Should You Invest in Pop Art Paintings?

The art investment scene is booming - more and more people are deciding to invest in art. However, there are many different types of art, and it can be difficult to determine the best type of art to invest in.

Pop art is one of the more popular art movements, but should you invest in Pop Art paintings? Read on to learn more about the world of Pop Art including some of the most notable names on the Pop Art scene.

In this blog, we’ll also be exploring whether Pop Art can make a good investment or not, and where you can buy Pop Art to hang on your wall or invest in.

What is Pop Art?

Pop Art is a prominent art movement that began in the 1950s and gained popularity in the 60s. The movement was a response to the cultural climate of the time, as well as abstract expressionism.

Early Pop Art originated in Britain, with British artists Richard Hamilton, Nigel Henderson and Eduardo Paolozzi kickstarting the British Pop Art movement. American Pop Art began in the late 50’s, not long after it gained popularity in Britain.

Pop Art challenged the traditional ideas of art, instead, embracing the imagery of popular culture. This includes advertising, mass media, celebrity culture, and consumer objects used in daily life. Ultimately, Pop Art blurs the boundaries between low culture and fine arts, celebrating (and critiquing) the commercialisation of society.

The term ‘Pop Art’ was first coined by Lawrence Alloway, a British curator, to describe the new approach to art. Artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein embraced new techniques and materials, including silk-screen printing, collage, and bright, bold colours.

Ultimately, Pop Art has had a huge impact on the art world. It challenged the elitism and exclusivity associated with high art, incorporating mass culture and making art more accessible to the everyday person. It continues to impact the contemporary art scene.

Is Pop Art A Good Investment?

Pop Art can make a great investment. However, several factors can determine how successful the investment will be - for example, the artist, the provenance, the quality of the painting, and the primary/secondary art market.

A series of Warhol screenprints (Endangered Species) sold for £2,919,000 in March 2021, which was over five times the upper estimate. Pop Art regularly exceeds expectations at auction, especially when it comes to rare pieces or complete series’. In fact, Keith Haring’s artworks have produced an average ROI/ return on investment of 13.3 between 2003 and 2017, according to Sotheby’s.

In 2020, Coup de Chapeau I, a sculpture by Lichtenstein, sold for $937,500. This exceeded expectations - the estimate was between $500,000 and $700,000. In recent times, the demand for Pop Art certainly hasn’t diminished.

Pop Art can make a great investment, and now is the perfect time to purchase Pop Art works to invest in.

Notable Pop Artists to Invest In

Many talented artists have contributed to the Pop Art movement, but one of the most notable names has to be Andy Warhol. Famous Pop Art artist Warhol is considered the most iconic and influential pop artist of all time, known for his unique screen-printing techniques and fascination with celebrity culture.

Warhol’s ‘Marilyn Monroe’ and ‘Campbell’s Soup Can’ series made their mark on the Pop Art scene, setting the mark for future artists hoping to delve into the Pop Art movement. To learn more about his artwork, check out this blog exploring 10 interesting facts about Warhol's art.

If you’re looking to invest in Pop Art, Warhol’s complete print sets are the best option - considered the most investable of all of his print portfolios. In fact, back in 2021, Warhol’s complete sets made up 43% of total sales value, which rose to 50% in 2022. Another notable name on the Pop Art scene is Roy Lichtenstein.

Lichtenstein is known for his distinctive Pop Art style inspired by advertisements and comic books. His oversized comic strip panels and Benday dots created a visual language that epitomises pop culture. Many of Lichtenstein’s pieces have sold for millions, and even his less popular works sell for tens of thousands of dollars - making it a great choice of Pop Art to invest in.

Keith Haring is also a great pop artist to invest in. His vibrant artwork is characterised by bold lines and iconic figures, which brought a sense of inclusivity to his Pop Art. Through his artwork, Haring addresses several societal and political issues - Haring’s work as an impact on not only the art world, but society as a whole. Haring’s artwork rocketed in value in recent years, seeing a 148% increase between 2017 and 2022.

Signed limited edition prints sell for anything from £500 to over £200,000 at auction, often making record prices. In fact, in 2017, Haring’s ‘Untitled (1982)’ became Haring’s most expensive piece of art sold. Some other Pop Art artists to consider investing in include Claes Oldenburg, Jasper Johns, and many more.

If you’re unsure of the best pop artist to invest in, an art advisor can help you make an informed decision based on your requirements, preferences, and circumstances.

Where To Buy Pop Art Paintings

If you’re looking to invest in Pop Art paintings, we can help at Grove Gallery. Our team of art experts can point you in the right direction. Utilise our expert art advisory services to choose the best Pop Art to add to your art collection - our team of art advisors can determine the best art to buy at the right time, and can also assist with selling the art at a later date.

On average, we can help you to generate between 8% and 12% profit per year from art investment - so begin your art investment journey today with Grove Gallery.