At Lydia Duanmu Art Talk, we aim to serve as a cultural bridge between Western and Asian art, bringing forward the most cutting-edge stories and insights from the global art world. Our mission is to explore the intersection of creativity, tradition, and innovation, providing a platform for artists, curators, and cultural leaders to share their journeys. By connecting diverse artistic perspectives, we hope to inspire new dialogues and foster deeper cultural understanding.

On a hot and languid summer day, our conversation begins with the weather and a quiet market—an entry point into the shifting world of art collecting. As politics and economics ripple with uncertainty, the art market, too, follows its cycles. Yet amid all this, one golden rule remains: buy with your eyes, not with your ears.

In this dialogue, we speak of interest rates and liquidity, of confidence and caution, but above all, of how to recognize quality and meaning within a work of art. Collecting is never just about speculation—it is about the decision to live with a piece, to let it shape your space and spirit.

For young collectors, the advice is simple: take time, look closely, and let the work speak to you. And for a true collector, the intimacy of drawings, the delicacy of watercolor, the raw lines of ink—these become treasures more enduring than any return on investment.

Just like the market itself, after every low comes a new peak. This fall’s auction season is shaping up to be truly exciting from Guillermo del Toro’s film and art collection, to Sotheby’s and Christie’s presenting masterpieces, to Asia Week New York bringing together vibrant cultures, and Phillips introducing a fresh bidding model. Whether it’s cross disciplinary treasures or timeless classics, the energy is back in the market, and this season is one to watch.