A Strategic Guide to Building a Future-Proof Collection
At AXIOM Fine Art Consulting, we approach art investment with both discernment and data. In an increasingly globalized and digitally driven art economy, knowing which artists to invest in means tracking not only auction results but institutional momentum, collector sentiment, and curatorial relevance. For those seeking to build a portfolio that’s as culturally rich as it is financially sound, here is our 2025 list of the best artists to invest in—refined through a market-savvy lens.
Blue-Chip Icons: Stability with Long-Term Appreciation
Julie Mehretu
One of the most significant contemporary artists working today, Mehretu continues to command top-tier prices and critical acclaim. Her large-scale abstractions—layered with cartographic, architectural, and gestural references—are collected by the world’s most respected museums. In 2023, a major canvas sold at Sotheby’s Hong Kong for approximately $9.3 million. Her trajectory signals steady appreciation, making her a mainstay in any serious investment collection.
Rashid Johnson
A conceptual powerhouse, Johnson’s work explores themes of identity, diaspora, and psychological space. Backed by Hauser & Wirth and represented in major institutions including MoMA and the Whitney, his market is both stable and ascending. Recent sales at Art Basel and Frieze have reached close to $1 million for key works, with editions and mixed-media pieces offering more accessible entry points for investors.
Cecily Brown
Cecily Brown blends abstraction with figuration in richly textured compositions. Her 2023 retrospective at The Metropolitan Museum of Art further cemented her legacy, while auction prices continue to climb. Brown’s work has become a pillar in the market for blue-chip female artists, with consistent six- and seven-figure results in global sales rooms.
Rising Stars: High Growth Potential in 2025 and Beyond
Tunji Adeniyi-Jones
This British-Nigerian painter has seen an extraordinary rise over the past three years, propelled by vibrant figuration and a distinct visual language. His recent exhibitions with White Cube in New York and Seoul reflect growing international demand. Auction prices for his canvases have reached well over $100,000, and primary works are becoming increasingly scarce. Early acquisition opportunities are rapidly closing.
Jadé Fadojutimi
Fadojutimi’s lyrical abstraction—marked by frenetic color and emotionally charged compositions—has earned her a place in the permanent collection of the Tate and rising auction values. In late 2023, a major diptych more than doubled its high estimate at Christie’s, achieving nearly $1.8 million. As institutional and private demand continues to converge, her work remains one of the most compelling long-term bets in the market.
Jenna Krypell
An AXIOM-curated favorite, Krypell’s sculptural paintings bridge abstraction and structure with a uniquely architectural sensibility. Her work appeals to both collectors and designers, with an increasing presence in luxury residential projects and commissions. As demand rises in both the design and investment sectors, her value trajectory is expected to follow suit.
Issy Wood
With a surrealist realism that defies convention, Wood’s paintings have captured the attention of major collectors and institutions alike. Recent representation by Gagosian and strong secondary sales indicate early blue-chip potential. Her smaller-scale works, still relatively accessible, offer smart entry points for collectors.
Artists to Watch
- Flora Yukhnovich – Known for Rococo-infused abstraction with strong results in recent auctions.
- Salman Toor – A figurative painter whose intimate, narrative-driven works are increasingly collected by museums and private buyers.
- Shara Hughes – Vivid, expressive landscapes with steady sales growth and institutional interest.
- Mickalene Thomas – A leading voice in contemporary portraiture with a multifaceted market presence.
Strategic Investment Tips
- Track museum acquisitions and retrospectives. These milestones often forecast market strength and future demand.
- Look for tight gallery representation and controlled inventory. Artists with consistent placement and limited supply tend to perform better over time.
- Follow the fair circuit. Artists featured prominently at Art Basel, Frieze, and TEFAF often gain momentum in both pricing and visibility.
- Diversify by collecting across media. Works on paper, early editions, and sculpture can offer strong ROI while remaining cost-effective.
Final Thoughts
The best artists to invest in share more than talent—they exhibit longevity, critical recognition, and sustained demand. Whether you’re drawn to Julie Mehretu’s commanding abstractions or intrigued by the rising narrative of artists like Jadé Fadojutimi and Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, investing with insight requires both vision and precision. At AXIOM, we specialize in helping our clients identify artists whose works will resonate far beyond the present moment—visually, conceptually, and financially.
Ready to curate with purpose? Let’s talk.
