Collectors have always played a significant role in the art world – they are trendsetters who actively shape the art market and influence it. But some of them are also real celebrities whose glamorous lives and eccentric behaviour resemble those of movie stars. Following their social media accounts can give us an insight behind the scenes of the art world, filled with champagne and great art.
Following our list of seven artists to follow online, we present a list of seven collectors active on social media. Each of them collects with a different goal in mind, but they can all help keep us in the loop about the newest art trends.
Julia Stoschek @juliastoschekcollection
This German collector specialises in time-based media art like video, film, performance or audio. Stoschek, who believes that art is meant to be seen, recently announced plans to make her collection available for free online. Before all the works become digitised and updated to virtual reality, you can check out some of them on the collection’s Instagram profile.
Yusaku Maezawa @yusaku2020
Japanese billionaire whose name made the headlines when he bought seven artworks at Christie’s and Sotheby’s, spending $98 million within two days. Maezawa later started a contemporary art foundation and put his art on public display. He is a real celebrity who recently announced he will be the first private customer to travel to the Moon with SpaceX and plans to take artists with him as part of an art project. His Instagram profile gives insight into his life filled with art and hanging out with his famous friends including SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.
Daniel Turriani @danielturriani
Italian art dealer and collector who owns an impressive collection of Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary art. He uses his Instagram profile not only to present his artworks but also to acquire new ones for himself and his clients.
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Michael Xufu Huang @michaelxufuhuang
This millennial collector who represents the new generation on the art market started collecting at the age of 16. He recently opened a private museum displaying his collection in Beijing which he promotes on his Instagram profile.
Stefan Simchowitz @stefansimchowitz
Infamous American art dealer and collector who’s known for being as progressive as he is controversial. This creative businessman is an avid advocate of the online art market and claims to search for new talents on social media. He praises them for their inclusivity and tries to combat the traditional ways of dealing art by reaching out to young artists on Instagram and Facebook.
Adrian Cheng @adriancheng
This young collector is the founder of the K11 Art Foundation that has already managed to build up its presence in the art world. Cheng’s ambition is “to create a contemporary Chinese culture” and a space for the new generation of Millennial art collectors.
Jean Pigozzi @jeanpigozzi
The owner and founder of CAAC (Contemporary African Art Collection), the largest contemporary African art collection in the world based in Geneva. Known as the Selfie King, Pigozzi treats the art world with a pinch of salt and is not afraid to make fun of it – on his Instagram profile, he is often accompanied by his beloved dogs, Charles and Saatchi.
