Artnet News and Morgan Stanley have released an analysis of the global art market, examining auction performance by artists from different regions over the past decade. The report breaks down sales by region—North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East—and by genre categories including Old Masters, Impressionist and Modern, Postwar and Contemporary, and Ultra-Contemporary. Key findings show that North American and European artists dominate the market, while African-born artists have seen notable but uneven growth, and Asia-Pacific-born artists have experienced a marked decline.
This analysis matters because it provides a data-driven understanding of how regional differences persist in an increasingly globalized art market. By highlighting distinct paths to market success and the role of institutions, exhibitions, and biennials, the report offers critical insights for collectors, dealers, and investors navigating a hyperconnected but regionally varied art world. It also underscores the shifting dynamics of emerging markets and the need for nuanced strategies in art market participation.