Inside Glenn Fuhrman’s 'Top 200' Art Collection | Masterworks

Summary

In this engaging video, Glenn Ferman, a prominent New York art collector, shares his journey into the art world. With a background in finance and a passion for art history, Ferman discusses his evolution from an enthusiast to a significant collector. He candidly talks about his philosophy on collecting, focusing on established artists for their potential value and the emotional connection he has with the pieces. Ferman also highlights his role in the art community, including his board positions and the Flag Art Foundation, which he established to exhibit contemporary art. His narrative is a blend of personal anecdotes, investment insights, and the joy of living with art.

Takeaways

• 😀 Glenn Ferman is an art collector from New York City who initially didn't consider himself a collector until his art collection became a significant part of his net worth.
• 🏡 Glenn grew up in a suburb of New York with an early exposure to art through family and museums, which sparked his interest in art history.
• 🎓 He studied Finance at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, taking more art history classes than finance, showing his early inclination towards art.
• 💼 Glenn had a successful career at Goldman Sachs and later co-founded MSD Capital, a wealth management firm, before starting True Arrow Partners.
• 🎨 Glenn's art collection started with a passion for being around art and meeting artists, which evolved into purchasing art with his earnings.
• 💸 His collecting philosophy included buying art from established artists to ensure some resale value in case of financial need.
• 🖼️ Glenn has a personal relationship with many artists and has been involved in exhibitions, such as a show curated by Nicholas at the Flag Art Foundation.
• 🌐 The art market has become more global, with collectors from different parts of the world competing for the same sought-after pieces.
• 📈 Despite not focusing on investment returns, Glenn's art collecting has yielded significant investment results due to the robust demand and constrained supply in the art market.
• 🏛️ Glenn is involved with the Flag Art Foundation, which showcases contemporary art through exhibitions curated by various artists and curators.
• 🌟 Glenn advises aspiring collectors to see as much art as possible, visit museums and art fairs, and be patient as the art market can be limited in buying and selling opportunities.

Q & A

Who is Glenn Ferman and what is his connection to the art world?

Glenn Ferman is an art collector from New York City. He grew up in a suburb of New York with some exposure to art through family possessions and museum visits. He later developed a passion for art history during his college years at the Wharton business school, where he took more art history classes than his finance major required.

What was Glenn Ferman's educational background and how did it influence his career?

Glenn Ferman studied Finance at the Wharton business school at the University of Pennsylvania. Despite his finance major, he took 11 art history classes, which sparked his love for art. After working at Goldman for 10 years, he co-founded MSD Capital, a wealth management firm for Michael Dell, and later started True Arrow Partners, focusing on alternative asset classes.

What role does Glenn Ferman play in the art community?

Glenn Ferman is actively involved in the art community. He serves on the board of the MoMA and the American Board of the Tape Museum. He also has relationships with various galleries and artists, which allows him to engage with the art world on multiple levels.

How did Glenn Ferman's art collection begin?

Glenn Ferman's art collection began when he started visiting art galleries frequently during his free time. As his income increased, he began purchasing art, initially focusing on contemporary art that resonated with his experiences and the world he was living in.

What was Glenn Ferman's philosophy on buying art?

Glenn Ferman's philosophy on buying art was to invest in established artists whose work had the potential to retain or increase in value. He was concerned about the financial risk of buying inexpensive art from lesser-known artists, fearing it might not hold value if he needed to sell.

Can you describe a memorable experience Glenn Ferman had with art acquisition?

Glenn Ferman recalls a time when a dealer offered him a red RoR painting on the secondary market. Despite the high price, the dealer allowed him to live with the painting for a week. Glenn fell in love with it and eventually purchased it, even though it was a financial stretch at the time.

What is the significance of the Flag Art Foundation in Glenn Ferman's art journey?

The Flag Art Foundation, started by Glenn Ferman, serves as a platform to exhibit contemporary art, often borrowed from various sources, not just his personal collection. It allows him to work with artists and curators and engage with art without the obligation of ownership.

How does Glenn Ferman view the art market in terms of accessibility?

Glenn Ferman acknowledges that the art market can be challenging due to the limited availability of desired pieces and the unpredictability of finding buyers at the right time and price. He emphasizes the need for patience and the importance of buying art that one truly loves.

What is Glenn Ferman's perspective on the role of data in art investment?

Glenn Ferman respects the data-driven approach used by Masterworks, an art investment platform he is affiliated with. He appreciates how data analysis helps in deciding which artworks to buy, which he believes has been very successful for Masterworks.

How does Glenn Ferman suggest someone should approach art collecting?

Glenn Ferman advises aspiring art collectors to see as much art as possible, visit museums and art fairs, and understand their personal preferences. He believes that seeing what one doesn't like is as valuable as seeing what one does like, as it helps in identifying the art that truly resonates.