Investing in the Urban Print Market
Unsurprisingly, over the last five years, the Banksy market has demonstrated a healthy correction amidst market turbulence in 2022 and his prints remain a viable long term investment asset.
Banksy looked, briefly, to be alone in having a huge surge in print values during 2020 when elsewhere in the print market largely the opposite was happening, even with superstars like Warhol and David Hockney.
This is a testament to Banksy's appeal as one the world's leading contemporary artists, and the ease at which his prints can be traded online. In short, the Banksy market may be maturing towards a tendency for mid-to-long term investment, rather than quick-fire trades of 2020. This is in fact more natural than many think in establishing a market for the long term.
Rising star Invader has been on a 5-year run. Progress has slowed in 2022, but due mostly to a contraction in sales volume rather than ASP. Nonetheless, Invader showed resilience during 2020 and is likely to increase his fanbase as he increases in fame, yet remains affordable.
Opie bucked the COVID downturn pattern shown by many artists' secondary market. Despite a total market size contraction in 2022, ASP has continued to grow consistently over the past three years.
Over-commercialisation may have affected KAWS' perceived value with established collectors. ASP has been on a downward trend since 2019, pre-COVID. That said, there is an opportunity to acquire rare and limited works during this down period with a long-term view.
Stik has been subject to dramatic growth but is also subject to volatility in the face of economic uncertainty. Navigating the peaks and troughs is key for investors interested in this market. Bouncing back from 2020 with a vengeance, the Stik market has taken a correction in 2022 accordingly.
Nowadays many people see buying art as a quick way to make a small fortune, but with the current cost of living crisis, selling your art can take longer that it did 8-12 months ago.
We at UAS are more than happy to discuss with you, your needs and how we could buy or sell your next piece.