The momentum of Latin American art; why now is the time to be part of it
Those who have been following the art world recently have likely noticed a significant shift: Latin American art is no longer a secondary player—it has become a driving force in modern and contemporary art. Artists from Latin America are capturing attention, institutions are giving them the spotlight, and collectors around the world are recognizing their power—not only visually, but also culturally, historically, and financially. For those considering expanding their collection or entering this artistic movement, there has never been a more favorable moment than now.
What is driving Latin American art
Between 2020 and 2023, works by Latin American artists saw an increase of over 50% in sales compared to the years prior to the pandemic. Auction houses such as Sotheby’s have made landmark commitments to this category. For instance, in 2024, Sotheby’s sold over USD 113 million in Latin American art, marking its strongest performance in nearly a decade. Christie’s and other prestigious auction houses and fairs are following suit, frequently including Latin American works alongside well-established modern and contemporary names.
Demand is growing not only in Latin America but also globally, especially in the United States and Europe. Collectors are seeking art that tells richer, more complex stories—about identity, colonial history, modernity, and resistance. Latin American artists offer works that are deeply rooted in culture yet strikingly relevant today. When examining these trends, one can observe a parallel evolution between visual innovation and market performance.
From modern to contemporary: a range of opportunities
Latin American art spans various periods—from the modern masters who defined 20th-century aesthetics to contemporary artists who are pushing boundaries today. Collecting across this spectrum allows for engagement in a broader conversation.
Some modern artists such as Fernando Botero, Alejandro Obregón, Enrique Grau, and David Manzur—all featured in the Duque Arango Gallery collection—bring legacy, historical value, and a strong market track record. Their work demonstrates how Colombian and Latin American modern artists laid solid foundations in form, color, and narrative.
In the contemporary field, artists like Olga de Amaral successfully bridge tradition and innovation. Her golden tapestries, and her work with fibers, textures, materials, and light, are deeply tied to Colombian heritage yet hold universal relevance. They bring modernity, spirituality, and abstraction in ways that are highly appealing in today’s art market. Likewise, sculptures, paintings, and mixed media works by other contemporary artists such as Oscar Murillo and Javier Caraballo are increasingly featured in international biennials and fairs, granting their work significant growth potential in recognition and value.
Why collect now
For those considering investing in Latin American art, several factors make this an especially favorable time:
Institutional validation: Leading museums and galleries are mounting major exhibitions of modern and contemporary Latin American art, which boosts artist visibility and strengthens market confidence.
Auction performance: Latin American art has recently broken records and continues to grow in volume and value on the secondary market. Botero’s works still generate strong interest, and both modern and contemporary artists are achieving competitive bids.
A broader collector base: An increasing number of collectors—including younger demographics—are drawn to works that reflect global diversity, identity, material innovation, and historically underrepresented narratives. Latin American art aligns with all these interests.
Scarcity and rarity: As more collectors focus on Latin American art, the supply of high-quality, well-provenanced works becomes more limited. For this reason, early or timely acquisitions tend to appreciate more over time.
Diversity of media and narratives: From painting and sculpture to textile, fiber, and mixed media, Latin American artists work across a wide variety of formats. This offers options not only that align with personal aesthetic preferences but also with available space, style, and investment strategy.
The role of Duque Arango Gallery in the collector’s journey
When acquiring a work of art, it is essential to ensure that it is authentic, properly documented, and acquired from a gallery that understands not only art, but also market trends, regional history, and artist legacies. This is precisely the distinctive value offered by Duque Arango Gallery.
For over 40 years, Duque Arango has curated, promoted, and sold some of the most influential Latin American art—from modern masters to emerging contemporary artists. Their roster includes names such as Fernando Botero, Olga de Amaral, Alejandro Obregón, David Manzur, Enrique Grau, Ana Mercedes Hoyos, Oswaldo Guayasamín, Julio Larraz, among others.
Working with Duque Arango offers more than just a transaction:
Guaranteed provenance and authenticity
Deep expertise in Latin American art—not only in its beauty, but also in its historical significance, institutional interest, and market potential
Established participation in international fairs and exhibitions, enhancing and maintaining the visibility of the artists they represent
Personalized guidance, especially useful for those new to collecting or looking to acquire significant works
Key artists to know and collect
For those building a collection or considering meaningful acquisitions, here are a few names that represent both tradition and momentum:
Fernando Botero – Arguably the most recognized modern Latin American artist. His works continue to attract attention, appearing in public spaces, museums, and high-profile auctions.
Olga de Amaral – A contemporary icon whose textile work is receiving widespread acclaim. Her pieces blur the lines between art, craft, ritual, and abstraction.
Other modern Colombian artists represented by Duque Arango, with strong careers, institutional support, and sustained recognition in the market.
By combining established modern masters with outstanding contemporary voices, collectors can strike a balance between prestige, potential, and emotional resonance in their collections.
How to approach collecting Latin American art with confidence
They may want to enter this space informed. Here are strategic tips:
Research exhibition history of works and artists. If they’ve been shown in major museums, fairs, or retrospectives, that adds value.
Check provenance and authenticity rigorously. Galleries like Duque Arango will provide documentation; it is always advisable to ask.
Visit works in person when possible. The texture, color, and scale matter—especially with textile works like those of Amaral.
Start with what moves them, then consider market context. Passion sustains the collection, but market awareness protects the investment.
Follow the institutions—collectors often benefit when artists get new exhibitions, retrospectives, or institutional acquisitions.
If they collect now, especially with trusted partners like Duque Arango, they are not only acquiring beautiful and meaningful works. They are acquiring pieces of history, culture, and future—works that carry both aesthetic richness and increasing relevance.
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