Artsy's September 2025 edition of 'Artists on Our Radar' highlights five emerging artists making waves in the art world. The featured artists are Alexandre Diop (b. 1995, Senegal), a Vienna-based mixed-media artist newly represented by Stephen Friedman Gallery with a solo exhibition opening September 19; Ahrong Kim (b. 1985, South Korea), a New Jersey-based ceramic sculptor with a solo show at LaiSun Keane in Boston through September 28; and Marlon Portales (b. 1991, Cuba), a Miami-based painter represented by Spinello Projects. The article profiles each artist's background, recent exhibitions, and notable works, drawing on Artsy's data and curatorial expertise.
This monthly series matters because it provides a curated, data-informed snapshot of rising talent in the contemporary art market, helping collectors, curators, and enthusiasts identify artists gaining momentum through gallery representation, exhibitions, and auction activity. By spotlighting diverse practices—from Diop's mixed-media assemblages to Kim's surreal ceramics and Portales's narrative paintings—the article reflects broader trends in global contemporary art, including the increasing visibility of artists from the African diaspora and Korean diaspora, and the growing role of online platforms like Artsy in shaping market attention.