More and more people have begun investing in art in recent years – for good reason too. In the United Kingdom, a range of artistic talent has emerged, with artists whose works not only captivate our senses but also hold the potential for significant financial gain.
Due to the amount of artists on the market, it can be difficult to understand which artists are worth investing in. We’re here to help.
If you are wondering whether art is a good investment or not, then read on to find out the benefits of art investments and more. Throughout this blog, we will be exploring some of the famous UK artists worth considering for investment.
Banksy
Firstly, we have Banksy, a contemporary, anonymous and important artist. This artist’s work profile has transcended traditional galleries, walls, bridges, and even entire buildings with politically charged art pieces.
Banksy’s anonymity has only added to the intrigue surrounding their work, making each piece a potential treasure trove for art collectors around the world.
Investing in Banksy’s art is not just about making a financial investment – it’s also about participating in a global conversation. The value of Banksy’s works has soared over recent years, with many pieces going for substantial sums of money at auctions.
For example, one of Banksy’s artworks “Devolved Parliament,” which is a painting of the House of Commons filled with chimpanzees, sold for £12.2 million in 2019.
Banksy’s art carries a message that intrigues a wide audience, therefore making it a valuable addition to any art collection.
Tracey Emin
Tracey Emin is an English painter, sculptor and photographer. Her work often delves into deeply personal and intimate subjects, exploring themes of love, identity, and vulnerability. Emin’s signature style includes text-based artworks and intriguing installations.
Investing in Tracey Emin’s art allows you to support a fearless artist who has left a permanent mark on the art scene. Her work has a wide range, from drawings and paintings to neon sculptures and embroidered blankets.
One of her most iconic pieces was “My Bed,” which was shortlisted for the Turner Prize in 1999 and sold for over £2.5 million in 2014. Emin’s bold and unapologetic approach to her craft continues to attract collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Damien Hirst
Damien Hirst is a notable name in the art world, known for pushing boundaries and challenging traditional notions of art. His work often includes unusual materials, such as preserved animals, formaldehyde (a colourless chemical used to make resins), and pharmaceuticals.
Hirst’s series of artworks featuring medicine cabinets, spot paintings, and dissected animals have become iconic symbols of contemporary art.
Investing in Damien Hirst’s art is a great opportunity to own a piece of art’s history. His works have consistently gained attention at auctions, with some pieces reaching shocking prices.
For instance, “The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living,” a piece featuring a preserved shark in a tank, sold for a reported £50 million in 2004. Hirst’s innovative approach to art and his impact on the contemporary art scene make his works valuable investments.
David Hockney
David Hockney is a solo artist and beloved figure in the world of British art, known for his vibrant and powerful paintings. His works often explore the beauty of nature and the human experience.
Not only is Hockney a portrait painter, but he also specialises in landscape paintings and iPad drawings, which have captured audiences worldwide.
Investing in David Hockney’s art is like bringing a breath of fresh air into your collection. His paintings of the English countryside, particularly those of his home town of Yorkshire, are acknowledged for their vivid colours and unique perspective.
Hockney’s works have seen a surge in demand in recent years, with some pieces selling for millions. Owning a Hockney painting is not just an investment in art but also a homage to the beauty of the natural world.
Rachel Whiteread
Another famous British artist is Rachel Whiteread. She is known for her minimalist and thought-provoking sculptures. Whiteread gained international praise for her use of negative space, creating casts of everyday objects and architectural elements.
Rachel’s work often invites viewers to explore the hidden narratives within these seemingly mundane forms. Investing in Rachel Whiteread’s art is an opportunity to own sculptures that challenge our perceptions.
Her piece “House,” which portrays the interior of a Victorian terraced house in London, won the Turner Prize in 1993. While not all her works are as large or iconic as “House,” her smaller sculptures and installations continue to attract collectors who appreciate her unique approach to art.
Contact Art Investments to Start Your Investment Journey
Not only do these famous UK artists offer the promise of financial growth but also a connection to the ever-evolving world of contemporary art.
Investing in art is not solely about money, gain; it’s also a way to support the creative journey of these artists and preserve cultural heritage.
Whether it’s Banksy’s political commentary, Tracey Emin’s raw emotion, Damien Hirst’s boundary-pushing work, David Hockney’s celebration of nature, or Rachel Whiteread’s exploration of memory, there’s a UK artist whose vision resonates with you, waiting to be discovered.
Here at Art Investments, our aim is to make fine art accessible to all! Fine art investments have grown by almost 75% in six years.
So, now is the best time to invest in art. If you want to improve your portfolio, use art as an asset to combat inflation or living costs or would like a guide on how to identify investment-grade artwork, then we at Art Investments can help!
Famous UK Artists to Invest in 2023We are always more than happy to help you start your art investment journey. Whether you have no experience in the investment industry and don’t know how to invest in art or simply want to improve your knowledge, we at Art Investments can guide you through the investment process.