Art like diamonds, has been cherished for centuries for its beauty. Collectable and rare, fine art brings joy to millions across the world. In today’s blog, we speak with Director Acoris Andipa about his fine art gallery in Knightsbridge and an introduction to the world of Banksy.
For over 55 years, Andipa have assisted generations of clients across the world to acquire the very best in fine art. From Banksy original paintings to Banksy signed prints for sale, Damien Hirst originals to Roy Lichtenstein prints, Andipa offer a wide selection of both original artworks and signed and unsigned prints by the world’s biggest artists.
Acoris, thank you for taking the time to talk to Diamonds Hatton Garden. For you, what makes great art?
The term great art is indeed a subjective one and each individual, I am sure, has their own idea of what makes great art. For me, great art is art that causes an emotional reaction. One that makes the viewer feel something. Indeed, this will be unique to all of us and each person does experience something in a different way of course! I do think that what separates what can be termed as “great art” from more average art are a couple of factors. Firstly, I think that great art tends to resonate with a wider audience. By that I mean an audience that spans across age, gender, race, religion or economic factors. Secondly, often channels something that is far bigger than ourselves and produces a stronger emotion meaning that a work of art that is considered to be a masterpiece so to speak will appeal to a broad range of people, familiar and unfamiliar with art, and produce a strong effect.
How to choose the right work for you?
Choosing the right artwork is a deeply personal choice. Some, many in fact, choose based on what they like! For me, that is the real way to choose art to go with the feeling it creates within you and the joy that it gives you. When you buy for enjoyment you buy for a reason that is as tangible as a financial one but with the advantages of the joy it brings. Naturally, if the value is to increase that is a lovely “bonus” on top.
What are your favourite artists?
As a collector myself I find it difficult to answer. It is a bit like asking who your favourite musician is. It really depends on the mood I am in and what catches my eye. I would say out of all the artists we have dealt in and that I have owned that there are many that speak to me. From the Old Masters to Rembrandt’s detailed etchings that we dealt in many years ago to Banksy, Warthol and Perry now. Many artists appeal to me and speak on a variety of levels and that’s the beauty of art – there is always something that will speak to someone at a specific time and, as we grow, our own meanings we place on works change to. They constantly evolve with us.
How did you get involved in selling Banksy artworks?
We have been dealing in Banksy for over 15 years now and it all started with a good friend bringing the work Kate to me. If you aren’t familiar with the work, it is Banksy’s interpretation of Warhol’s famous Marilyn Monroe image but using Kate Moss. I thought it was fun and then, fast-forward a months, and another work landed on my desk. Napalm. Harrowing, humorous and deeply powerful the work takes the iconic photo of the poor girl who survived the napalm attack in Vietnam as she is being led by Ronald MacDonald and Mickey Mouse. This made me stand up and think now this is an artist I want to deal!
All at Diamonds Hatton Garden would like to thank Acoris for his time with us. For over 40 years, our family-run team has helped generations of clients across the world to find their perfect item of diamond jewellery. Explore our selection of fancy coloured diamonds for sale as well as our beautiful range of diamond engagement rings Contact our team via harel@diamondshg.co.uk or call +44 7951 060238 for more information and to arrange your appointment. Alternatively, discover our selection of large diamonds for sale, or contact our team to sell diamonds in London.