How to Invest in Art Like a Pro
Insider Strategies from Aspire Art CEO, Marelize van Zyl
Art has become an increasingly attractive alternative investment, offering the opportunity to diversify one’s portfolio, while having the potential for significant returns. One of its biggest advantages is that, at the very least, it tends to hold its value, and, over time, it can appreciate, all while offering buyers the pleasure of enjoying their acquisitions.
The global art market was valued at US$552 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to US$585.98 billion in 2025 and US$944.59 billion by 2033. This growth is primarily driven by increased artwork sales, particularly among high-net-worth individuals seeking to include art in their investment portfolios alongside traditional assets like stocks, bonds, and real estate. However, investing in art is not exclusive to the wealthy – aspiring collectors can enter the market by acquiring more affordable pieces from emerging and up-and-coming artists.
If you’re looking to start your journey into art collecting and investment, here are some valuable tips:
- Understand the factors that influence value
Before making a purchase, it’s essential to understand what contributes to the value of art:
Several factors influence price appreciation, including:
The artist’s status and biography – Well-established artists with a strong reputation have higher demand, and promising emerging artists showing potential and growth in their careers allow for significant returns on early investment in their works.
Provenance – An artwork’s commercial and ownership history as well as its exhibition and literature records can significantly impact its value.
Artistic significance – Works that play an important role in an artist’s career or the broader art movement in terms of subject matter, medium or styles tend to appreciate more.
Market trends – Staying informed about which artists and styles are gaining traction can help make informed investment decisions.
- Seek expert advice
Navigating the art market requires knowledge and experience. Consulting specialists who understand market trends and artist trajectories can differentiate a purchase that holds its value from one that significantly appreciates. A well-advised acquisition can result in exponential returns.
For example, in 2012, I sold a still life titled I Love You All the Time by Georgina Gratrix for R45,000. By 2018, her career had flourished, leading to the artwork selling at an Aspire Art auction for R591,000, providing an astounding 1,211% return on investment. Similarly, a Lisa Brice artwork purchased in 2018 for R39,000 sold for R1.2 million in 2023, showcasing the immense appreciation potential in the contemporary art market.
- Explore emerging artists
While investing in blue-chip artists like Irma Stern, whose paintings average R5 million, is a secure way to preserve capital, identifying promising emerging artists can be an exciting and lucrative endeavour. Cinga Samson, for example, started painting in a shared artist studio in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. By 2021, after securing a solo show in New York and being signed by leading galleries, his works began reaching £321,300 at auction. An early piece, originally bought in 2010 for R1,700, later sold for R240,000 in 2023. This demonstrates how strategic investments in emerging talent can yield substantial rewards.
- Consider online auctions and payment flexibility
For new collectors, online art auctions are an effective way to enter the market, offering exposure to a variety of artworks and pricing insights. Aspire Art recently introduced a “buy now, pay later” model, allowing buyers to pay off artworks interest-free over three months, making art collecting more accessible.
- Exercise patience and build a long-term strategy
Investing in art is a long-term commitment. While some works appreciate rapidly, others take years or even decades. Art collecting is a passion-driven pursuit that can become a lucrative investment when approached strategically.
- Take advantage of the current buyer’s market
Right now, market conditions favour buyers, making it an opportune time to start investing in art. With careful selection and strategic acquisitions, investors can lay a strong foundation for future appreciation as market dynamics evolve.
For more information on Aspire Art’s auctions, visit: https://www.aspireart.net/upcoming-auctions
About Aspire Art
Founded in 2016, Aspire Art is an auction and consulting business specialising in contemporary African art alongside canonical Black Modernist works. The business focuses primarily on 20th-century, modern and contemporary art from Africa. Its auction services are complemented by an exhibition programme and valuation and art advisory services to private clients as well as estates and public and private corporations.
The Aspire Art team consists of a dynamic group of specialists with extensive knowledge, industry experience and enthusiasm for African art. Clients are provided with thorough art market insight, fair advice and trend forecasting to ensure a richly comprehensive and rewarding art-collecting experience.