May 20, 2024

The Top 5 Reasons to Invest in Prints

Often underestimated by the media, prints and editions are becoming increasingly important in the art world, with a growing number of budding collectors seeking them out. It is a market that shows great potential, with a significant number of items sold at auction in the past decade, making it an attractive starting point for those who are new to art collecting. In this article, Maddox’s Director of Research, Data & Analytics, Giovana Edid, highlights recent print trends and explores the market in more detail, identifying the artists who are having the biggest impact on this exciting and fast-moving sector in the art market.

The print and edition market has experienced remarkable growth in the past decade. Despite auction sales of Post-War and Contemporary prints experiencing a slow down after a record-breaking 2022, the number of lots sold has soared to new highs. As a result, art fairs like Frieze now feature dedicated sections for prints and the IFPDA Print Fair in New York is thriving. This success underscores the growing demand and appreciation for prints within the art world.

1. Youthful Surge: Gen Z's Impact on the Print Market

With evolving tastes among inheritors who are benefiting from the ‘great wealth transfer’, which is estimated to see trillions passed down to future generations, and a surge of younger collectors entering the print market, Christie's reported a remarkable 65% increase in new Gen Z buyers in 2023, largely driven by prints and editions.

2. Prints: A Gateway to Art Collection

Prints offer an attractive entry point for both new and seasoned collectors thanks to their lower price points. This relative accessibility is having the welcome effect of building a more inclusive and diverse collector base.

3. Liquidity and Trading Environment

The editioned nature of prints means that they benefit from increased liquidity as an asset, creating a more conducive environment for frequent trading. This directly benefits sellers, who are afforded more buying opportunities and a wider selection of works to choose from.

4. Digital Revolution in the Print Market

The advent of the digital era has revolutionised the print market, with advancements in print technology opening up a world of artistic possibilities. Similarly, online platforms and digital marketplaces have greatly increased the accessibility of prints for collectors.

5. Rising Demand for Limited Editions

Limited editions are gaining traction, appealing to collectors who value exclusivity and rarity. This trend, while maintaining liquidity and affordability, is driving the demand for limited edition prints and multiples.

In 2023, Lichtenstein led the art market with an impressive 632 print lots sold at auction, marking the highest sale volume of any artist. Yoshitomo Nara followed closely behind, with 188 lots sold, with Stik in third place with 128 lots.

Bridget Riley, Invader, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Harland Miller each sold less than 100 prints, with Riley leading the group at 90, followed by Invader with 74, and both Basquiat and Harland Miller totalling 57 each.

Combined sale prices place Lichtenstein at the top, with his prints earning £8.68 million in total at auction, followed by Yoshitomo Nara with £1.92 million and Basquiat with £1.55 million.

Works by Bridget Riley, Harland Miller, Stik and Invader also collectively achieved impressive turnovers: Riley with £776,000, Miller with £642,000, Stik with £537,000 and Invader with £305,000.

Read the print report in full here.

Written by Giovana Edid, Maddox Director of Research, Data & Analytics, is a passionate art researcher and analyst with twelve years of experience in the international art investment sector. Her areas of expertise include economic analysis of the marketplace, examination protocols, professional appraisals adhering to provenance due diligence and the USPAP standards.

Discover Maddox Latest Print Report

The latest Maddox Print Report, Volume 02 provides insights into the thriving art market, spotlighting influential contemporary artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Harland Miller, Roy Lichtenstein, Yoshitomo Nara, Bridget Riley, Invader, and Stik. It delves into their artistic styles, market performance, and the increasing demand for their prints. Notably, it emphasises the reasons for investing in prints, citing accessibility, liquidity, and the rise of limited editions. This report also highlights the growing interest among younger collectors and the impact of digital platforms on the art market.

For more information, please download Maddox Print Report, Volume 02 below or schedule a call with an Advisor here.