Art Price's annual list of the world's 500 most saleable contemporary artists features five Irish artists, led by Sean Scully at number 16. Scully's auction record is $2,046,500 for his 1985 painting "Song." The other listed artists are Graham Knuttel (ranked 202), Liam O'Neill (376), and Genieve Figgis (350), with their market performance and notable auction results detailed. The article also cites commentary from independent art advisor Arabella Bishop on each artist's market appeal and investment potential.
The analysis provides a snapshot of the Irish contemporary art market's top performers at auction, offering guidance for potential investors. It highlights the varying tiers of value and collecting interest, from Scully's million-dollar international market to the more domestically focused appeal of O'Neill and Knuttel. The piece serves as a practical market report, connecting artist profiles with concrete price data and expert advice for those considering art as an asset class.