Collector Profile

LO: You've mentioned that you have a considered way of both collecting and displaying art - could you tell me more about that? What considerations guide you to make a purchase?

NG: Artworks are like conversation starters for me. Whether they soothe with their beauty or challenge their subject matter, I’m drawn to pieces that spark discussion. I tend to gravitate toward art that pushes boundaries and makes me think, often picking pieces that might be a bit unsettling or provocative. It’s about choosing works that reflect broader conversations and encourage dialogue, both within my space and beyond.

LO: What do you find most rewarding about being an art collector?

NG: The most rewarding part of being an art collector is feeling connected to an artist’s journey and holding a piece of history that captures their unique view of the world.

Each piece in my collection speaks to a different aspect of this connection—whether it reflects a shared message or poses questions about the world. Even though not all my pieces communicate the same thing, they each represent a conversation I’m eager to have with others.

There’s something profoundly satisfying about seeing parts of myself reflected in my collection and feeling linked to a broader, shared experience  

LO: If you were to offer guidance to a new collector or someone just beginning their collection journey, what is one key piece of advice you would share?

NG: Many years ago, before I started collecting, I watched a youtube video where a collector spoke to how her parents encouraged her to start collecting through a simple but ever growing process. To this day I stand by this, as it has guided me through the different levels of collecting.

First, just start. Buy a one of one piece which you truly love, something that you will be proud to have for years to come. Thereafter start with prints, these are accessible to everyone and allow new collectors to own some of their favourite artist pieces. Year on year increase the value of pieces you choose to collect, starting at R3 000.00 - going all the way to R12 000.00, until you reach a threshold where the value of the collecting originals becomes more valuable than that of collecting more prints. In this way I found it easy to transition between prints and originals, something which feels absolutely intimidating at first.

One other key piece of advice I would like to share is that there are payment plans. I know coming from a family who have had to deal with financial constraints, this can seem intimidating at first but there is no better way of acquiring pieces which otherwise would be out of your reach. There is no better way to get access to it. These payment plans allow you to break down the cost into manageable portions, making it easier to acquire pieces that resonate with you. Don’t let the initial price tag deter you from exploring the art world and finding pieces that speak to your soul. Art is for everyone, and with the right plan, you can build a collection that reflects your unique perspective.

LO: Anything art-related you’re looking forward to in the next year?  

NG: I long to travel to an international art fair anywhere in the world, that remains my biggest wish each year.

LO: Why does a platform like Latitudes Online matter?

NG: Since finding Latitudes I have enjoyed the accessibility it has given me to a wide collection of artists and pieces whom I may have never known of. 

It's spaces like Latitudes which gave me the courage to start collecting art.