Artsper - Contemporary Artworks for Sale

New Packaging Rules :

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 03:41:49 -0700

Since 12 August 2026, the European Union’s PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2025/40) has been applicable across the European Union. Its aim is to reduce packaging waste, promote recyclability, and harmonise packaging rules across the EU. For galleries and artists selling or shipping artworks to European clients from a country outside the European Union, these new rules may have a direct impact on how artworks are prepared and shipped. Whether it is a painting, a photograph, a sculpture, or a limited edition, the materials used to protect an artwork during transport may fall within the scope of the regulation.

Are galleries and artists outside the EU affected?

Potentially, yes. The PPWR provides that the concept of a “producer” may apply to a company or professional established in a third country when they make packaging available for the first time in the territory of an EU Member State, including in the context of distance sales. As a result, a gallery or artist based in the United Kingdom, the United States, Switzerland, or another non-EU country that directly ships a packaged artwork to a client located in the European Union may be subject to packaging-related obligations. This may include the materials used to protect and transport artworks: wooden crates, cardboard boxes, protective paper and cardboard, bubble wrap, plastic films, foam and cushioning materials, sleeves, and other protective materials — and, more broadly, all packaging components used for shipping. The regulation therefore does not only apply to the outer crate or box: the different components of the packaging may also fall within its scope.

Emmanuelle Indekeu :

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 02:54:40 -0700

As part of our partnership with ArtOnPaper, we had the pleasure of speaking with Emmanuelle Indekeu, General and Artistic Director of the Brussels fair dedicated to drawing and works on paper. At the helm of ArtOnPaper since 2026, Emmanuelle champions an open and contemporary approach to art, shaped by a career spanning emerging artists, institutions and cultural engagement.

1. The market for drawings and works on paper has long been seen as a more accessible entry point for collectors. Do you see editions as a growth opportunity for exhibiting galleries? A way to reach new collectors at lower price points?

I think the question of editions is particularly interesting for several reasons. First, editions are indeed more financially accessible, but they also provide access to works by more established artists whose unique pieces are out of reach for the majority of collectors. However, I would be wary of reducing editions to a simple entry point: it is a category with its own set of requirements, from the condition of the sheet and the quality of the print to its relationship with the original work. Artists also allow themselves different kinds of experimentation in their editions. Editions therefore also attract experienced collectors looking to deepen their understanding of an artist’s body of work rather than simply expand their collection. The latest Art Basel & UBS report confirms this trend at sector level: prints and multiples now account for 12% of gallery sales, while photography has doubled its share over the past few years. At ArtOnPaper, Editions is a section in its own right, which...Read More

Back to school for art galleries:

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 15:00:00 -0700

The start of a new season is a strategic moment for art galleries. As collectors, art enthusiasts and industry professionals return to their usual routines, September offers an opportunity to relaunch your programme, strengthen your visibility and create new ways to engage your audience. Here are a few tips to help you start the season with a clear and engaging strategy.

1. Revise the Event Program

After the summer break, galleries are gearing up for a new season of exhibitions and events. September traditionally marks the return of a vibrant art scene, with programmes designed to appeal both to seasoned art enthusiasts and to those discovering contemporary art for the first time.To reach a wider audience, galleries are increasingly embracing a variety of formats, from interactive projects and live performances to creative workshops. With its diverse range of forms and practices, contemporary art has a unique ability to spark curiosity among younger audiences and newcomers alike.

2. Update your online offering

Contemporary art is increasingly being sold online. For galleries, this is a reality that is reshaping visibility and commercial growth strategies. Artsper the leading European online marketplace for contemporary art, enables partner galleries to reach a growing international audience of qualified art buyers.

Joining Artsper gives galleries access to a dedicated...Read More

Art Basel 2026:

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 07:14:41 -0700

Every June, Basel becomes the center of gravity of the art world. For a few days, collectors, gallerists, artists, curators, and institutions gather to take the pulse of the market. But beyond headline sales and record-breaking figures, Art Basel is above all a powerful indicator of the transformations shaping today’s art ecosystem. So, what does the 2026 edition tell us?

