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Issue 17 Out Now

Writer's pictureCharde Goins

Invest In Black Art


Kehinde Wiley Lamenation


Art collecting is a hidden gem to many people, with the spotlight currently on black artists. Black artists dominate the art field, sought out for their works that touch on the social and political movements happening. Collectors feed artists, and artists return the favor. They fund artists to create influential pieces while promoting them. The collector will gain an asset that will grow in value while the artist will garner awareness. Upon becoming an established artist, the prices will surge, followed by the work becoming more exclusive.


Making an effort to invest in black art can lead to generational wealth. Leaving behind a valuable piece of art could sustain a family for years or be used to purchase black art. Black art can be an investment for any community-based organization or personal interest.


Attending art galleries, auction houses, and museums is the best way to begin investing in black art. These are the locations collectors seek their pieces.




To familiarize yourself with pieces from an era or style of art, visit a museum. Exploring your local museum’s curated artworks from established artists will give you an edge when purchasing art. Depending on your city, your museum may feature an exhibit or piece from a prominent local artist. Ultimately this will help to illuminate what the local talent has to offer.


Local art galleries are a prime hunting spot for artwork. Investing in local black artists can help buy material for new work, allowing them to create more pieces and expand their brand. With the potential of making a piece that collectively resonates within the community, the value of their art can potentially increase.


Often emerging black artists will hold community-based art shows to purchase art and network. Often promoted through word of mouth, Eventbrite, and other social media avenues.




When attending events knowing how to purchase art is vital. When investing in any asset, you must learn its nature while viewing other beneficial investments. Investigating is crucial to collecting, discovering where artists got their start, where they studied, looking into their contemporaries, and locating the provenance of their artwork. A thorough investigation will help you be decisive when purchasing.

Auction houses hold rare pieces at a reduced price. One auction house that primarily sells black art is the Swann Gallery in New York City, one of the most prominent auction houses in the country. Established black artists are their primary focus, featuring rare works since 1941. If you play a strategic game when purchasing, you can find your hands on these elusive works.


An exciting way to shop is at art fairs. Smaller cities hosting art fairs with work from budding artists often sell their work on long crowded streets. Larger fairs rent out spaces to sell high-end pieces in major cities. The Armory show in New York and the Art Basel show in Miami hold high-end art fairs with works ranging from $38,000 to $98,000. Notable artwork can still be affordable; visit the Affordable Art Fair and Scope Fair for prices from $500 to $10,000.



Beauford Delaney’s Self Portrait


New ways of collecting art are always on the rise one growing form is Short Run Prints, a product of black Gen Z artists’ art production and black Gen Z consumption. Short Prints are donated to non-profit art galleries in black communities, donating any number of prints. Their low price and scarcity entice collectors, selling for $10 to $20. Inscribing them with an original signature marks them for potential profit. As stated, art is an asset, and some prints may never appreciate. So long as you love the artwork adding it to your collection and supporting the artist to make that break-out piece is just as beneficial.


I recommend looking on Twitter and Instagram for intriguing art styles to connect with that community to find prints.




My final tip on investing in black art is to get in early and take risks. The constant chatter of an artist’s name in mainstream media means their prices have skyrocketed. Collectors hunt down MFA students and buy their works while perusing similar artists by visiting the cities and galleries in the students reside. They explore their contemporaries to pursue potential assets before they are widely known. So please take a risk on artists early in their careers. You will regret your decisions when their works sell for five to six figures in only a few years. If you’re uncomfortable about taking risks, consult reputable sources with experience.


Investing in black art is beneficial to all parties involved. The community can lead to benefits that last for years if you connect well and play your cards right. Start somewhere small and pay attention to the pieces you invest in, and you can become a top art collector.


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