Frieze London and Frieze Masters 2024

Sales and Trends in the Global Art Market

Installation view of Tina Kim Gallery’s booth at Frieze London, 2024. Photo by Linda Nylind. Courtesy of Linda Nylind / Frieze.


Frieze London and Frieze Masters 2024 marked another successful edition, captivating both art aficionados and investors with a solid pace of sales despite initial uncertainties surrounding the London art market. From October 9th to 13th, Regent’s Park transformed into a hub of creativity, hosting 170 galleries from 47 countries. This year’s fairs stood out not just for their vibrant energy but also for notable sales that reflect key trends in the global art market.

Sales That Reflect Investment Potential Hauser & Wirth’s booth headlined the event with a major sale of The Opaque (1947) by Arshile Gorky for $8.5 million, reinforcing the investment potential in mid-20th-century works. Other highlights included a Manet painting sold for $4.9 million and a Francis Picabia for $4 million. Such high-value sales underscore the continued appetite for classic modern art, a reliable choice for investors looking to diversify their portfolios with blue-chip artists.

Contemporary works also performed robustly. David Zwirner sold pieces by Lisa Yuskavage for $2.2 million and Yayoi Kusama for over $670,000. Kukje Gallery reported strong sales of Ha Chong-hyun pieces ranging from $540,000 to $649,000, reflecting growing interest in Korean abstract art, which continues to gain global traction.

Several galleries reported sold-out booths, emphasizing the dynamism of emerging artists. At Stephen Friedman Gallery, works by Caroline Walker and Clare Woods sold out, with prices reaching as high as $228,700. These sales highlight the growing importance of female artists in the market, appealing to investors eager to support rising talents.

This year’s Frieze London and Frieze Masters delivered a strong message: despite market shifts and global uncertainties, the appetite for both established and emerging artists remains high. Modern masters continue to provide stable returns, while contemporary artists—especially women and non-Western creators—are commanding increasing market share. As collectors continue to diversify, opportunities abound for those looking to invest in culturally relevant, high-quality art.

The art market, remains vibrant, and now may be an opportune time to consider adding to or diversifying your collection. The right investment could offer both aesthetic enjoyment and long-term financial appreciation.

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