How to spot the artists of tomorrow?
Which artists will we hear about tomorrow? Who will mark the history of art? Who will be the new talents that will shape the art scene? These questions concern the art market, a thrilling playground for collectors.
Knowing how to find the artists of tomorrow requires listening to certain market signals and criticism. In order to explore the map of contemporary creation and bet on the right artists, we are providing you with some spotting tips.
Lou Ros, Îles du frioul, 300 x 1000 cm, 2019. Represented by Guido Romero Pierini gallery
#1 Art prizes
Competitions and prizes awarded by institutions are important elements in an artist's career. They make it possible to qualify an emerging talent as a rising star in the art market. In France, the Marcel Duchamp Prize as well as the Ricard Foundation Prize have established themselves as the benchmark competitions and enjoy international visibility. In the United Kingdom, the Turner Prize in partnership with Tate Britain has greatly contributed to the recognition of emerging British artists. With the support of the Guggenheim Foundation, the Hugo Boss Prize has demonstrated a great visionary capacity by rewarding artists of all nationalities. A word of advice, pay attention to the losers too!
#2 Group exhibitions
The collective exhibitions of museums such as the Palais de Tokyo and galleries such as Perrotin, mixing established and emerging artists, are essential meetings for discovering new talents. Organized around a common theme or style, group exhibitions are often for young artists a means of establishing initial contact with the public in order to make themselves known.
#3 Fairs and biennials
Intended to reveal emerging artists of the contemporary scene, the Montrouge Salon in France, the Whitney Biennial in New York or the New Artist Fair in London are all interesting events for unearthing the future talents of tomorrow.
#4 Public institutions
While the prestigious prizes allow contemporary artists to enter museums, public institutions also play an essential role in supporting contemporary creation and are often the first buyers of young artists. The existence of the FRAC in France, the Institutes of Contemporary Art in the United States such as in Boston for example or the Contemporary Art Society in the United Kingdom makes it possible to constitute a contemporary heritage representative of the current scene.
#5 Media coverage
Articles focusing on emerging artists are good clues to identify the artists of tomorrow. Noted for the quality of their work, they allow us to easily inform us about the career advancement of a new talent. So be curious, read, follow influential social networks and subscribe to artistic newsletters so you don't miss out on the new scene.
One last tip, keep an eye out for creatives who are changing the rules of the game!