Sylvain Gaillard, Director of Opera Gallery Dubai, seamlessly bridges the worlds of finance and fine art. With over a decade in asset management and private banking across Switzerland, Turkey, the US, and the Middle East, he has honed an ability to navigate both investment markets and the international art scene.

Since taking the helm of Opera Gallery Dubai in 2014, he has been instrumental in curating exhibitions, refining marketing strategies, and guiding collectors with expert advice on art as both passion and investment. A graduate of Northeastern University with an MBA in investment and marketing, Gaillard previously held key roles at Citigroup and other financial institutions before shifting his focus entirely to the art world.

Now, in his exclusive column for Sandy Times, he shares his expertise, offering readers an insider’s perspective on the ever-evolving art market.

Scientists argue that accumulating is deeply ingrained in our DNA, a survival instinct passed down from our ancestors who lived in precarious conditions. If we extrapolate from this, "collecting" could be considered the first structured evolution of that impulse. 

For centuries, people have collected objects with purpose and intention; far from the random act of accumulation. Many collections have been built out of fascination, love, curiosity, or even sheer obsession. At the root of every collection, passion has always been the main driver, long before financial considerations ever entered the picture.

So, what ignites the desire to collect? I wish I could give a definitive answer, but the truth is, I have no idea what drives people to collect. Over the years, I have met collectors from all walks of life — different nationalities, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds — and there is no single common thread. Humans are fascinating creatures, drawn to an endless variety of things, which is why we have dedicated collectors for thousands of different things. 

On a personal level, I have known since childhood that collecting excited me. Early on, I became obsessed with certain things and felt the urge to “have them all.” Fun fact: my first collection consisted of print advertisements from a brand I loved as a kid. I would ask my parents for magazines just so I could cut out a specific ad and add it to my meticulously organised binder. Then came the internet and auction sites, and I quickly realised that nearly everything on earth had a niche community of collectors. 

But enough about my journey; let us talk about art, a subject that tends to divide opinion. Over the past decade of running Opera Gallery Dubai, I have been asked countless times, “Why start collecting art?” and “How should I go about it?” Let us tackle these two questions head-on. 

Frankly? I have no idea. Art sits at the very top of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, making it non-essential in the grand scheme of survival. But take a look at the broader world of collectors, and you will see that stamps, rocks, sneakers, and, yes, even Beanie Babies, hardly qualify as basic necessities either. While it might sound strange for a gallery director not to be able to argue the merit of collecting, it is where we stand.

Interest in art is deeply personal and emotional: there is no universal reasoning behind why someone should collect. At its core, collecting art is about finding something that sparks joy, fascination, or intrigue. I could craft a philosophical argument to justify collecting as a noble pursuit, but that wouldn’t be entirely honest. The truth is, the only real reason to collect art is because it resonates with you on a personal level.

For me, that connection comes from being a visual person. I am drawn to objects, to form, to composition; so naturally, paintings and sculptures captivate me. I am not a creative myself, which makes the ability of artists to reinterpret and reinvent even the simplest subjects, like a portrait, completely fascinating.

Beyond aesthetics, my collection serves as a series of time stamps. Just as a song can instantly transport you back to a specific moment in time, every artwork carries a story. Each piece reminds my wife and me of where we were, what we were thinking, and why we were drawn to it in the first place. Over time, our collection has become a companion to our journey; enriching our lives in ways we never expected.

This connection deepens when you follow an artist’s career and witness their evolution firsthand. At Opera Gallery, I have had the privilege of working with artists like Thomas Dillion, Alex Sutcliffe, and Pieter Obels, whose works challenge conventions while remaining deeply rooted in their own distinct styles. Dillion’s exploration of form and materiality, Sutcliffe’s ability to push the boundaries of contemporary painting, and Obels’ sculptural mastery all reflect the very essence of what makes collecting art so compelling. When I look at pieces from artists like them, I don’t just see an artwork — I see a moment in time, a dialogue between artist and collector, and a reflection of my own evolving tastes.

Of course, this experience is entirely personal. But for those already inclined toward collecting, this sentiment may feel familiar. In the end, art is something that should move you, challenge you, or simply make you happy. And that, in itself, is reason enough to start collecting.

Here are my best pieces of advice for anyone looking to start an art collection.

There is no rush; building a collection should be an enjoyable process. Visit galleries, explore museums, read about artists, and immerse yourself in the art world. With so much information readily available today, use it to your advantage. Over time, you will naturally gravitate toward certain styles, artists, or movements. Once you have built the confidence to make your first purchase, go for it, but be mindful. A common mistake among new collectors (and trust me, you will catch that bug) is rushing to buy too much, too fast. Or worse, buying what they think they should own rather than what they truly love. Take your time. Be thoughtful. A collection should reflect your personal taste, not trends or outside pressure. As the saying goes, “What is popular is not always right.”

Having a framework in place will help you avoid costly mistakes early on. When I started, I gave myself three simple rules: one, never spend beyond a set amount on a single artwork (no exceptions!); two, only buy from living artists; and three, visit the artist’s studio whenever possible. These rules kept me grounded until I developed my own understanding of the market and my tastes. Your approach may be different, but having structure, especially in the beginning, helps create a collection that is cohesive and meaningful.

Whether it is a gallery, an art advisor, or a fellow collector, surround yourself with people who understand your vision. Be open about what you’re trying to achieve, and seek out those who can help you get there. The right guidance can make all the difference in shaping a collection that is both valuable and personal. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. 

At the end of the day, collecting art should be an enjoyable, fulfilling experience. If you lose sight of that, you have missed the point entirely.