Untitled (Antler Box) by Marc Swanson

Four leading art luminaries talk trends, tips and emerging stars.

Richard Edwards
Owner, Baldwin Gallery

Is there an emerging artist who you are most interested in right now?
We’ve started to work with two New York-based artists, Taryn Simon and Marc Swanson. Both are having their first shows with us this summer and are gaining museum attention. Taryn has a solo exhibition at the Tate Modern and Marc has a one-man show at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston in July.

With so many global art fairs, is there one upcoming event not to miss?
It’s a tie between La Biennale di Venezia, the oldest and still most prestigious biennial, and Art Basel in Miami, the original heavyweight of art fairs.

Whose work have you recently been collecting?
Carroll Dunham, Rachel Whiteread, Marc Swanson, Jeff Wall and Laurie Simmons, amongst others.

What has been your most thrilling Aspen art experience?
I always look forward to the openings at the gallery. We present new works by major artists, which is a great honor and privilege. I am especially excited about our first exhibition with the German installation artist Rebecca Horn, which opens July 29. She is the recipient of the Barnett and Annalee Newman Foundation Award and the Documenta Prize, and has had numerous solo shows at major museums worldwide. This is her first visit to Aspen.

 
  Self-portrait as a Bride by TM Davy

James R. Hedges IV 
President and Founder, Montage Finance

Which emerging artist are you most interested in?
I love seeing the proliferation of traditional, formal, intimate painting as evidenced by up-and-coming artists like TM Davy. I’m also so attracted to the artists who include a wide array of media, like Kalup Linzy, who delves into performance art, photography, filmmaking, drawing, animation and writing.

What current trend or movement do you find most compelling?
There is an undeniable trend toward art as an investment. Art has become a global currency, and in addition to its aesthetic and personal appeal, it can be a remarkable investment. Montage Finance was formed to help collectors and galleries access opportunities in the art world by providing liquidity, equity investment and advice on all aspects of this confluence of art and finance.

To what do you attribute the sustained value of art while other assets have struggled?
It has attracted billions of dollars of capital investment in the past few years, thanks to its liquidity being more favorable than other alternative investments such as hedge funds, private equities and real estate. There is little doubt that more investors and collectors will utilize art as a part of their wealth management and lifestyle.