh and lively measure. There is no shame in portraying a sensuous female form in a respectful and tasteful manner, as the purpose is not pornographic, but thoughtful, sexy and moving. Buyers of erotic art understand that they will be judged by the art on their wall. Their erotica is therefore displayed proudly, inviting the doors of communication, education, and intellect to fling wide.

Art Provocateur Gallery welcomes you to peruse a beautifully curated collection of nude and erotic art from all over the world.

Pleasures of the male gaze; and in other words: men like looking at women. No surprise there. For males, the eye is the primary sense organ when it comes to appraising feminine beauty. Looking at members of the opposite sex is, for the male, an instinctual act connected to the sexual pleasure that comes with the necessity to ensure the survival of the species through reproduction. In the pursuit of pleasure, the male’s scrutiny of the female is the preliminary step in an erotic dance. The next step, often criticized by the woman being “checked out” by a male, is the imaginative undressing of the female, revealing the pleasure to be had in her naked form.

Looking steadily, intently and with fixed attention at a fellow human being of the opposite sex with the effect of raising the emotion of desire is a motif that has been very popular in western art. The strength of emotion is a factor of cultural norms. Thus peeping or taking a longer and broader, forbidden look at a clothed or unclothed female, is for males a highly stimulating activity. In art, the eroticism of the illicit act of gazing becomes a visual stand-in for the act itself. A male looking at a picture like Alessandro Allori’s Susanna and the Elders puts himself in the position of the elders and in doing so achieves a measure of pleasure. The biblical event represented in this work is the failed blackmailing of Susanna by two lustful elders who have been driven wild to have sex with her. Their lust was raised by secretly observing her bathing in her garden.

The arousal of male sexual desire through surreptitiously or accidentally observing, a naked female body was a subject of an understandably popular ancient Greek myth. The story tells how chaste goddess Diana bathing in a spring with her attendant nymphs was unintentionally seen by the mortal, hunter Actaeon. The sight of her naked form raised Actaeon’s lust. Diana, anticipating that he would be unable to control himself, dampened his ardour by splashing him with water. The magical treatment was very effective at “cooling his jets” because he was turned into a deer and torn to shreds by his own hunting dogs. The cautionary moral of this tale: don’t look at a naked female, especially if she is a goddess; does nothing to deter males from illicitly or accidentally gazing at females. It merely raises the stakes, adds danger to the act which ups the power of peeping to elevate lust.

A specific kind of painting in western art that had the purpose of arousing male lust became popular from the 15th century on. Clothed in the garb of legitimacy by representing select, mythological and historical events, these pictures work because they simulate situations that are not dissimilar to those in the male imagination, where the thought of gazing at a female body may be almost as stimulating as the act itself. This suggests that erotic male pleasure and consequently the male obsession with the female body is entirely a mental construct. A work by the French 19th century painter Gérôme, is an example of pictorial stimulation of the male mind.

The artist portrayed the trial for the impiety of the Athenian, courtesan Phryne. It is intended to act as a pleasurable reflection on the effects of intent looking at a naked female body. In summing up the case for the defense, Phryne’s lawyer pulled off her robe exposing her to the eyes of the judges. They were, so the story goes, driven to pity by the sight. They did acquit her but it was probably not on account of pity but out of fear of condemning a rare beauty to death and thus depriving themselves of the potential of a lustful encounter with the courtesan.

Don’t look at a naked female, especially if she is a goddess.

The excuse or narrative camouflage employed to legitimize pictures of a male gaze at nude females has varied over time. In the early 20th century ancient myths were replaced by a number of pictorial fictions that reflected contemporary life. One of the most popular of these involved the kind of legitimate, concentrated looking at a nude model in the socially acceptable environment of an art class.

Erotic in the male gaze still depends on notions of chance.

With the evolution in sexual mores in the last half of the 20th century, the requirement for a narrative context in the portrayal of a nude female in art disappeared. The ubiquity of representations in moving images, photography, painting and sculpture of the unclothed female body, however, has not meant the end of storytelling in erotic image-making. In large measure, the erotic in the male gaze still depends on notions of chance and illicit or secret peeping. Hence the male gaze and delight in the interplay between concealing and revealing in fashion photography. The erotic intensity of this teasing of the male gaze is increased by role-playing. This is thoroughly understood by women themselves who have since antiquity assumed roles as “vamps”, in effect, asserting their sexual power by working with the predilections of the male gaze.

Art Provocateur is the premier online gallery of erotic art prints. Browse Art Provocateur Gallery for limited edition and one-of-a-kind artwork. We have the largest selection of erotic and nude art from both established artists and rising stars.

Taking the 80s by storm, Madonna stands as a legendary sex symbol who truly revolutionized the social culture of her decade. Embracing sex and rebellion as the cornerstones of her image, she fearlessly bashed conservative family values, leading an age of sexual liberation and free expression. With her risqué performances and clothes, she standardized a whole new level of provocation, carving her place as the queen of pop, and most importantly, the icon who empowered women to embrace their sexuality and social autonomy.

