It seems that after years of neglecting certain groups of artists (e.g. female artists, artists of color, LGBTQ artists…), the art world is finally ready to embrace them. Art venues are organizing exhibitions focusing on their work, auction prices reach new heights and long-neglected artists are finally getting overdue recognition. Although the art world is making some big steps in the right direction, when it comes to inclusion, there’s still a long way to go and plenty of challenges ahead.
Breaking the Auction Records for Artists of Color, Female and LGBTQ Artists
In the past few years, female artists, artists of color and LGBTQ artists have made some real breakthroughs at auctions. In 2018, gay artist David Hockney became the most expensive living artist, when one of his paintings reached a staggering $90.3 million price. Jenny Saville’s monumental nude set a new auction record for living female artists, while Kerry James Marshall’s artwork Past Times, became the most expensive work by a living African American artist.
