Value before consensus

Karlos Ibarra, detail of artwork. Artist featured in the next Economies of Desire auction, October 2026.

Most people confuse value with validation.

Social media has directly influenced how we validate an artist or their work, as the number of followers and likes has become a parameter by which a product is valued. While this isn't necessarily negative, there are many factors that must be considered to properly value an artist.

Understanding an artist's value from the beginning, that is, before consensus, before they are validated by a wider audience, can be complex. It's not about predicting what will happen in the future, but rather a matter of perception.

It is possible to identify signs before they become trends.

When we talk about consensus, we are referring to the moment when an artist's value is confirmed. When we reach this point, the demand for that specific artist's work increases; the works become part of important, even institutional, collections; the artist has transcended national boundaries by exhibiting in other cultural centers, and, as a result, the prices of their works increase.

So why not get ahead of the curve and support the artist before the consensus?

It's an even more interesting game.

And it's advantageous for those who decide to acquire an artist's work in these early stages, because it means they are able to perceive a value that no one else has been able to appreciate. A taste for that artist becomes, to a certain extent, a personal obsession that, regardless of what happens over time, maintains a unique and individual connection. The satisfaction begins when the piece becomes part of one's own collection, and it increases when, with the passage of time, one can say that they were among the first to support that artist.

The factors that will help us find criteria for value in a piece won't be financial at first. The artist's will to build a professional career is a fundamental factor, followed by their discipline and their desire to develop their own artistic language. The need to communicate current ideas and issues, as well as to contribute to their local scene, is also important. Their commitment to their profession and their openness to opportunities are aspects we should pay attention to, regardless of their popularity.

When an artist reaches certain levels of recognition, we assume that their value has been validated. Popularity makes us feel secure in our investment or acquisition, but that security rarely translates into an advantage.

Identifying value before the consensus requires tolerance for ambiguity, cultural sensitivity, patience, and, above all, the ability to think without immediate validation.

Through carefully curated auctions, ASTA House promotes the visibility and positioning of emerging and mid-career artists, contributing to building market histories and solidifying future trajectories within the secondary market. Contact us to schedule an appointment and learn how we can support you in building a collection.