Madonna was a leader of a revolution that forever influenced the way we perceive erotic art. Through her sexy photos, she became a sign of free expression, showing the world that provocative art is more than just a feast for the eyes; it’s a symbol of empowerment and unbridled energy. In turn, Madonna’s exhibitionism expressed a clear agenda: Why merely shock people when you can lead a revolution?

Madonna made this agenda clear in 1985 when she posed topless for Playboy in collaboration with the photographer, Bill Stone. In these monochromatic photos, she poses full-frontal with unshaved privates and underarms, indicating a trendy bohemian attitude toward her nakedness.

The plain backdrop—instead of the standard glamorous background, enhances this effect, Madonna is posing within commonplace settings in most of the photos. Her simplicity and bluntness indicate genuine, unembellished ownership over her body, producing an eroticism that is both real and attainable.

However, Madonna’s photos were perceived as lewd and distasteful, provoking a surge of public controversy surrounding her image as both a pop star and a role model. Nevertheless, Madonna’s full-on nudity showed rich confidence and a willingness to confront the conservative values of her era.

The authenticity and openness of her eroticism demonstrated self-approval and true liberation. In turn, she stripped away the shame and indignity that was commonly associated with erotic photography and introduced a rich and meaningful revival of this genre.

As her sexual identity matured, she continued to push the intensity of her erotic art. On October 21, 1992, she released “Sex,” a coffee table book filled with soft-core pornographic photographs. Shot by Steven Meisel Studio, the pictures carried a sadomasochistic nature, depicting Madonna in various bondage-related poses and interactions. Every aspect of the scene represented lawlessness and youth: her untidy bleached hair, the rope and cuff restraints, and the overall explicitness of the act of bondage and the art of sex.

Madonna was dubbed “The Queen of obscene.”

Traditionalists and moralists believed she had gone too far, while her fans shared mixed reactions – some bewildered, some amazed and some inspired. But most importantly, these antics begged the question: why?

At the heart of these photographs, we’re not merely seeing an aimless sensationalist at work, but rather something more powerful. She unleashes an inner ferocity that is inherent in all of us but often suppressed. As a result, her photos not only bash the squeamish mainstream views of her time but also invite people to welcome sexuality with new eyes.

Despite all the scandal surrounding Madonna’s eroticism, there really was a method to her antics. As the ringleader of modern sexuality through the 80s, Madonna’s exploits can be viewed as a demonstration of empowerment. Her naughty trademark and explicit nudity was a pathway to a new age of women and culture.

Explore Art Provocateur Gallery to shop the most enticing erotic art for sale. Discover art prints ranging from erotic and nude photography to pin-ups and paintings. Start building your collection today and learn the tantalizing thrills of decorating with nude art.

Interior designers are no strangers to incorporating art into the design and atmosphere of a room. However, not everyone has experience in the current growing trend of decorating with erotic art. This is our interior design guide for decorating with nude and erotic art.

Decorating with nude art and erotica requires a careful touch. You need to incorporate all the usual elements of wall art, while also accounting for the desired mood, tone, and individual preferences of the homeowner.

Matching the Artwork to the Homeowner

The tastes of individuals vary widely with erotic art. As such, it’s important for interior designers to get a feel for their clients’ tastes when selecting artwork. You will want to discuss styles, artists, and particular interests.

Some clients prefer photographic art, such as Arkadiy Kozlovski’s works focusing on the erotic female form. Others may prefer a more surreal style such as Alice Zilberberg’s erotic art prints.

Another important interior design tip for erotic art is to find out your client’s interests. If your clients express a desire for certain types of fetish art, be sure to match their desired fetish and themes.

Another question you will want to discuss is the exclusivity of the art. An art lover will often be willing to set their spend a little higher to purchase limited edition prints or original artwork. It can also give an idea of whether they want something more generic or truly unique.

Choosing Art That Fits the Room

As with all art, you need to make sure it fits the design of the rest of the room. There are a number of approaches that range from matching colors and shapes to using a piece that boldly stands out.

When choosing art for a room, it really helps to understand color schemes. That way, you can effectively match the art to the colors. For example, a room with sharp lines and neutral colors is well-complemented by colorful wall art.

As well, it is best to try and match the general theme of a room. For example,Wabi Sabi is a trend that has become popular in 2018. As a distinctly Japanese trend, it is often well complimented with Japanese themed pieces, such as Shinobi bondage photography.

Choosing Art That Sets the Right Mood

Art is an effective tool for setting the mood and tone of a room. With erotica art, you want to be sure to set the right mood.

Often, more risque art such as BDSM photography is confined to the bedroom. In areas you typically share with guests, such as a living room, erotic feminine form art is a more easily accepted style. As well, vintage pin-up art prints can offer a classic yet intriguing air to any room.

The bedroom is the most common location for erotic art. It can help to set a romantic tone for couples or liberalize lovemaking. If shopping for couples, consult our romantic art pieces for the bedroom article. It contains tips and benefits of erotic art for those sharing a living space.

Purchasing Limited Edition & Original Erotic Art for Interior Design

Erotic art is tantalizing and inviting, but the most desirable pieces are limited edition and original artwork. Browse our galleries for limited edition and one of a kind art from established and emerging erotic artists.

