The art market seems makes headlines every week. US$17.4m for Andy Warhol's Mao painting; US$20.6m for Damien Hirst's Lullaby Spring, (the most ever paid at auction for a work by a living artist); many people are looking at fine arts, rather than the stock markets. In the last 100 years, art investments have outperformed both stocks and bonds and there has never been more interest in the acquisition of art. Considered the ultimate consumer investment, art is a means of enhancing the pleasure derived from personal wealth. Yet the global market for art and other high value collectibles can prove complex, impenetrable and as high risk as any stock market.

 

There are also deep emotions to consider. One share certificate looks like any other but an abstract is totally different to a 100 year old oil landscape, yet both have investment potential.

 

Just like stocks, art has rules to smart investing such as knowing how and what to you. Strategic art investment is often a result of creating a good collection. At Profitable Paintings we believe a collection is only a collection if it has a specific focus. That is why we have concentrated on Asian Art, particularly from the South East Asia region. The Profitable Paintings collection has been gathered over a period of 25 years and now includes works by much sought after artists from Vietnam, Malaysia and others. And as for Vietnam War art, we believe our collection is the finest in the world.

 

As well as collecting art for sale as an investment, Profitable Paintings will continue to sponsor artists exhibitions, and hold auctions as well as sourcing art that we love from reputable dealers by artists whose works have not yet been priced out of reach.

 

It is always difficult to make predictions for the future but we have a few suggestions. Nguyen Trung is an excellent artist so his works should continue to be in high demand. Le Vuong's paintings are attractive and will likely sell well. Hong Viet Dung's paintings are constantly in high demand, so they will probably sell on a regular basis, although the subjects are limited in range. As for Nguyen Thanh Binh, he has great potential with some of his works as his best works are masterpieces. There are also new artists, such as the lacquer painters Dinh Quan and Trinh Tuan.

 

U Lun Gywe stands out among the Burmese artists. He is an old master, and his works will surely be sold at auctions more frequently in the future. His works are a bargain at today's prices. Other Burmese artists may follow later, but it will likely take some time. Aung Kyaw Htet is a younger artist to look out for. Thai art is diverse in terms of media and expression, perhaps the most diverse in the region.

 

A word of caution. There are strong indications that fakes are being made, even of works by young contemporary painters. Fake paintings have likely been sold at the auction houses and will probably continue to be. Provenance and reputable art dealers are of paramount importance.