Art Appreciates, Just Like Property – Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers

Malaysian Art Industry is growing and according to Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers (HBAA), there is an increasing level of interest in art and growing awareness of art as an asset class. Their auction features prominent artist work such as Abdul Latiff Mohidin and Datuk Ibrahim Hussein that features price tag of RM100k and much more.

Sim Polenn the Director for Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers explains on what they do, the value of it and how elevates branding for property.

Can you tell us more about HBAA ?
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers (HBAA) was established in 2009, co-founded by Mr Lim Eng Chong, Mr Long Tian Chek, and Datuk Vincent Sim. It’s the first, leading, professional art auction house in Malaysia. HBAA started off with a charity auction in 2009, while the first professional Malaysian Art Auction took place in 2010, recorded sales of Rm 1.7 mil.

From 2010 to 2012, it was purely Malaysian Art Auction. 2013 onwards, HBAA ventured into auctioning Southeast Asian Art.

What are the artwork do you serve at HBAA ?
HBAA caters to wide target audiences group. From traditional to modern to contemporary art. From Nanyang style, to Impressionism, to Surrealism, to Realism, Hyper Realism, to Minimalism, etc. Various medium: oil on board, batik, acrylic on canvas, mixed media, gouache, collage, watercolor, photography, digital print, etching, silkscreen, sculptures (wood, metal, stainless steel, ceramic, porcelain, bronze, found objects etc).

Are there significant institutional buyers to the art ? (Or who are the buyers and for what purpose ?)
Yes, there are institutional buyers / corporates purchasing. Mostly still private collectors. Buying for various purposes: enhance the collection; decorating walls / space enhancing the interior beauty; elevate status with art; investment options (there is the saying: Appreciate Art, Art Appreciates); gift to others; supporting the art industry (patriotic reason), etc.

What value does this sort of art gives to the property industry ?
Art is Beauty, Beauty is Art. Art is Life, Life is Art. Incorporating art element into property is quite a common thing, it further elevates the branding, lifts up the image. For example, St Regis has a Botero sculpture in its compound; Genting Grand Hotel Lobby has a Botero sculpture there too; Ilham Tower has Ai Wei Wei sculpture outdoor; these elevate the branding! Art as a tool, besides for admiration of its beauty, enhance the property value too. Art, just like property, besides its quality, it’s about marketing / branding.

How is the valuation for the art industry particularly in the segment you serve ?
Yes, HBAA does provide valuation service on art too. Many people approached us for valuation, as we are the reliable and responsible one. Some need it for buying insurance coverage purposes; some just wanted to know what’s the latest value of their collections; some involve the deceased estate; etc.

Is there an upcoming event ?
Henry Butcher Malaysian & Southeast Asian Art Auction will be held on Oct 28, 1 pm, at Galeri Prima, 31, Jalan Riong, Bangsar. 190 Lots are up on offer. Come and bid (on the ground bidding / phone bidding / absentee bid / online bidding).  Full viewing starts from Oct 18-27, 10 am – 6 pm daily.

Get in touch with Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers (HBAA) at:

Telephone: +603 2691 3089
Fax: +603 2602 1523
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.hbart.com.my

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