The key players

Sotheby's and Christie's are the largest auction houses globally. Phillips has built the strongest position in contemporary art at the secondary market level. Gagosian is the largest commercial gallery globally, representing artists whose secondary market performance is consequently well-documented. Pace, Hauser and Wirth, David Zwirner, and White Cube are the other mega-galleries with significant impact on the primary market

Art Basel in Basel and Miami Beach, and Frieze in London and New York, are the major fairs where galleries present work and collectors buy. The fairs are also the best places for a serious beginner to see a large amount of significant work in a short period.

CollectorGrade take

Attend Art Basel and Frieze before you are ready to buy. The fairs are the fastest way to calibrate your eye against what the market currently considers significant. Walk every booth. Ask gallery staff questions. The education is free.