About Ben Mahmoud Expertise Questions regarding "the business of the arts (ie.artist/dealer relations).
Questions regarding the collecting of contemporary art.
Please keep in mind that I am not a professional appraiser, however, I can direct interested parties to sources of information.
Experience 40 years as professor of art, Northern Illinois University
Curator of University Art Collection (responsible for purchase and care).
Member of the board of directors, Illinois Arts Council.
Juror of many competitions.
See vitae: http://benmahmoud.com/resume.html
Publications Many conference proceedings.
"Advice to Young Artists in a Postmodern Era" with William Dunning, Syracuse University Press, 2000.
Education/Credentials MFA, Ohio University, 1960
Awards and Honors See vitae: http://http://benmahmoud.com/resume.html
Question Hi, I have an estate sale business and have two pieces of art that I'd like help with. One is a piece by Naondo Nakamura (I believe--based on what I've uncovered). I see Nakamura's pieces have sold in the range of $0-$10,000. Given that range, I'm not sure of the best way to market the piece. Any suggestions? The other piece of work is unsigned. We had an art dealer look at the pieces in the estate and he was especially interested in this one (wanting to purchase it). We don't know anything about it--can you give us any advice? Lastly, in your opinion, is it worthwhile to send things to auction, or is it often better sense financially to deal with individual buyers/dealers? Thank you so much in advance.
Answer It would be helpful (no, imperative) if I knew the media, the sizes, and (if possible) the dates of the two works. It would be much easier to discuss the works if I were to have an image. I don't know that you can upload images here, but you certainly can send me an e-mail with the images attached: bmahmoud@niu.edu.
Believe it or not, art is usually sold by the square inch. A large painting is worth more than a small painting, for example.
I am wondering if the art dealer gave you any hints as to the artist that created the unsigned work.
It is my feeling that a good auction house can bring a far greater price for the work since many art collectors look to the art auctions for pieces they want. I would recommend two auction houses: Christies and Sothebys. Both are easy to find on the web. You might call one of them and provide them with the details of the Naondo Nakamura work. I would suspect that they might be able to give you a range of prices that you can expect. I cannot tell you what their commission would be, but they will gladly provide you with that information.
If you happen to live near a big city with a thriving art scene, you could approach one of the galleries (as you already have), and ask them to market the Naondo Nakamura work. But, it is critical that you deal only with a gallery that is reputable, and has a very large clientèle. You would place the work with them on consignment, and, of course, you would want to know their commission. I would think that the most productive galleries would be in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Failing that, my feeling is that the auction houses would be a better venue for selling the Naondo Nakamura work.
As for the unsigned work: I cannot give you any advice on that. Should you be able to send me an image, medium, and size, I might be able to make some educated guesses. If you place this work with a gallery, I would be inclined to place the work on consignment. Again, the repute of the gallery is critical.
I hope that I have been of some help in this matter. Please do send me the images, and do a follow-up question.
