Art Market Monitor

The market for African American art is trying to emerge as a bright spot in the current environment. Many of the best works are emerging from the hands of the first owners, often friends or relatives of the artists. So the works coming to market are beyond fresh. At the same time, we have an increasing appreciation of the breadth and talent within the category. Swann Auction House holds their sale this Thursday, October 8th in New York.

Some of the interesting works in the sale are in the gallery above. They range from photography by Cornelius Battey in the beginning of the 20th century to work by contemporary artist Kara Walker. In February, Swann sold $1.268m worth of art with 64% of the lots finding buyers.

Swann Auction Galleries African American Art Current Catalogue

Swann February Sale Results

Also of Interest:

• Swann Galleries African American Art
  Pre-sale estimates were in the $2-2.9 million range. Six of the top ten works were bought by collectors, two by...
  
• Archive of Afro-Am Art Sells at Swann
  The value in collecting fields is often a function of the scholarship available. The more information known about the artists’...
  
• Afro-Am Continues to Find Strength at Swann
  Lindsay Pollock highlights Swann Galleries’ upcoming African American sale. The latest edition of the biannual sale is 163 lots and...
  
• Swann’s African American Results
  Swann’s African American art sale went well. They brought in $1,354,400 for all the lots and a  sell through was...
  
• Can Obamas Change the Stature of African American Art?
  Within today’s story in the Wall Street Journal about the Obamas’ interest in bringing Contemporary art to the White House,...