The year 2025 paints a complex picture of the contemporary art market. On one hand, Sotheby’s New York saw strong results—$186.1 million across 68 lots. On the other, collector caution was evident, with many artworks selling within or below estimates. Fewer record-breaking moments, more measured decisions.
Yet, this restraint opened the door to something else: a rediscovery of overlooked artists. During Artnet Auctions’ “GEMS: Collecting Post-War Abstraction” in March, collectors turned their attention not only to established names like Kenneth Noland and Sam Francis, but also to long-overlooked women artists such as Emily Mason and Teruko Yokoi.
The auction trend reflects a growing desire to expand the canon—moving beyond market darlings to include diverse voices and narratives.
So while volatility may scare investors, 2025 shows us that the art world is beginning to shift its focus: toward inclusivity, curiosity, and redefinition. It may not be a booming market year—but it could be a pivotal one.