from the Wall Street Journal

Warhol Is Out, Gulfstreams Are In: The Superrich Are Souring on Art

Art sales are stagnant even though demand for private jets and luxury yachts is on a tear

By Carol Ryan

Two art handlers in white gloves hold up Andy Warhol's "Four Mona Lisas" painting.
The value of Andy Warhol paintings sold at auction last year was below 2022 levels. WIKTOR SZYMANOWICZ/FUTURE PUBLISHING/GETTY IMAGES

Something unusual is happening in the art market. Sales are stagnant while other businesses that cater to the superrich, like private jet companies, are booming. 

The wealthy might simply be putting their cash into other assets because paintings turned out to be a disappointing investment. Weak sales could also be a sign that the art world has become too reliant on baby boomer collectors who are past their peak buying years.

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