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I’m excited to share 4 artists and lots worth checking out for this week.

1) Edgar Plans

💭 My 2 Cents: Edgar Plans' "Artist Notes 1 / My notes 1" is hitting the auction block at Sotheby's Paris, and I've got to say, it's piqued my interest. His journey from local Spanish galleries to major institutions like MoMA Moscow has been nothing short of meteoric. Now, I've seen my fair share of market bubbles, and Plans' trajectory had all the hallmarks. That 1650% price jump from 2019 to 2020? Red flags were waving. But here's where it gets interesting: unlike many flash-in-the-pan artists, Plans hasn't fizzled out completely. Yes, we're seeing a correction - prices down 57% in 2024 - but that's not necessarily a bad thing. This particular piece, executed in 2018, falls right in Plans' sweet spot. It's a painting, his strongest medium by far (average price $83,000. compared to overall $45,000), and it's sized comparably to his best-performing works. The estimate of $32,000 - $54,000 seems cautious, which is smart given the recent market cool-down. If I were considering this piece, I'd be looking at it as a potential long-term hold. Plans has institutional backing, a unique aesthetic that resonates with younger collectors, and he's shown a willingness to innovate (remember that NBA collaboration?). That said, I'm not rushing to raise my paddle. The market's still finding its footing, and I'd want to see how this auction season plays out before making any moves.

2) Tomoko Nagai

💭 My 2 Cents: You all know I'm a sucker for artists who blend nostalgia with a contemporary edge, and Tomoko Nagai hits that sweet spot. But don't let the cute factor fool you - there's serious market potential here. I'm particularly intrigued by a piece coming up for auction, "April Birthday, 2010". It's a larger canvas (63.78 x 76.38 inches) estimated at $22,000 - $40,000. Given that a similarly sized work from 2009 fetched $50,118 last year, I smell an opportunity. Nagai's market has been on a wild ride, with eye-popping growth followed by recent cooling. But that 92% sell-through rate? That's the kind of demand that makes my collector's heart skip a beat. Now, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the volatility we're seeing. That 16% dip in 2024 prices gives me pause. But hey, remember when everyone thought the bottom was falling out of the Yoshitomo Nara market in 2016? Look where those pieces are trading now. For those of you with appetite for excitement (looking at you, Sarah), this larger piece could be a smart play. Just make sure you're in it for the long haul.

3) Izumi Kato

💭 My 2 Cents: Izumi Kato's market has been on my radar for a while, and I'm intrigued by the upcoming "Untitled, 2004" lot. With a 13.78 x 24.02 in canvas and an estimate of $19,000 - $31,000, it's a compelling entry point for Kato collectors. I've seen his prices skyrocket lately, especially for paintings, which average a whopping $96,000. This piece, from a pivotal year in his career, could be a steal. If I were bidding, I'd keep a close eye on the hammer ratio. It's been sliding from 1.96 in 2021 to 1.4 in 2024. Are estimates catching up, or is enthusiasm cooling? I'd also want to dig into his institutional presence - that 2019 Hara Museum show seemed to light a fire under prices. For the risk-takers out there, this "Untitled" could be a good one. But if you're more conservative, maybe eye his works on paper in the $5,000-$15,000 range. They're showing steady growth without the rollercoaster ride.

4) Kohei Nawa

💭 My 2 Cents: Kohei Nawa's market is a fascinating beast. His "PixCell" series, with those mesmerizing glass-beaded taxidermy animals, is like catnip for collectors at the intersection of traditional art and digital culture. I've watched his sell-through rate climb to an impressive 83%, which tells me there's real hunger for his work. But here's where it gets interesting: the average sold lot value is $35,000, while the median is only $6,000. It suggests a market with both accessible entry points and some serious high-roller action. Speaking of high rollers, Nawa's sculptures are the heavyweight champions here, averaging a cool $225,000 per piece. But let's not forget the more modest editions, averaging around $2,000 - perfect for dipping your toes in without breaking the bank. If you're thinking of diving in, I'd suggest starting with the mid-range market ($6,000 - $17,000). It's like the Goldilocks zone of the Nawa market - not too hot, not too cold.

🔗 Market Stories

Why the art world loves the fashion industry. Fashion gives art money, audience and cool. Art returns intellectual legitimacy (link)

As museums encounter increasing claims on their collections, experts say much of the debate hearkens back to 1815, when the Louvre was forced to surrender the spoils of war (link)

Gagosian is opening its first exhibition in Korea with a show of new paintings by American artist Derrick Adams (link)

Who is Takako Yamaguchi, the under-sung painter causing a frenzy at auction? (link)

Love the French riviera? These artists did, too. A new show at Opera Gallery celebrates artists' enduring love affair with the Côte d'Azur (link)

Who are the top-selling ultra-contemporary Asian artists at auction? (link)