Collecting art isn’t just about buying an object—it’s about believing in someone’s future, expressing your own, with the potential to appreciate in value over the next five to ten years. While often perceived as a pursuit for the wealthy, art collecting is one of the most personal and increasingly accessible forms of investment.
Why investing in art matters
A piece of art that speaks to your experiences or dreams doesn’t just decorate a room—it transforms it. An artwork can evoke memory, joy, and identity all at the same time. It breathes life into spaces and reflects who you are, developing a priceless emotional connection over time.
When you buy from local artists, your money is akin to casting a vote for the kind of creativity, culture, and stories you want to see thrive, especially in the dynamic landscape of South African art.
“Art investment is no longer just about financial return—it’s about supporting culture as it’s being created. I’m drawn to artists with a distinct voice, whose work feels both personal and culturally relevant. Authenticity matters, but so does consistency, career direction, and the artist’s commitment to growth,” says Oliver Antonie, founder of Origin Art.
Early support, long-term value
Collecting the work of emerging artists is a reminder that value isn’t instant—it builds with time, relevance, and reputation. Emerging artists today aren’t bound by galleries—they’re shaping culture in unexpected ways and displaying their art in various formats other than paint on canvas.
Local brand Crispy Skateboards stands out as one of these examples from Mzanzi’s art scene. They blend fine art and streetwear culture by partnering with local artists to create unique, hand-drawn, limited-edition skateboard decks. These works aren’t just made to be admired—they’re meant to resonate. Each deck becomes a visual statement that lives in homes, studios, or galleries, speaking to those who connect with the stories behind them.
Investing in property or stock is driven by metrics. Art, on the other hand, combines scarcity, cultural weight, and the trajectory of the artist. That’s what gives it future value. Brands like Crispy Skateboards are transforming an everyday object such as a skateboard into a functional canvas. Doing this invites the next generation of collectors to invest not just in products, but in cultural relevance.
A new era where art is for everyone
You don’t need millions to become a collector. The myth of art being a “rich person’s clubhouse” is outdated. Thanks to the rise of digital platforms, direct-to-artist sales, and collaborative models, art is more inclusive than ever— and that’s reshaping how we invest in it. This is an era of culture as capital.
“The most valuable investments often come from early support and a willingness to hold space for long-term evolution. I assess potential by looking at exhibitions, collectors, market movement, and whether the work represents a significant moment in the artist’s practice. I’m especially interested in artists working at the intersection of street culture, fashion, and contemporary art, and in the rising global demand for African voices. Art is becoming more accessible—and that means we all have the chance to invest in stories, movements, and legacies that matter,” adds Antonie.
Art is evolving rapidly because merging talent is gaining visibility faster through mediums such as social media. At the same time, early investors are seeing real returns. When an artist’s recognition grows, so does the value of early works. But scarcity is still king, which is what makes art investment one of the most high-risk, high-reward territories out there.
Invest in culture as it’s being created
“It’s not about waiting for an artist’s auction debut—it’s about supporting the moment before the spotlight hits. You’re investing in story, scarcity, and sentiment—all the elements that shape future value,” he says.
That’s the space brands like Crispy Skateboards are leaning into. They’re not just producing skateboards—they’re curating collectable drops that fuse art, community, and street culture. By limiting releases and spotlighting local voices, they’re building value and offering collectors a chance to own functional art with cultural weight.
Don’t wait for the art world to tell you what’s valuable. Invest in what speaks to your world now—and help shape the cultural legacy of tomorrow.