Niki de Saint Phalle, Blue obelisk with flowers, 1992

1. An Increasingly Global Art Market

With 290 galleries from 43 countries and territories, including 21 first-time exhibitors, Art Basel continues to strengthen its position as the world's leading international art fair.

This year, the arrival of galleries from countries including Côte d'Ivoire, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey reflects a growing openness to new artistic geographies and emerging cultural scenes.

For both galleries and artists, the message is clear: international visibility is no longer limited to the traditional centers of the art world.

2. Recent Works Take Center Stage

One of the most significant developments this year is the expansion of the Premiere sector, which has grown from 10 to 17 presentations. Dedicated to works created within the past five years, Premiere showcases ambitious new productions, from large-scale installations and...Read More

Women are redefining the rules of the art market

Tue, 26 May 2026 03:48:53 -0700

For a long time, the art world was seen as a space dominated by men, from the artists exhibited to the collectors signing the checks. But the latest findings from the Art Basel & UBS Survey of Global Collecting 2025 tell a very different story. Women are no longer simply participating in the art market. They are leading it.

Female collectors are spending more than men — by a wide margin

In 2024, high-net-worth women spent 46% more on art than men, a figure that reflects a profound shift in the balance of power within the market. Across both 2024 and the first half of 2025, women outspent men on art purchases, narrowing the historical gap not only in activity but also in influence.

This is far from a niche trend. UBS estimates that women controlled more than one-third of global wealth by the end of 2024, a share expected to grow further with the Great Wealth Transfer, as assets move not only to younger generations but increasingly to wives and female partners.

Sophie Hors, Rue Tournefort jaune, Paris, 2025 available on Artsper

They are buying works by women artists

This shift is not only about who is buying, but also what is being bought. Works by women artists now account for 49% of female collectors’ collections, compared...Read More

Art Market 2025

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 05:01:48 -0700

In this article, Artsper presents the key trends and takeaways from the Art Basel and UBS Report: buyer behavior, digital opportunities, and outlook for 2026. After two challenging years, the art market returned to growth in 2025. The total market value reached $59.6 billion (+4%), though still 9% below 2023 levels, and transaction volume rose slightly to 41.5 million (+2%). The gallery market also shows signs of recovery, with $34.8 billion in sales (+2%).

Art Basel Paris © Sarah Fouque

1. Galleries need to attract new buyers

Despite the recovery, galleries face a clear challenge: their buyer base is shrinking and aging. The average number of buyers per gallery dropped to 57, the lowest since 2021, and smaller galleries (less than $250,000 in annual sales) lost 40% of their buyers in one year. Established collectors still account for 62% of sales, but reaching younger generations remains a major challenge. Attracting new buyers is no longer optional, it is essential.

2. Digital: the only viable and profitable acquisition channel

The report shows that online sales declined in 2025, reaching $9.2 billion, or 15% of the market (down from 25% at the 2020 peak). Galleries reported a 6-point drop in online revenue share compared to 2024. This decline is largely due to the return of high-end sales to in-person fairs: when major collectors return to physical events, digital takes a back...Read More

Limited Editions: a springboard for the artist

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 08:29:45 -0800

In an increasingly competitive art market, online platforms are no longer just intermediaries between artists and collectors. They have become true partners in artistic development. Within this context, Artsper stands out as a real springboard, offering creators initiatives that go far beyond the simple sale of their works. Among these initiatives, the launch of limited editions represents a powerful strategic tool.

This format enables artists to increase their visibility, reach new audiences, and create meaningful moments around their practice. By introducing a sense of exclusivity and opportunity, these launches foster engagement and help build an initial community of collectors. Through the examples of Xavier de Vilmorin, Ronald Hunter and Gabrielle Rul, we will explore how this approach has contributed to accelerating their recognition and strengthening their presence within the art ecosystem.

