5 Questions with Art Advisor and Appraiser, Katlin Rogers

Nov 22, 2024

Art Advisor and Appraiser Katlin Rogers joins us to share her thoughts and approach to helping clients build collections. Previously a Canadian Art Specialist at a top auction house and a Senior Art Consultant, Katlin brings an impressive depth of market knowledge, particularly in blue-chip Canadian Fine Art. Her work is informed by extensive research and experience, from appraisals to market data analysis, as well as strong partnerships with industry stakeholders. We were excited for the opportunity to discuss with Katlin her unique approach to art advisory, her insights into the Canadian art market, and her passion for helping clients build and protect their collections.

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1AN: With your experience in both art consulting and the auction industry, how do you approach advising clients who are new to art collecting?

Katlin Rogers: When working with new collectors, my approach emphasizes education, strategy, and personalized guidance. Whether they’re drawn to specific styles, historical periods, or investment potential, it’s essential to get a clear sense of their vision and long-term goals. I always recommend visiting galleries and auction previews to see as much art as possible to identify what a collector is drawn to. Some may gravitate to conceptual minimalism and others may lean more historical. 

The art market can be complex and feel intimidating to navigate, so I prioritize demystifying it for new collectors. I share insights from my auction and consulting experience, explaining how factors like provenance, artist trajectories and market demand influence value. We discuss the benefits of established versus emerging artists, considerations for resale value, and potential acquisition channels such as galleries, fairs, private sale, and auctions. Part of these conversations also include the practical aspects of collecting, like provenance research, artwork condition and conservation needs.

Through each step, I aim to foster a passion for art in my clients, empowering them to become informed collectors who understand both the market and history behind each piece they acquire. I personally love making meaningful connections between Historical, Post-War and Contemporary art to help clients build a rich and diverse collection.

1AN: You’ve worked extensively with both private and corporate clients. Could you share how your approach differs when advising private collectors versus corporate clients?

Katlin Rogers: In either case, I firmly believe that a collection is a reflection and extension of the collector or company. For private clients, a collection often reflects personal passion, legacy, or specific investment goals, so we tailor strategies to build a collection that resonates with their identity and interests. This may involve sourcing unique, high-quality pieces and guiding them through long-term collection planning.

For corporate clients, the approach is centered around brand alignment and enhancing corporate spaces. The focus is on building collections that support the company’s identity, values, and corporate image while fostering an inspiring environment for employees and visitors. Corporate collections may also prioritize works that reflect social responsibility or community engagement, aligning with broader business objectives. There can also be unique challenges to navigate like elevator space to bring works in, coffee splash risks and architectural elements that can offer creative activation opportunities. 

In either case, collaboration with the collector or corporate art committee and finding creative solutions for a meaningful program is integral to my approach. 

1AN: Collection management can be a complex part of art advisory. How do you help clients care for and manage their collections?

Katlin Rogers: My approach includes comprehensive cataloguing to ensure every piece is documented accurately, from provenance and acquisition details to condition reports. With my experience working in auction houses and the close relationship we developed with leading conservators, institutions and framers, among others, helped me hone my knowledge on the finer points of an artwork. When examining an artwork, I can help identify what may be actual condition issues to address and others that may be stable and commensurate with age and materials. From these assessments, I assist with proper storage and display solutions that align with each work’s needs, safeguarding against environmental damage. 

I use a cloud-based collections management software to securely house all images, cataloguing details and paperwork pertaining to a client's artwork and objects. From invoices to loan agreements, this agile system allows for real-time updates. My goal as an advisor is to support clients in enjoying their collections while preserving their legacy and value for the future.

 1AN: With the art market constantly evolving, how do you stay informed about changes and developments that might impact your clients' collection strategies?

Katlin Rogers: It can feel overwhelming to keep up with a constantly shifting market but keeping up with global and national art market reports like the Art Basel and UBS Art Market Report, regularly engaging with industry experts, attending key exhibitions, art fairs and panel discussions, and participating in professional networks, allows me to stay ahead of the evolving art landscape. Keeping up with publications like The Art Newspaper and Artnet News, ARTnews and Art Forum helps keep me updated with global art news and trends and often includes highlights from the Canadian market. And not to forget the impact of social media! Following artists, galleries, and art market stakeholders offers a direct line of information to keep updated on new projects, exhibitions and sale opportunities. 

Additionally, I regularly attend professional development conferences, tours, and courses to stay informed about best practices and trends. Staying informed about these developments ensures clients receive collection and appraisal guidance rooted in the latest insights and standards. 

1AN: As someone who specializes in blue-chip Canadian Fine Art, what current trends or emerging artists do you feel collectors should keep an eye on in the Canadian market?

Katlin Rogers: Certainly, an interest in BIPOC artists has been a prominent growing development in the contemporary Canadian art market. Artists, genres, mediums and subject matter that have historically been underrepresented in the art historical canon are gaining momentum. There's a growing recognition of Indigenous Canadian artists, who are gaining visibility both domestically and internationally. Artists like Kent Monkman, who explores complex narratives around Indigenous history, and Meryl McMaster, known for her striking photographic works, are increasingly sought after. 

In the Post-War and Historical Canadian art world, a reexamination of women artists in particular has been a growing point of interest in museum exhibitions, art writing and prices realized. The women of the Beaver Hall Group and Marcelle Ferron of Les Automatistes for example, have experienced marked collector and institutional interest in recent years. 

At the moment, the volume of quality artworks on the market, both through galleries and auction, is unparalleled. With generational shifts, there has been an influx of incredible examples of artist’s work come to the secondary market. Now is an excellent time to not only collect historically important works but to also emerging powerhouses to diversify a collection.

Connect with Katlin Rogers here.

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