2023 Artwork Auction Trends

In a world that feels like it’s changing faster than ever, understanding shifts in artwork auctions helps you stay on top of this ageless collection market. Besides changes in auction behavior, trending artwork has swung in different directions than in decades past. Learn about 2023 artwork auction trends and how they could affect your art collection.

Changes in Discovering and Purchasing Artwork

Between online auctions and an increase in local art fairs, you can find art ranging from legendary multi-million dollar pieces to one-of-a-kind paintings by baristas and teachers. Prepare yourself for major art auctions to take place online, where bidders from around the globe can easily participate. Meanwhile, you can find unique pieces in local coffee shops or street fairs.

Part of the reason for this change consists of the increase in younger art collectors moving into the market. As with everything else, the shift to online purchasing encourages plugged-in collectors to make more purchases, especially without the hassle of transporting and installing everything themselves.

Lucrative Pieces Going Up for Auction

As many of the world’s most famous collectors age out, each piece of art they own ends up in private sales or auctions by themselves or their inheritors. Keep an eye out for work by everyone from art giants like Rembrandt to contemporary artists like Andy Warhol. Once these pieces hit the market, it won’t take long for buyers with deep pockets to spot and grab them, making them all the more lucrative for new or young collectors.

Some recent pieces up for auction in the past ten years include such masterpieces as:

• Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci
• Shot Sage Blue Marilyn by Andy Warhol
• Number 17A by Jackson Pollock

Surreal, Abstract, and Figurative Art Styles

Recent art trends tend toward the abstract, presenting a more cerebral aesthetic than a literal one. Modern artists also create pieces inspired by surreal and figurative art styles. Collages and text-based works also take up space on art gallery walls, presenting hard-to-miss design trends and ideas to savvy viewers.

Inspiration From Political and Social Standpoints

With much of the art world propelled by younger artists, trending artwork often aligns with socially and politically progressive thinking. A rise in women and LGBTQ+ artists shows itself with works depicting art based on identity, a hot topic throughout many areas of the world. New artists also use their work to call attention to social and political problems, including:

• Discrimination
• Police brutality
• Social connectivity
• Economic disparity

Stay on Top of Art Auction Trends With High Plains Auctioneers

Fresh art trends have emerged throughout the past few years, with new artists making a name for themselves among the famous painters of old. As collectors expand their reach to include these new artists, they must find novel ways to obtain such art and understand the subject matter. If you are interested in purchasing or selling trending artwork, call High Plains Auctioneers at (806) 244-6776 to learn about upcoming auctions in and around Dalhart, TX.