From Zero to Hero: These Eight Artists Saw Huge Spikes in Artnet Price Database Searches

This year, Artnet Price Database users were suddenly searching for these artists.

Wynnie Mynerva in their studio. Photo courtesy of the artist and Latchkey Gallery.

This article is part of the Artnet Intelligence Report Mid-Year Review 2024. Our analysis of the first half of the year’s market trends provides a data-driven overview of the current state of the art world, highlighting auction results and trends, and spotlights the artists and artworks shaping the dialogue.

Despite the overwhelmingly negative view of the art market right now, interest in contemporary artists never wanes. In the first half of 2024, eight artists in particular saw massive leaps in searches on Artnet’s Price Database. Below, see the top-selling lots at auction for each of these rising stars, all of whose records were set in 2023 or 2024.

Blair Whiteford (b. 1990)

A surreal painting with a lilac background

Blair Whiteford, Mass Controller (2020). Courtesy of Phillips.

Auction Record: Mass Controller (2020)

Estimate: $60,000 to $80,000

Sold For: $63,500

Where & When: Phillips New York, November 15, 2023

 

Emma McIntyre (b. 1990)

An abstract painting with orange, yellow, and blue

Emma McIntyre, If there is light that has weight (2021). Courtesy of Christie’s Images, Ltd.

Auction Record: If there is light that has weight (2021)

Estimate: £15,000 to £20,000 GBP ($19,287 to $25,716)

Sold For: £100,800 GBP ($129,612)

Where & When: Christie’s London, March 9, 2024

 

Wynnie Mynerva (b. 1992)

A black and pink abstract painting

Wynnie Mynerva, Bailo mi ritmo, pero no me detengo (2022). Courtesy of Phillips.

Auction Record: Bailo mi ritmo, pero no me detengo (2022)

Estimate: £8,000 to £12,000 ($10,069 to $15,103)

Sold For: £139,700 ($175,83)

Where & When: Phillips London, December 6, 2023

 

Alfie Caine (b. 1996)

A vibrant interior landscape painting

Alfie Caine, Interior with Sunflowers at Sunset (2020). Courtesy of Phillips.

Auction Record: Interior with Sunflowers at Sunset (2020)

Estimate: £12,000 to £18,000 ($15,420 to $23,130)

Sold For: £120,650 ($155,037 USD)

Where & When: Phillips London, March 8, 2024

 

Maja Ruznic (b. 1983)

A hazy red painting with background of yellow,m brow, and hints of purple

Maja Ruznic, Field (Mother/Deep Red) (2021). Courtesy of Sotheby’s.

Auction Record: Field (Mother/Deep Red) (2021)

Estimate: £20,000 to £30,000 ($25,588 to $38,382)

Sold For: £57,150 ($73,119)

Where & When: Sotheby’s London, March 7, 2024

 

Lauren Halsey (b. 1987)

Lauren Halsey, Untitled (2020). Courtesy of Sotheby’s.

Auction Record: Untitled (2020)

Estimate: $40,000 to $60,000

Sold For: $127,000

Where & When: Sotheby’s New York, November 16, 2023

 

Rick Lowe (b. 1961)

Rick Lowe, Untitled (2021). Courtesy of Christie’s Images, Ltd.

Auction Record: Untitled (2021)

Estimate: $100,000 to $150,000

Sold For: $277,200

Where & When: Christie’s New York, September 29, 2023

 

Stefanie Heinze (b. 1987)

Stefanie Heinze, Voyeurs’ Interfear (2016). Courtesy of Sotheby’s.

Auction Record: Voyeurs’ Interfear (2016)

Estimate: £120,000 to £180,000  ($146,538 to $219,807)

Sold For: £279,400 ($341,189)

Where & When: Sotheby’s London, October 12, 2023

Source: Artnet Price Database.

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