Meet Arushi Kapoor, a leading art advisor and founder of The Agency Art House, a platform dedicated to making art collecting and investment accessible to a new generation of collectors. With years of experience navigating the art market, Arushi has cultivated a deep understanding of both the cultural and financial aspects of art. Here, she shares insights on how to balance personal tastes with investment potential, and how to make smart and meaningful choices while building your collection.
Ready to polish up your art portfolio? Join Arushi at Art Basel Miami Beach from December 6–8, where she’ll be offering exclusive, personalized walkthroughs for clients. This is your chance to gain insider knowledge and access to top galleries, exclusive viewings, and private sales. To learn more or book a consultation, reach out to Arushi directly at arushi@theagencyarthouse.com.
How did you first discover your personal taste in art, and how has it evolved? Were there any specific artists or movements that were drawn to early on?
My taste in art has definitely taken a journey—constantly evolving as I grow and learn. Early on, I was all about aesthetics, but over time, my interests started to align with artists who not only spoke to my values but also made sense as smart investments for building my collection. As I’ve navigated the worlds of galleries, museums, artist estates, and auction houses, my instincts sharpened, and my understanding of the art market deepened.
Nowadays, I’m excited by artists and movements that challenge the status quo, especially in this dynamic and increasingly transparent art market. Historic icons like Basquiat and Kusama are always relevant and remain blue-chip investments, while I personally love the vibrancy of bold colors. Artists like Derrick Adams, Olafur Eliasson, and Jen Guidi also speak to me on a personal level. Right now, I’m particularly drawn to top-notch pieces from the South Asian art scene—collecting works by Souza, M.F. Husain, Paresh Maitey, Viraj Khanna and Sakti Burman. The South Asian art market is growing at the speed of its booming economies, and it’s thrilling to be part of that momentum. Ultimately, my appreciation for art still comes down to that initial connection—it’s about finding pieces that resonate and make a lasting impact.
Are there any misconceptions about art collecting that you are working to dispel through your service, The Agency Art House?
While art has always been rich in culture, it has also had long high barriers to entry as an investment. In the ’70s and ’80s, galleries, institutions and art dealers intentionally kept things exclusive, largely because information and valuations were hard to come by and gave them a leg up with collectors. The art world, being relatively unregulated, has seen some incredible returns. In fact, research from Fortune shows that contemporary art appreciated at an impressive 12.6% compound annual growth rate between 1995 and 2022, even outperforming the S&P 500!
At The Agency Art House, we’re on a mission to open up the art market to a new generation of collectors. We believe that art should be more transparent and accessible. Whether you’re working with a modest budget or seeking high-end pieces, there are great art investments at every level. Our team of vetted art advisors offers expert guidance, education, and the resources needed to make informed decisions. We’re also committed to breaking down the barriers and eliminating the less-than-honest practices that have cropped up over the past few decades. As the world becomes more connected and cosmopolitan, our goal is to make art—a truly alternative investment—available to as many people as possible.
Are there any artists who are consistently a good investment?
Much like any other industry, the art world goes through cycles. Ultimately, art investment requires both financial acumen and a genuine appreciation for its cultural significance. In general, the art landscape can shift from bullish phases, where prices soar amid economic prosperity, to bearish times marked by declines during downturns. Blue Chip artists are recognized for their historical significance, reputation, and consistent demand for their work, making blue-chip art generally a safer investment compared to emerging artists without a proven track record.
What are some key elements to keep in mind while selecting art to furnish a home?
Selecting art to furnish a home is not only an exciting way to enhance your space and express your personal style, but it can also be a smart investment, depending on the artist and the artwork. Artworks exist at various price points, much like other financial assets such as stocks, bonds, and real estate, making it possible to find pieces that align with your financial goals.
Within those parameters, it’s essential to choose works that fulfill the aesthetic, emotional, and spatial needs of the home. Consider the mood you want to create in a particular room—whether it’s a serene, calming atmosphere or a vibrant, energetic space. Equally important is the energetic and aesthetic connection you feel towards the artwork, as this will influence how you experience your home on a daily basis.
How can a homeowner approach balancing personal taste with investment potential when buying art?
The art market can be a gold mine if you know how to play it right. I always tell collectors: buy what you love, but keep an eye on those market trends! It’s smart to work with a trusted art advisor—they can give you the inside scoop on an artist’s current, past, and potential future market. After all, you don’t want to hang something on your wall that’s stunning today but worthless tomorrow.
Let your advisor do the heavy lifting, researching everything from the artist’s trajectory and auction records to who’s collecting their work and whether they’re featured in key museums or collections. Bottom line: follow your heart, but be strategic—there’s no better feeling than owning a piece that you love and could turn out to be a savvy investment.
What advice would you give to someone trying to develop their unique art taste?
Educate yourself! Seriously—go to every show, gallery, and museum you can. The more art you see, the sharper your taste will get. Collecting takes patience. Don’t rush to buy the hot thing just to fill your walls. Build slowly, and let your collection tell a story—your story. Think about what themes or artists speak to you, and let that guide you.
Most of all, trust your gut. Your taste will evolve, and that’s the fun part. Take your time, and let your collection grow into something personal and meaningful, not just trendy.
The “art world” can be intimidating. What are some easy ways a person can start to explore this space and find what they like?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! The art world is all about culture, passion and discovery. Go to museums, galleries and fairs. Look at any available data. Take your time and research online.
To learn more about The Agency Art House, visit TheAgencyArtHouse.com.
