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Today’s hot picks, studio runners, and gallery gallopers
Front-Runners
Cassandra Vey , “Neon Still Lifes”
• Form: Slick as a varnished canvas and twice as glossy. The galleries can’t hang her work fast enough before a collector nabs it for the guest bathroom.
• Expected Increase: +45% this season.
• Tipster’s Note: Bright colours, bright prospects. A safe ride for those who like their investments with a sugar hit.
Marco D’Angelo , “Found Object Opera”
• Form: Pomp, circumstance, and a knack for making a pile of old scaffolding look like cultural destiny. Institutions are circling like hungry bookmakers.
• Expected Increase: +60% if the Tate bite.
• Tipster’s Note: Don’t be fooled by the rusty nails,this one’s got stamina.
Dark Horses
Aya Nakamura , “Synthetic Horizons”
• Form: Equal parts genius and gimmick. Last outing saw her print AI-generated sunsets onto inflatable pool toys. Critics rolled their eyes, collectors rolled their wallets.
• Expected Increase: +25%, but volatile as a fresh can of spray paint.
• Tipster’s Note: She could either collapse before the finish line or gallop straight into blue-chip stables. Worth a punt if you like drama.
Tomás Herrera , “Rust Studies”
• Form: Works exclusively with oxidised steel sheets. Think of him as a welder with feelings. Limited exposure outside his hometown, but Berlin residency could buff his credentials.
• Expected Increase: +15%, unless the rain gets to him first.
• Tipster’s Note: An outsider with grit. Might not win, but you’ll look clever for backing him early.
Sure Things
The Old Masters (Rembrandt, Caravaggio, etc.)
• Form: Centuries unbeaten, no late scratches, no surprises. Reliable as a bookmaker’s cigar. Auction houses flog them like prize thoroughbreds when they trot into town.
• Expected Increase: +5%, slow and steady, but guaranteed.
• Tipster’s Note: Pricey entry ticket, but you’ll never regret the stable pedigree.
Scratchings & Withdrawals
NFTs (Pixel Portrait Edition)
• Form: Once sprinted out of the gate with billion-dollar legs, now limping towards the glue factory. Market confidence evaporated quicker than a gallery prosecco tray.
• Expected Increase: ,30% and falling.
• Tipster’s Note: Keep your chips in your pocket.
Tip of the Day
Back the mid-career workhorses,steady exhibitions, reliable critical nods, a few museum shows under the saddle. They don’t dazzle like the colts, but they’ll carry you further in the long run.
Thanks for reading.