What drives the next generation of art collectors? In this series, we explore how NextGen collectors are reshaping the landscape of collecting through instinct, access, relationships, and lived experience - from their first encounters with art to the values that shape what, how, and why they collect today.
In this article, meet Arif Samaletdin, whose approach to collecting is spontaneous yet thoughtful—shaped by instinct, meaningful relationships, and a belief in a future art world defined by networks rather than hierarchies.
Image of Arif Samaletdin in his home. Work by Jenni Hiltunen
Courtesy of Arif Samaletdin. Photo by Otto Helkama
How and why did you start collecting art?
My first ever art acquisition was in 2012 by my photographer friend Saara Salama who jokingly said I should buy her art. It made me realise that purchasing art from artists actually supports their work and I get to enjoy the art everyday. Not long after that, I acquired a large-scale painting by Jenni Hiltunen at Gallery Forsblom. It was a quite spontaneous decision, I saw it and I knew I wanted to live with it. So I never made a specific decision on starting to collect art. It just happened quite naturally through people, friendships, and curiosity.
In my own work, I spend a lot of time with founders and creative people building things from scratch. There are many similarities with artistic work: uncertainty, experimentation, intuition, and patience. Living with art reminds me constantly to trust the process — not everything needs to make sense immediately.
Did you grow up with art and has this influenced your approach to collecting?
I didn’t grow up with my parents collecting art but my mom has always had an eye for aesthetic things and I remember my grandfather used to paint as a hobby. His works were always present at my grandparents house and he for example created a beautiful mosaic piece on the windowsill. It’s still there today. Maybe because of that, my approach to collecting is very intuitive and personal rather than following any rules.
Where do you usually discover new artists or works?
It’s a mix. I love going to openings, exhibitions, and galleries, and just being present. A lot of discoveries happen simply by showing up and talking to people. At the same time, Instagram has become really important. I follow artists, see how their work evolves, and often discover new connections through that. Online access makes it easier to stay close to practices over time, not just see finished works in exhibitions.
Image of Arif Samaletdin's home. Work by Konsta Koivisto
Courtesy of Arif Samaletdin. Photo by Otto Helkama
Image of Arif Samaletdin's home. Works by Jussi Goman (left) and Dora Dalila Cheffi (right)
Courtesy of Arif Samaletdin. Photo by Otto Helkama
How do social values and a sense of community influence your decision to purchase work from a particular artist or gallery?
It really depends. Sometimes I’m really keen on following a specific artist and maybe have conversations with them, but sometimes I might walk into a gallery and fall in love with a work of an artist I’m not familiar with.
Do you think you are more open to collecting different media than older generations?
I think so, yes. Although I love paintings and sculptures, we live in a very hybrid world, moving between the physical and digital. That being said, I do prefer collecting art that I can display, which makes certain mediums more difficult to acquire.
How do you prioritise spending on art compared to other goods or experiences?
Because I am so spontaneous in my purchases, I don’t know if I think about it. In the end, I don’t buy pieces that often, so it doesn’t feel like it needs explaining, and if I like something, it will most likely be with me for a long time.
How do you think your generation perceives owning works of art? Is it still seen as elitist?
I hope that the attitudes around collecting and owning art will continue to change. Understandably art is not a necessity like water or food but it does improve quality of life. Collecting can be anything from small affordable items to larger purchases depending on what you’re able to invest in it at the time.
If you could change or innovate one thing about the art world, what would it be?
I would probably say transparency and education. Not in a way that removes mystery, but in a way that makes the field easier to enter and understand. More openness around pricing, processes, and career paths would help both artists and new collectors build more sustainable relationships.
How do you see your generation influencing the art market in the coming years?
I think my generation tends to think in networks rather than hierarchies. We collaborate across disciplines and countries quite naturally. We’re also more used to combining roles: being collectors, founders, supporters, connectors at the same time. I think that will lead to more fluid and responsible ways of participating in the art world.
Where is your collection headed - do you have an artist you wish to own a work of, or do you have a specific collecting strategy looking ahead?
I don’t have a strict strategy. I see my collection more as a living archive of relationships, ideas, and moments in my life. At the moment, I’m especially interested in discovering new artists from Northern Europe and North Africa. I’m taking my time and letting things develop naturally. Timing and context matter.
Image of Arif Samaletdin in his home. Works by Linda Linko (left) and Jussi Goman (right)
Courtesy of Arif Samaletdin. Photo by Otto Helkama
“I think my generation tends to think in networks rather than hierarchies. We collaborate across disciplines and countries quite naturally. I think that will lead to more fluid and responsible ways of participating in the art world."
Entrepreneur and art collector
Arif Samaletdin is an entrepreneur, business builder and art collector living between Helsinki and Tunis. His collecting is grounded in personal connection, curiosity, and supporting artists at different stages of their practice.
Samaletdin's collection include works by Dora Dalia Cheffi, Jussi Goman, Jenni Hiltunen, Linda Linko, Miina Äkkijyrkkä, Riiko Sakkinen, Saara Salama and Penni Vasama. He sees collecting as both a creative and relational practice, shaping how he lives, works, and engages with culture.
@arifsamaletdin
Photo by Otto Helkama
