Trust your gut: Oliver Elst on collecting and the evolving art landscape

Once the cornerstone of the contemporary art world, traditional galleries are facing increasing pressure to stay relevant in a rapidly shifting cultural and economic landscape. With rising overheads, changing collector habits, and an expanding digital frontier, many renowned and emerging galleries alike are shutting their doors. But this isn’t the end of art, it’s a pivot. Today’s collectors are just as likely to discover new work through Instagram, WhatsApp, or a pop-up show in an industrial space as they are in a white cube. As the old model fractures, a new ecosystem is taking shape - one that values flexibility, direct engagement, and a more intuitive, personal connection between artists and collectors. The question is no longer “what’s lost,” but rather: what’s possible now?

Oliver Elst is a passionate German-born art collector known for his sharp eye for emerging talent and contemporary art. He began collecting in 2016, founding the Cuperior Collection with the aim of highlighting artists with distinctive, forward-thinking practices and currently works at Artscapy as an art advisor. Guided by a belief in the importance of early support, Oliver actively champions young and underrepresented artists, seeking to elevate diverse voices within the global art scene. In a conversation with the advisor, he breaks down for us his perspective on the future of art and gives us insight into his journey. 

Photo: Oliver Elst from his instagram, @cuperior_collection

What do you look for in an artist as a collector? What draws you to the work?

This is a very good question but it is also very difficult to answer precisely.

What draws me to a work is its energy, power, beauty, the curiosity it sparks, and the allure of the unknown, something new, something I haven't seen before. I believe that you should not be easily swayed by big names or trends; what has always guided me is my gut feeling. That's what you should trust.

How did you start collecting?

I was inspired by the powerful stories emerging artists tell, especially from Africa - a place my dad travelled to often. My grandfather was also an art collector, very old German style, even if only on a small scale and their influence sparked my passion early. Over time, what began personally has grown into a mission to champion new voices and bring their work to a global stage.

Photo: Oliver Elst from his instagram, @cuperior_collection

Do you do studio visits with artists?

Yes, I do, all the time. I truly believe that visiting artists in their studios is one of the most important parts of understanding their work. I love seeing how an idea transforms into a finished piece, witnessing the thought process, experimentation, and small details that might never make it onto a gallery wall. It gives so much depth to the artworks when you know where they came from and what inspired them.

Studio visits also create a stronger connection with the artist as well. You get the opportunity to hear their stories, challenges, and intentions directly from them. For me, it’s essential not only to appreciate the creation itself but to honour the journey behind it.

There are a lot of great galleries that are closing at the moment. According to you, what is the future of art? 

You raise a crucial point. The traditional gallery model has indeed felt outdated for some time now. many collectors are buying art through emails, WhatsApp, and online platforms, while galleries still face high overhead costs, which is especially challenging for young or emerging spaces. The future of art may lie in more flexible concepts like nomadic galleries, pop-up exhibitions, collaborations with non-traditional venues, and digital-first strategies that blend online presence with unique, temporary physical experiences. It's a time for creativity not just in art, but in how we share and support it.

Photo: Oliver Elst from his instagram, @cuperior_collection

As art slowly transitions back into being a shared experience that instigates the formation of deeper, more meaningful connections; the role of the collector also changes. In a separate article, we delve into further detail into the rise of the socially conscious buyer, the next generation of art collectors and what Gen Z buyers want.

The truth is that in this evolving landscape, Artscapy champions voices such as Oliver's because they offer some much needed clarity. They help us understand that collectors are not just patrons, they are partners in shaping a more inclusive, responsive, and imaginative art world.