Art and Soul

Aureo Gallery founder Serena Chiam shares her top tips for building a collection of artworks that stands the test of time

- Serena Chiam

A rose by any other name might smell as sweet. But when Serena Chiam saw a “golden rose” in Seoul, she knew that specific bloom was exceptional. The gold painting by Korean artist Kim Il Tae moved her so much, the businesswoman left the insurance industry and founded Aureo Gallery in 2017 in Kuala Lumpur.

“I started this gallery to bring Kim Il Tae to the international art world,” says Chiam. “His art is more than just a 2D painting in gold, as it has layers of gold painted onto the canvas. This creates a multidimensional piece that allows the audience to enjoy different views from various angles. He is the only artist in the world to paint 24k gold directly onto the canvas, instead of using gold leaves or gold foil.”

Aureo Gallery has since expanded its presence to Singapore, Indonesia and the US, while participating in art exhibitions globally. The gallery also represents a range of artists from different career stages and styles of art to provide more choices for art lovers. Here, Chiam shares her insights about art collecting, and how the gallery aims to connect more collectors with pieces they will treasure for a lifetime and beyond.

How can one start building an art collection?

Understand that collecting art is different from just buying—it is a long-term investment that takes time, proper consideration and strategy. You could start by purchasing the works of emerging artists and gradually grow your collection from there. With time and experience, you will learn about and understand the art market better. Buying from a reputable establishment such as Aureo Gallery is another plus point as you will receive valuable advice in making an informed decision.