September is Art Market Liaison’s favorite auction season. Why? We consider it the art market “sweet spot” – where we have found some of our favorite deals.
Most of us in the art world look forward to the auctions held every May and November – with their big headlines and price tags. But did you know that better deals can be found during other moments throughout the year?
Maybe unbeknownst to the average art aficionado, most art buying happens during the September and March sales, which might seem off the “beaten track” but these mid-season auctions offer more accessible price points.
Why should you be paying attention? September auctions offer a “soft market” opportunity, where there is reduced demand for art, leading to less competition, fewer bidders and lower prices. This is contrasted with a “hot” or “strong” art market, where demand is high but prices are rising and artworks often sell above their estimated values – which we often see during peak moments in May and November.
During a soft market, with lower prices and less competition, collectors have an opportunity to bag a better deal. Art Market Liaison specializes in the secondary market, working closely with auction houses to vet lots and identify bargains. Having a presence at auction is a key component when collectors are considering investing in art or determining whether an artwork will appreciate in value. Many collectors may wrongly assume that simply being at auction is a stamp of approval – but there is inevitably much more to the process, from the initial research of an artist, verifying authenticity, condition checking, auction house fees and assessing long-term value.
Market timing is just as important, and auctions in September offer a strategic advantage. September auctions are particularly notable for featuring a mix of emerging artists and established names, offering a diverse range of works that might not always be available during the more high-profile auction seasons. These auctions are also an excellent time for collectors to acquire works by artists who are gaining momentum but haven’t yet reached peak market saturation.
Moreover, the timing of these auctions just after the summer holiday season means that many collectors are returning to the market with fresh perspectives and a renewed interest in adding to their collections. This can result in unique buying opportunities, as sellers might be more motivated to make deals after a quieter summer period.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the September auctions we have on our radar below. As always, the team at Art Market Liaison is here to help you hone in on some great opportunities. Reach out to us directly to learn more.
2024 September Auctions:
September 5: From Cubism to Minimalism, Abstraction to Pop Art, 20th Century online art auction, Artnet
September 20: Modern & Contemporary African Art, Sotheby’s
September 19: David Hockney in London, Phillips
September 23: Modern & Contemporary Art: Online Auction, New York, Phillips
September 25: “New Now: Modern & Contemporary Art Sale” in New York, Phillips
September 25/26: Modern and Contemporary Evening and Day Auctions in Hong Kong, Sotheby’s
September 27: “Contemporary Curated” in New York, Sotheby’s
September 27: “Contemporary New York” in New York, Christie’s
October 30: Ethnographic Art American Indian, Pre-Columbian and Tribal Art, Heritage Auction
