A reflection on humanity’s urge to gather
The Poetic Face of Collecting
Collecting is one of humanity’s oldest instincts. What began in ancient times as the gathering of food and materials for survival gradually transformed into a search for identity, aesthetics, and meaning. Collecting is not merely the placement of objects side by side; it is memory, rhythm, and the construction of identity. As psychologist Andrew Dillon emphasizes, collecting is “a fundamental aspect of human existence.”
From Power to Identity: The Many Layers of Collecting
Throughout history, war spoils, jewels, and works of art legitimized authority. Collections functioned as displays of power; objects became silent symbols of prestige and dominance.
At the same time, collections are the visible face of identity and belonging. Through objects, we express ourselves and share our personal stories with the world. This act of gathering ties us not only to our past but also to communities.
Although some view collecting as an investment, research shows that for most people the true motivation is emotional and cultural. Objects are valued not only for their economic worth but for the meanings they carry.
Ultimately, collecting is nourished by curiosity and the desire to understand the world. Each object is like an answer to a question, a trace of wonder. In the digital age, this curiosity has evolved into a global network of shared knowledge, transforming collecting from a solitary passion into a collective experience.
The Evolutionary Roots of Collecting
When early humans began to gather more than they immediately needed, they laid the foundation for trade and settled life. Collecting was not only about accumulation but also about creating community identity, belonging, and continuity. Even in the transition from nomadic life to agriculture, the recognition of private property gave rise to early forms of collecting.
Collecting in the Modern Age
In the Age of Discovery, “cabinets of curiosity” emerged as showcases of worldliness and cultural identity. These small rooms or vitrines overflowed with objects from distant lands, granting their owners both knowledge and prestige.
With the Industrial Revolution, a new consumer class was born. Collections became not only signs of curiosity but also of status. Young generations embarked on “grand tours” across Europe, adding historical artifacts to family legacies. Collecting became a marker of cultural capital and social hierarchy.
Today, while the art market remains concentrated in major cities, the internet has democratized collecting. Flea markets, small art fairs, and online communities have turned collecting into a global and accessible practice. Everyone can now build their own small universe; collecting is no longer an elite pursuit but a poetic part of everyday life.
Psychological Motivations
Research shows that collecting cannot be reduced to a single motive. While 28% of participants cite financial motivation, for most this remains secondary. The meaning carried by objects outweighs their economic value.
Another strong motivation is passion. Fourteen percent describe collecting as an “irresistible passion,” reflecting the emotional intensity of the bond with objects.
Identity and community are central. Thirty-seven percent link their collections to self-esteem and identity, while 14% say collecting strengthens their social ties. Collections are both a way of self-expression and of building connections.
Less frequently mentioned, but equally important, is cultural preservation. Even small collections can become archives of memory, carrying the spirit and values of an era into the future.
Collecting as a Form of Learning
Collecting is more than accumulation; it is a process of knowledge-making. Over time, collectors develop expertise, learning the histories, production methods, and contexts of their objects. Online forums have become new libraries of shared knowledge. From watch enthusiasts to vinyl collectors, millions of people see their collections as spaces of learning and exchange.
Conclusion
Collecting shapes both the material and spiritual dimensions of human life. Whether as a display of power, an investment, an expression of identity, or a product of curiosity, collecting is one of the most natural reflections of being human. Art collecting, too, belongs to this broad frame: a practice that unites personal passions with cultural memory, translating individual stories into a universal language.
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Source: Andrew Dillon is V.M. Daniel Regents Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, School of Information. Portions of this article were inspired by The Art Basel and UBS Survey of Global Collecting (2023). Published January 3, 2024.
