Abstract Thunder and Quiet Surprises in New York’s Auction Season
A staggering $2 billion in art changed hands during New York’s recent auction marathon, a vivid snapshot of a market both thriving and shifting. Abstract art continued its meteoric rise, with collectors driving up prices for works by Mark Rothko, Joan Mitchell, and Agnes Martin—proof that color fields and expressive gestures still hold magnetic power. Meanwhile, ultra-contemporary artists, especially women, made waves: Jadé Fadojutimi shattered her own records, and a roster of female painters and sculptors commanded six- and seven-figure bids. Not to be outdone, works by late women artists like Barbara Hepworth and Tamara de Lempicka outperformed expectations, underscoring a growing recognition of their legacies. Yet, beneath the headline numbers, the market revealed its caution—some blue-chip names missed their marks, and auction houses trimmed their sails. Still, when a masterpiece surfaced, bidders responded with gusto, reminding all that in art, quality always finds its audience—even when the waters are choppy.
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