In recent years, the art prints market has shown significant growth, attracting both experienced collectors and new enthusiasts.
This segment offers the opportunity to acquire works of art at more accessible prices compared to unique works, promoting a greater democratization of art. Events like the London Original Print Fair and the Paris Print Fair testify to this growing interest, offering platforms dedicated to prints and art multiples.
Growth of the art prints market
According to the Survey of Global Collecting 2024 by Art Basel and UBS, the High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) increased the trading of prints by 35% both in 2023 and in the first half of 2024.
This trend is also confirmed by the London platform MyArtBroker, which recorded a 107% increase in auction activity in the prints sector in 2023 compared to previous years.
The 2024 Report on the Contemporary Art Market by Artprice by Artmarket highlights that prints represent 4% of the global auction turnover of contemporary art, surpassing photographs which stand at 3%.
The paintings make up the majority with 73%, followed by the sculptures at 10% and the drawings at 9%. Additionally, 57% of contemporary works were sold for less than 1,000 dollars, indicating an accessible market for new collectors.
Fairs dedicated to art prints
The London Original Print Fair and the Paris Print Fair are among the main European fairs dedicated to art prints.
These events offer collectors the opportunity to discover and acquire works by emerging and established artists, contributing to the dissemination and enhancement of the print medium.
Specialized auctions in the prints sector
The main international auction houses, such as Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Phillips, regularly organize auctions dedicated to prints and multiples.
These sales offer a wide range of works, from ancient prints to contemporary editions, reflecting the diversity and richness of the bull market and bear market of art prints.
The art print market is experiencing a period of growth and vitality, supported by a growing interest from collectors and greater economic accessibility. Events such as fairs and specialized auctions contribute to promoting and enhancing this segment, offering unique opportunities for the acquisition of works of art.
The democratization of art through prints represents a significant trend in the contemporary art landscape, making art more accessible to a wider audience.
The most valued artists in prints
The market of stampe d’arte is constantly evolving, with both historical and contemporary artists attracting the attention of collectors and enthusiasts.
Here is an overview of some of the most popular authors in the sector:
Historical artists
- Katsushika Hokusai: Japanese painter and printmaker from the Edo period, known for the famous series of prints “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji”.
- James Gillray: British caricaturist of the 18th century, whose satirical prints are highly sought after by collectors.
Contemporary artists
- Takashi Murakami: Japanese artist who blends elements of pop and traditional culture, creating colorful and iconic prints.
- Mark Kostabi: American artist known for his faceless figures and for collaborations in the world of music and art.
- Gerhard Richter: German painter whose works range from abstract to photorealism, with prints that have reached record prices at auctions.
- Damien Hirst: British artist associated with the Young British Artists, known for his provocative works and prints that explore themes such as life and death.
These artists represent a selection of influential figures in the art print landscape, each with a distinctive style that contributes to the diversity and richness of the current market.
As expert in digital marketing, Amelia began working in the fintech sector in 2014 after writing her thesis on Bitcoin technology. Previously author for several international crypto-related magazines and CMO at Eidoo. She is now the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Cryptonomist and Econique.
She is also a marketing teacher at Digital Coach in Milan and she published a book about NFTs for the Italian publishing house Mondadori, while she is also helping artists and company to entering in the sector. As advisor, Amelia is also involved in metaverse-related project such as The Nemesis and OVER.
