The Rise of Photography Trade as Stigma Fades
The recent photography sales season has concluded with events like Photofairs Shanghai, Aipad expo in New York, and Photo London. Despite a 16% decline in global photography sales value from 2022 to 2023, sales volume reached a record high below the high-end auctions. The market is thriving for photographs priced under $5,000, with a 36% increase in sales value year-on-year.
Photography is benefiting from the trend of people buying more art at lower price levels. Concerns over its multiple nature have diminished, and small edition runs add a sense of rarity. The stigma of photography as a lesser art form has disappeared, with artists incorporating multiple media in their work. Institutional shows are also championing photography, highlighting its diverse history and female practitioners.
While there are concerns like digital touch-ups and artificial intelligence, transparency about artistic practices can enrich debates in the creative industries. Photography is becoming a successful entry-level market, attracting new collectors during a challenging time for art sales. Overall, photography presents a promising market with potential for growth and expansion.
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Cillian O’Rourke, studied at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, Ireland, where he majored in Visual Communication. His work spans graphic design, illustration, and branding, with a distinct minimalist style that emphasizes simplicity and impact. Cillian has collaborated with international brands and runs his own design studio focusing on creative solutions for startups.