Xavier de Vilmorin: A quick sale thanks to a prestigious event

Xavier de Vilmorin produced 50 limited editions, sold at 300 € each. After selling 40 copies in record time, the artist benefited from exceptional visibility through an event organized in collaboration with Elle Italia. Twelve of his prints were used to reward Italy’s top chefs during a gala evening, and the launch of the limited edition series followed immediately after on our platform. This approach allowed Xavier to reach a wider audience and benefit from the media exposure of a major magazine, significantly increasing...Read More

Editions: What your collectors really understand

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 06:10:09 -0800

A survey conducted among 240 collectors

As part of its mission to understand the market, Artsper conducted a survey among 240 collectors to analyze their perception of editions and the criteria they use to assess value. The goal was to better understand how the categories used by professionals are actually interpreted by buyers. The results highlight a significant gap between the industry’s terminology and the collectors’ framework for understanding.

Takashi Murakami, Cherry Tree, 2025 available on Artsper

A term primarily associated with the publishing world

The word edition is instinctively linked to the world of books: publishing, press, literature, bookstores. Before it is seen as a term within the art market, it refers to a well-established editorial and cultural universe.

When applied to art, the term is mostly associated with technical concepts like lithography, screen printing, etching, or prints. The idea of a "limited edition" often comes up, but without a shared definition. The term remains polysemic and does not constitute a category that is immediately clear to collectors.

Primarily seen as a production logic

When asked about the activities that fall under the term edition,...Read More

Instagram for galleries and artists:

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 07:53:36 -0800

Over the past ten years, Instagram has evolved from a simple photo-sharing platform into one of the main marketing and communication tools for artists and galleries. In its early days, it was almost purely aesthetic, dominated by spontaneous images and creative filters. Today, Instagram is a complex ecosystem: it combines curated feeds, ephemeral stories, short videos, and integrated shopping, offering unique opportunities to showcase art, tell stories, and build a global community.

The evolution of Instagram: from filters to branding strategies

Initially, users would post casual photos with filters like Valencia or Clarendon. Galleries and artists could simply post images of artworks and expect a few likes. Now, success on Instagram requires strategy, consistency, and storytelling.

Some current trends to keep in mind include:

Reels and short videos: video content is favored by the algorithm and increases visibility.
Interactive stories: polls, quizzes, and questions help engage the audience and foster a more direct relationship.
Micro-influencers and collaborations: partnerships with influencers or emerging artists help reach new audiences.
Consistent aesthetics and visual branding: the feed is no longer just a portfolio but a showcase of the artist’s or gallery’s identity.

Showing Your Face: Authenticity and Connection

Instagram now rewards humanity. Content that shows real faces, emotions, and behind-the-scenes moments tends to generate more engagement than purely “perfect” or aesthetic posts. For artists and galleries, this means engaging the audience with personal stories, sharing the creative process,...Read More

Art Collecting in 2025

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 05:42:29 -0800

The 2025 edition of The Art Basel and UBS Survey of Global Collecting offers a striking portrait of an art market in transition. Despite geopolitical uncertainty, economic volatility, and fragile international trade, the survey highlights a community of collectors that is younger, more diverse, and increasingly confident in shaping cultural value.

A market driven by youth and women

The report reveals a profound generational shift: nearly three-quarters of collectors are Millennials or Gen Z, with tastes and motivations that differ significantly from previous generations. Female participation is at an all-time high, with women leading spending in several regions and championing works by female artists at unprecedented levels.

The digital realm is also consolidating its role: collectors of all ages are embracing new formats and channels, with digital art emerging as a core category and online platforms—from specialist marketplaces to social media—becoming mainstream avenues for discovery and purchase.

What collectors buy and why

The definition of art connoisseurship is broadening: art increasingly intersects with design, luxury goods, and lifestyle collectibles. For many, collecting is an expression of identity, driven as much by personal pleasure and social connection as by financial considerations.

High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) continue to allocate an increasing share of their wealth to art—on average 20% in 2025, with Gen Z collectors exceeding this at 26%. Family influence remains...Read More