Meet Olyvia Kwok
Olyvia Kwok Decani is a prominent figure in the art investing and collecting industry. She has been involved in the field for over 15 years and has established herself as a successful art collector and investor. Olyvia holds a degree in BSc Statistics and has a keen understanding of emerging markets. She opened her first gallery in London, specializing in emerging markets like the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China). During the 2008 financial crisis, she showcased her ability to identify market trends by sourcing works from China, Japan, and Korea. In 2011, she founded Willstone Management, offering investment services to external clients and co-investors. Her extensive experience, in-depth knowledge of the market, and global network have made her one of the most prestigious and successful individuals in the industry.
Olyvia Kwok's Insight
Q: What is the significance of art as a reflection of society and human creativity, according to Olyvia Kwok?
A: Olyvia Kwok recognizes the profound significance of art as a reflection of society and human creativity. Throughout history, art has served as a vessel for self-expression, social commentary, and creative exploration. It mirrors changes in society and preserves cultural heritage. Olyvia emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context and cultural relevance of artworks when making investment decisions. She believes that investments should align with personal values and contribute to the appreciation of artistic achievements. Her holistic approach considers both the monetary and cultural value of art, ensuring that investments resonate with the broader context of the art world.
Q: How has Olyvia demonstrated her ability to anticipate emerging markets in the art world?
A: Through her successful investments in various art movements. For example, she accurately predicted a steep increase in demand for impressionist drawings and turned her attention to the re-emerging American pop art market, opening an exhibition entitled “Andy Warhol: Portraits.” She expanded her business the following year, taking a specific interest in German expressionism. “You can talk to Russians, Chinese, South Americans and ask, ‘Who do you know in the contemporary world?’,” she observes. “They might know Damien Hirst, Basquiat, and they will definitely know Warhol.” These instances showcase her knack for identifying emerging markets and analyzing opportunities in varying economic climates.
Q: What role does art conservation and responsible collecting play in Olyvia Kwok’s approach?
A: Kwok places a strong emphasis on responsible collecting and art conservation. She believes that understanding the marketplace is key to investing in art, and responsible collectors play a vital role in supporting artists, fostering a thriving art ecosystem, and ensuring the long-term preservation of cultural treasures. Olyvia actively supports initiatives dedicated to protecting animals and their natural habitats, showcasing her commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. By advocating for responsible collecting practices, she encourages investors to consider the ethical implications of their choices and contribute to the sustainability of the art market.
Q: How does Olyvia Kwok embrace innovation and emerging art movements in the art market?
A: She understands the importance of embracing innovation and staying abreast of emerging trends and artists in the art market. She has demonstrated her ability to identify emerging markets and states “At the beginning, you accumulate wealth, then you need to form a class system, make yourself different, Because the Chinese are brand-orientated, having a collection, a museum, an art adviser is part of it” says Olyvia.
She encourages investors and collectors to engage with contemporary art movements, and support emerging artists. “Investors need to be able to identify whether a perceived risk is worth taking and differentiate those ‘gut feelings’ from the ‘confident’ choices that are far more likely to be financially rewarding” says Olyvia. She goes on to say, “I like to know the age of the artist, how long they have been painting, and how many they do a year.”
Q: How has the digital era impacted the art market, and what is Olyvia Kwok’s perspective on it?
A: The digital era has had a transformative impact on the art market, particularly with the rise of digital art and non-fungible tokens (NFTs)
The digital era has had a transformative impact on the art market, particularly with the rise of digital art and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Olyvia Kwok recognizes this and states “the potential of technology is expanding the reach and accessibility of art.” She embraces the opportunities presented by the digital era and has actively engaged with digital art platforms and NFTs.
Olyvia sees digital art as “a new frontier for artistic expression, allowing artists to explore innovative mediums and engage with global audiences in unique ways.” The ease of sharing and reproducing digital artworks challenges traditional notions of scarcity and authenticity in the art market. Olyvia believes that understanding the nuances and potential risks of digital art is crucial for investors and collectors in this evolving landscape.
Olyvia acknowledges its disruptive potential in revolutionizing ownership and provenance in the art market. NFTs allow for the creation of unique, verifiable digital assets, enabling artists to monetize their digital creations and collectors to establish ownership rights. Olyvia has closely followed the emergence of NFTs and their impact on the art market, recognizing the need for careful evaluation and due diligence when navigating this nascent field. “We always say ‘as long as the music’s still on, everybody’s dancing, but you have to make sure you’re not the last one left without the seat”, she says. “So, in that sense, I think when you see that the highest price has been achieved in the auction, that might not be the one to look for in the next guarantee [deal]. It’s the opposite, you have to see the potentials.”
While embracing innovation, Olyvia also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to art collecting. She believes that traditional forms of art, such as paintings and sculptures, continue to hold enduring value and cultural significance but emphasises “art can be like super-high-fashion trends. Prices can depend on what is fashionable. One day it could be Impressionists and the next Surrealists, that’s why it’s so important to stay in touch with the market and do your research. Olyvia encourages collectors to explore diverse mediums and movements while appreciating the rich heritage of traditional art forms.
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Learn more about Olyvia Kwok here: https://willstonemanagement.com/
Thank you for sharing Olyvia’s knowledge and perspective art collecting and the importance of investing in art. I appreciate that Olyvia recognizes the significance of preserving cultural heritage through art!
What an informative read, thank you Olyvia for your insight and sharing your intricate experience!