Towards the Democratization of Art: The Market in Full Mutation

he article “Towards the Democratization of Art: The Market in Full Mutation” from Amilcar Magazine examines the evolving dynamics of the global art market, as highlighted by the 2025 Art Basel & UBS Art Market Report.

• 7Art Gallery’s Role: Founded in 2006 by Audrey and François, 7Art Gallery exemplifies this evolution. By curating exhibitions that combine contemporary art, emerging artists, and engaging concepts, the gallery bridges the gap between new collectors and the art world. Their approach aligns with the philosophy that “Art is what you can get away with,” inspired by Andy Warhol, making art more approachable without sacrificing artistic value.

https://news.amilcarmagazine.com/vers-une-democratisation-de-lart-le-marche-en-pleine-mutation/#google_vignette

Key Insights

• Market Trends: In 2024, total art sales decreased by 12% in value, but the number of transactions rose by 3%, totaling over 40.5 million sales. This reflects a shift toward more accessible and affordable artworks.

• Sales Segments:

  • High-end works (over $10M) declined by 39%, now representing 18% of the market.

  • Mid-range works ($50K–$1M) remained stable, attracting cautious buyers.

  • Affordable works (under $5K) grew by 7% in value and 13% in volume, showing increased interest from new collectors.

• New Collectors: 44% of buyers in 2024 were new, mostly young professionals, interested in smaller, more accessible pieces. Pop art, featuring iconic figures, remains especially appealing to this demographic.

• Emerging Artists: 52% of purchases were works by emerging or lesser-known artists, reflecting demand for innovation and accessibility.

• Motivation for Collecting: Most collectors (96.3%) buy for personal enjoyment, 87% to support artists they admire, and only 7% focus primarily on investment.

• Adapting to Change: Traditional galleries face challenges, illustrated by the closure of Kasmin Gallery in New York and Blum Galleries in multiple cities. To respond, galleries are embracing new models of accessibility and engagement.