Art Provocateur Gallery brings THIS IS LUST to Toronto – a special event dedicated to celebrating sexuality and beauty of the female form through nude art photography and erotic art.

THIS IS LUST, brings a selection of limited edition fine art photographs from over 20 artists from around the globe. All pieces to be displayed at this premier event have been collected, tastefully, curated, and disseminated to evoke curiosity, lust and desire.

“We must make lust into a work of art”

Art Provocateur Gallery is a global e-commerce platform that features tastefully curated, provocative, limited edition fine art prints and original artworks for sale. APG supports some of the best editorial and nude art photographers in the world — from high fashion to BDSM and romantic erotica. Art Provocateur is a celebration of empowered sexuality through fine art photography.

 

You love art. You’re interested in investing in art. Perhaps you have diverse taste, or a particular type you prefer above all others. Ideal affordable artwork includes photography in editions and digital works. In fact, many art critics and curators of emerging contemporary art have pointed to the increasing currency of digital photography in the creative field in terms of its potential for innovation and new ideas.

As well, erotic art has increasing cache these days, lead by advocates of the visual and socio-political value of this genre, The World Museum of Sex, The Tom of Finland Foundation, MOSex, New York, as well as festivals such as the Seattle Erotic Art Festival and daring new gallery shows like Hotter Than July: Eat Your Art Out.

A wonderful way to begin your collection, this type of flatwork is easy to care for, frame and ship and as such does not have excessive additional costs. A testament to the driving force of the individual collector’s taste and vision, private photography collections have become some of the best known and most coveted loans for high caliber museum shows.

Let passion be your guide to collecting or investing in art.

Many experts recommend that collectors purchase artwork because they have a passion for the picture or object, and will be pleased if they have a return should they decide to sell the work, but for the most part, feel privileged to own the artwork. As well, it is very exciting to choose work from a curated selection from an online art dealer, knowing you have the very best presented to you.

The art market, some technical details.

The pricing and evaluation of an individual piece of art is linked to the market value of similar works by the artist or related artists and appreciation or depreciation reflected in historical sales. All these factors, in turn, depend on the fluctuation of taste as well as what is being offered within the art market at the time.

Classification of art as an asset.

Technically, art is considered an “alternative investment or asset” by financial advisors and is not regulated in the United States by the FSCS. Generally, art is not liquid, in the sense, one can sell art at any time like one can sell equities, or property to make income. Art has a lower compound return than other alternative assets like wine and/or gold. While the expectation, in general, is that like a stock, you purchase the artwork for a lower value and expect to sell it later at a greater price, in fact, much like the stock market, this is not entirely predictable.

Long term monetary value artists.

Certain artists will always have lasting monetary value, unlikely to depreciate unless there is temporary flooding of the market with similar works because, for example, the artist’s family is selling limited edition copy prints, etc. The more secure or stable investments have tended to be early 20th-century modern artists modernism, such as Pablo Picasso. This statement holds true upon examination of auction records.

Purchasing historical artwork.

While the art world is not known for transparency, before investing in art, we encourage you to ask for such information upfront. A reputable dealer will not hesitate to provide you with value, condition reports, exhibit history, edition number if applicable, an artist’s biography, authentication documents and/or examination reports by the artist’s foundation if applicable, and comparable sales reports. Artnet has pushed for such transparency and Christie’s and Sotheby’s and other prominent auction houses are held to these standards as well.

Purchasing contemporary artwork.

It’s a great idea to purchase work from emerging and mid-career artists whose work is affordable, and yet at the same time, engaged in contemporary artistic practice. At the forefront of artistic invention, digital photography is considered a relatively new and continually evolving genre and was recently the subject of a wonderful exhibit at the prestigious American institution, The Metropolitan Museum, New York.

Some issues to consider before investing in art.

The joy and privilege of purchasing work from a living artist or an artist’s estate is that you can communicate directly with the artist or through his dealer or estate. You are part of a creative world and this is in itself, what art collecting is about.

Certainly, we are well aware, that famous contemporary artists such as Jeff Koons have garnered astronomical prices. However, it can be said that such work, while fascinating, does not have the same historical and critical status as iconic early 20^th century masters and as such there is no guarantee in terms of future value.

Before investing in art, ask for information about the artist’s ideas, learn more about the process, enrich the experience of owning a piece of creativity, take notes and keep all documentation. It may be of interest to a curator or art lover or become valuable authentication records in the future.

Investing in art is best guided by the purchaser’s passion or love for a special piece of art first and foremost, followed by an appraisal of the quality and condition of the piece, and the proper credentials, e.g. proper provenance (history of ownership), documentation, and certificates of authentication either from the dealer, auction house, gallery or artist foundation.

Always be aware of any gaps in ownership during the WWII years as a work could potentially have looting issues, and one wants to avoid this at all costs, as it puts you at risk for lawsuits, ethical issues, etc. If there is a gap, you should hire a qualified provenance researcher or contact the Art Loss Registry based in London.

Art Provocateur is the premier online gallery of erotic art prints.  Browse our gallery of limited edition and one-of-a-kind artwork. We have the largest selection of provocative nude art from both established artists and rising stars.