The art market has historically undervalued female artists, but that narrative is changing. As collectors and institutions work to close the gender gap, there has been a growing focus on recognising and supporting women in the art world. Investing in works by female artists not only contributes to a more equitable market but also presents an opportunity for collectors to discover groundbreaking talent.

Why Collecting Women Artists Matters

Despite making up a significant portion of the creative industry, female artists have traditionally been underrepresented in galleries, auctions, and museum collections. The secondary market, however, is beginning to correct these imbalances, with works by women achieving record-breaking sales and gaining institutional recognition.

Collecting female artists helps shift historical biases, ensures long-term visibility, and provides financial support that reinforces their market value. Platforms like FairArt are playing a crucial role in this transformation by prioritizing artist royalties and democratizing access to the secondary market.

Female Artists to Watch and Collect

A new wave of female artists is making a lasting impact on the art market. Here are some key names, including those featured on FairArt, that collectors should pay attention to:

Established Icons

Yayoi Kusama – Known for her immersive installations and polka-dot motifs, Kusama’s market presence continues to soar.

Jenny Saville – A leading figure in contemporary figurative painting, her works command top prices at auction.

Kara Walker – Famous for her provocative silhouettes that address race, history, and gender.

Yayoi Kusama, Pumpkin

Women Artists on FairArt

FairArt is home to an array of female artists whose works deserve greater recognition in the secondary market. Some must-watch names include:

Charlotte Keates – Charlotte's work is inspired by interiors, travels, and architectural composition, in seamless communion with elements from the natural world. These images of modernist leisure leave one with the feeling of having entered a space only recently vacated, dramatising stillness without surrendering movement.

Cristina BanBan – Cristina BanBan is known for striking portraits of Rubenesque figures. Inspired by Neoclassical physiques, these semi-autobiographical paintings present singular visions of the nude body.

Genieve Figgis – In rich, thickly impastoed oil and acrylic paintings, Genieve Figgis updates art historical tropes and compositions with a macabre sense of humor.

Charlotte Keates, No Man's Land

The Future of Women in the Art Market

While progress has been made, continued efforts are essential to close the gender gap. Museums, galleries, and collectors must actively seek out and support female artists, ensuring their work is not just recognized but valued accordingly in the market.

By investing in women artists, collectors are not only acquiring exceptional works but also playing a role in shaping a more inclusive art world. With platforms like FairArt leading the way in equitable resale practices, the future looks bright for women in the secondary market