If Star Wars Characters Were Art Collectors
The latest installment of the Star Wars franchise has — as expected — induced us with a serious dose of nostalgia. Which got us thinking… if some of our favorite characters existed in our current art world, what type of collectors would they be? Our universe may be vastly different, but arguably just as dangerous (ahem — that woman who got stabbed at Art Basel Miami this year). So here goes, if Star Wars characters were art collectors…
Luke Skywalker isn’t seduced by the fame and fortune promised by the dark side of the art world. He’s not interested in rubbing elbows with the glitterati, making a killing at auction, or being a VIP at Art Basel. Luke is a man who follows his heart and buys what he loves. Sure, he may be drawn to a particular style — my money’s on neon — but that’s just what he’s into. Can you blame the man for his inclination towards Dan Flavin, Tracey Emin, or Bruce Nauman? Art collecting is, after all, a personal endeavor and one that is usually most satisfying when you actually like what’s hanging on your walls. Luke just might have the right idea. But hey, the force is strong with this one.
Not everyone has the guts, the adventurous spirit, and let’s face it — the balls, to go after what no one else will like Han Solo. This is a man who sets his own rules, lives in the moment, and answers to no one but himself. So naturally Han would go after the super emerging artists. Sure, they’ve got no auction record, no dealer representation, no gallery shows to speak of, but they’ve got that special something that only a true art connoisseur would recognize. Han doesn’t care that these guys are still wiping their brushes on their art school smocks. They’ve got potential and he’s got chutzpah.
It’s pretty well established that the art world has a long way to go in recognizing the value of female artists in the male dominated market. Artists like Frida Kahlo, Cindy Sherman, and Yayoi Kusama have certainly led the charge, but the reality is that females still don’t sell as well as their male counterparts. Princess Leia would definitely have a few words on the subject. This woman was a member of the Imperial Senate, a diplomat and a spy for the Rebel Alliance. Courageous and determined, she boasted a defiant will and boldly spoke her mind. In other words, she’s a badass feminist who would support female artists that possess the same qualities. Way to blaze that trail Leia.
He’s man’s best friend. Well, really just one man, but that’s what makes him the Chewie we know and love. He’s loyal above all else. Whether co-piloting the Millennium Falcon, fighting off Stormtroopers, or using his larger-than-life frame for some serious intimidation, Chewie always has Han’s back. He’s the type of collector that finds an artist he loves and sticks with him. Let’s call him the patron. The patron collector is arguably the ultimate art enthusiast — interested in supporting the arts and nurturing the careers of artists they truly believe in. Sound like someone you know?
R2-D2 may be a droid, but his dome is full of more than just wires and micro chips. Beyond the playful whistles and beeps we all fell in love with lies a courageous hero, who’s also a bit of a know-it-all. He’s there to lend his gadgets at every turn, and he does it with flair. R2 isn’t just on the cutting edge of the galaxy, he’s also on the cutting edge of the art scene. He’s the type of collector that’s not only interested in what’s new, but what’s next. R2 would turn his art attention to the growing tech scene. Whether the subject or the means of expression, R2’s focus is on the intersection of art and technology. You’ll find the likes of digital artists like Manfred Mohr, Cory Arcangel, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, and Björn Schülke in his collection.
Some collectors like art that reflects a moment in time or maybe an important socio-cultural event, others prefer art that reflects themselves. We’ll call them ego collectors. Now, we’re not saying C-3PO is an ego maniac, but we’re guessing he’d like to collect art that he has some personal connection to, that he sees himself in. While C-3PO hasn’t officially “come out,” it’s pretty clear that he prefers bots with the same… hardware. As far as art collecting goes, picture a lot of classic Greek sculpture sprinkled with some contemporary work by Robert Mapplethorpe and David LaChappelle. The art wants what the art wants.
We love him, we hate him, we love him again. That pretty much sums up everyone’s emotional relationship to Lando Calrissian. We get it, he wasn’t exactly in the best position with Darth Vader using him as a pawn to get to Luke Skywalker, but that doesn’t change the fact the he’s a flipper. Yea, we said it, a flipper. Some of you might be picturing a cute dolphin, but in the art world it’s a bit of a dirty word for those special collectors that see dollar signs over brushstrokes. Flippers play the art market like the stock market, waiting to turn a profit on the auction all-stars of the moment. Just like Lando, they’re looking out for #1.
Alright, this guy doesn’t mess around. Darth Vader is ruthless, power-hungry, and determined. He wants what he wants when he wants it and no one is getting in his way — well, except for Luke Skywalker and The Rebel Alliance… but let’s set that aside for now. Vader gives zero f*cks, and that’s why he’s the trophy hunter. These art collectors have their eyes on the prize, which means they’re going after the pieces everyone else wants too (think star lots at auction). Sure, they’ve already got five Picassos at home, but isn’t six better?
Stormtroopers don’t really get a ton of camera time. Sure, they’re in practically every scene, but they’re more like background scenery than the main attraction. Obedient devotees of Darth Vader and the Galactic Empire, Stormtroopers don’t think, they do. One after the other they fall in line and follow the herd. Their art collecting equivalent? Trendwatchers. These collectors pay attention to what’s buzzing at any given time. They know what they like, but they might need some extra help from those who know a little bit more to make the best choices. No shame in getting some guidance from the experts!
All knowing, all green. Yoda’s Jedi powers are unmatched in the galaxy and prove to be quite useful when applied to the art market. Yoda sees what no one else can, like those little opportunities to snatch up the next rising art star or getting your hands on those phoenix artists that were “so over” 5 years ago, but are suddenly making a major comeback. Let’s call him the opportunity buyer. Yoda’s gifts can be learned, but you need to have the force to begin with. In this case the force is an acute eye and a little bit of guts to go out on a limb in hopes of a big payoff later on.
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