Collecting practice: transformation in a consumer society

The study presents a brief history of the specific features of collecting as a social practice and its transformation in a consumer society. Collecting practice is regarded as a form of expression that creates the worldview. The role of a collector is conceptualized. The author describes the process of changing goals and objectives and examines collectibles depending on the historical era. In particular, the 21st century breaks new grounds in the perception of art and understanding of collecting as a social practice. Collecting is considered from the perspective of the evolving ideas of capitalization as an increase in cultural capital. In the context of total art commercialization, investment is the driving force behind art consumption, and the art world is a full-fledged industry. The research analyzes the basic motives of modern art collecting and the changing behavioral markers of the representatives of the cultural elite.