The art market in 2023 has experienced a period of adjustment and transformation. The year has been marked by a shift from the record-breaking sales of 2022 to a more subdued auction scene, influenced by economic uncertainties. Despite this, the market has continued to see a significant focus on high-value artworks.
One of the notable trends in 2023 has been the middling performance of auctions featuring heavily guaranteed single-owner sales. While such auctions have traditionally been seen as a reliable strategy for major auction houses, the results throughout the year have raised questions about the effectiveness of this approach. Auctions like Sotheby’s sale of the Emily Fisher Landau collection and Phillips’ auction of the Triton Collection Foundation saw cautious approaches, with heavy reliance on third-party guarantees and sales barely meeting low estimates. This cautious trend contrasts starkly with the more adventurous strategies of the past (The Art Newspaper).
In terms of individual artist performance, Andy Warhol’s works continue to command high prices, though the total value of his top artworks sold at auction in 2023 ($81.4 million) is less than half of his most expensive artwork sold in 2022. This year, the auction market continued to lean towards its top end, with the most valuable lots being dominated by late artists. However, there was an increase in the presence of living artists among the top works sold compared to 2022 (Artsy).
Ultra-contemporary artists, those born in 1975 or after, have experienced the strongest surge in demand. This group has seen growing interest both in primary and secondary markets, with artists like Yuan Fang and Francesca Mollett achieving notable auction results. The trend shows an increasing appetite for newer, innovative works among collectors.
The year also witnessed a continuation of strong interest in figurative works in the auction market. Despite a growing enthusiasm for abstract art, figurative artworks still fetched the majority of the highest prices at auction in 2023. This trend suggests that while tastes are evolving, traditional genres continue to hold significant appeal in the art market.
These insights provide a glimpse into the evolving dynamics of the art market in 2023, highlighting the challenges and opportunities within this shifting landscape.