How to Sell Performance Art | Artnet News
Artnet News
by Sonia ManaliliFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The art world is witnessing a surge in interest around performance art, with galleries, fairs, and commercial spaces increasingly featuring this dynamic medium. While performance art has been sellable for years, the shift now lies in how it’s valued. The growing market reflects a broader embrace of time-based art forms, offering collectors opportunities to engage with unique, ephemeral works that challenge traditional notions of ownership and permanence.
One notable example is Marina Abramović's *The Artist Is Present* (2010), which has become iconic in the performance art realm. The piece invites viewers to sit across from the artist during a prolonged staring session, creating a deeply personal and transformative experience for participants. This work, currently at MoMA, exemplifies how performance art can resonate on a lasting emotional level despite its transient nature.
Additionally, the article highlights Joel Shapiro’s wine collection as another intriguing angle in the evolving art market. The postminimalist sculptor’s meticulously curated selection of wines will be auctioned at Sotheby’s, expected to fetch over $700,000. This unique offering underscores how artists are exploring alternative revenue streams by monetizing personal collections and interests outside their primary artistic practice.
For readers interested in art, this trend matters as it opens new avenues for collecting and investing. Performance art challenges traditional market dynamics, appealing to both established collectors seeking new frontiers and younger audiences drawn to its experiential nature. Moreover, the increasing visibility of such works in commercial spaces signals a maturation of the performance art market, making it a compelling area for those following art trends.
As the market evolves, institutions like galleries and auction houses are adapting by showcasing more time-based art and organizing dedicated events. This shift not only validates the importance of performance but also positions it as a significant part of the contemporary art landscape. For collectors, this presents an exciting opportunity to engage with art in new ways, blurring the lines between traditional collecting and experiential investments.
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Originally published on Artnet News on 2/23/2026