The Creative Entrepreneur: Olivia Davis of Art of Choice
Olivia Davis, Founder of Art of Choice
When the world remains a divided chaos, the global art market seems to always find its feet on the ground. At the very mention of art follows a quick assumption that only the elite can talk, buy and perhaps appreciate works of art and the artists. Art of Choice is an editorial driven platform and advisory that aims to breaks up that longstanding stereotype. Founded by Olivia Davis, a 27-year-old New York City native who also serves as Sales Director, has built an inclusive community for modern art.
Taking a “no-bullshit” approach, Art of Choice makes art approachable by profiling new and emerging works as well as established artists from around the world. Art of Choice examines artists as well as their mediums, materials and themes, including such current issues as climate change, Black Lives Matter, and loneliness and intimacy in the era of COVID-19. In this interview we talk with Davis on the state of the art market during a global pandemic.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO EXPLAIN THE VALUE OF ART TO A NOVICE?
Art is worth what someone will pay for it, which is why auctions are a good place to determine that value. For younger collectors in the market, they typically look at art both as an investment and something nice to live with. Having Instagram as a tool to help monitor an artist’s career trajectory, these collectors are enabled to keep up and therefore understand the value of art in an engaging way.
IS THERE SUCH A THING AS BAD ART?
That’s a tricky question, but in the business that I’m in, yes there is. The art my company deals with is most always a good investment so “bad” art doesn’t really fall into that category.
IS THE ART MARKET, OR ANY PARTICULAR PIECE OF ART THRIVING DURING COVID-19?
I’ve seen a lot of new collectors express interest in buying art during COVID and existing clients are buying more than ever. There are a lot of great secondary market deals happening because people want to sell and the primary market is booming because people are home all day and want to change their living space, while putting their money in something that is a safe investment, especially during such uncertain times.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE BUSINESS OF ART?
I studied Art History at Boston University and got my Master’s in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art. After graduating, I worked for two notable Los Angeles-based galleries and for a prominent art advisor before launching Art of Choice in 2018.
HOW DO YOU PREDICT THE VALUE/PRICING OF BLUE CHIP ART CHANGING IN 2021 DUE TO THE PANDEMIC?
I don’t think the pandemic will directly impact pricing or value per se, but because it’s pushed collectors (both new and established) to continue or start building a valuable collection, it will proceed on its natural course.
ART OF CHOICE SEEMS TO MAKE THE ART WORLD CONVERSATION AN INCLUSIVE ONE. PERSONALLY, I APPRECIATE THE “TONED DOWN” APPROACH, ALLOWING THE READER A VERY NON-PRETENTIOUS EXPERIENCE TO LEARN ABOUT AN UP-AND-COMING ARTIST. WHO IS YOUR AUDIENCE?
Thank you! Our “no bullshit approach” appeals to both new and seasoned collectors. We have people from 18-65+, so it’s a pretty unique and diverse group.
Read interviews and gallery reviews on Art of Choice.
