The world of art trade is marked by confidentiality, so determining which collectors have purchased the most artworks in a year can be difficult to determine. The list of top collectors changes every year, but some names top the list of dyed in the wool collectors. These are the top five most prolific art collectors of 2016.
Bernard and Helene Arnault
CEO of the French luxury brand LVMH, Bernard Arnault and his wife Helene have amassed a nearly $40 billion fortune. According to Artnet.com:
In 2014, Arnault opened the Frank Gehry–designed Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, with commissioned works by the likes of Olafur Eliasson, Ellsworth Kelly, Sarah Morris, and Taryn Simon.
Robbie Antonio
Robbie Antonio started his art collection by commissioning portraits of himself by artists like Marilyn Minter and Julian Schnabel to display in his Manila home. He has more recently expanded his collection with works from Andy Warhol, Francis Bacon, and others.
Mukesh and Nita Ambani
The wealthiest couple in India are Mukesh and Nita Ambani. They use their fortune to collect and exhibit works by Indians artists. Artnet.com says:
In March, the foundation was the biggest sponsor of the Met Breuer’s retrospective of Indian artist Nasreen Mohamedi. According to the Wall Street Journal, Nita Ambani is “planning a museum of her own in India, where large, institutional venues containing the latest climate-control technologies remain scarce.
Paul Allen
Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen organized a multi-stop exhibition of his art collection in 2016. He does remain, however, famously private about his art holdings. The exhibition does give the public a rare glimpse at a fraction of his substantial personal collection.
Roman Abramovich and Dasha Zhukova
Two preeminent tastemakers in Russia’s art world are Roman Abramovich and Dasha Zhukova. They have reportedly spent the most money growing their art collection in 2016. Some reports claim the couple purchased both an $88 million Francis Bacon triptych and Lucian Freud for over $33 million this year alone.
While we may not all be able to be the most prolific art collectors of 2016, any art lover can amass an exquisite collection in their home. So, tell us, do you love collecting art?
