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đŸ”„ Alvaro minutes: Flex or Finesse? + Richard Hambleton

Plus, bids, bets, and bravado

Author

Alvaro from Frame & Flame
December 04, 2024

-In a Minute-

đŸ”„ Words I Like: flex, finesse, trophies, whispers, ripple effects

Why Some Art Is Bought to Brag—and Some to Bet

Some buyers want the loudest piece in the room. The Basquiat. The Koons. The Magritte. These are trophies—status symbols with commas in their price tags and clout baked into their provenance. Owning one says, Look at me—I made it. It’s not just a painting; it’s a public statement.

Then there are the whisper collectors. The connoisseurs. The ones hunting for that under-the-radar piece, guided by instinct or sheer love of the work. They’re not chasing headlines; they’re playing chess. Slow moves, deep cuts, future wins.

Ali Banisadr

Auction houses? They’re not new to this game. A trophy piece (not a banana I promise)? All spotlights, champagne flutes, and a packed bidding room. But that sleeper pick? It’s dangled just enough to catch the eyes of those who see the potential others miss—an insider’s move, served on a silver platter.

Why it matters: Collectors are the market. Trophy hunters set records, turn artists into household names, and solidify legacy. Connoisseurs keep it honest—championing the overlooked, fueling discovery, and ensuring the art ecosystem doesn’t spiral into monotony. One inflates the bubble; the other keeps it from bursting.

The moral: Art isn’t just decoration. It’s a mirror reflecting who you are—or who you want people to think you are. Whether you’re flexing or finessing, the message is loud and clear.

P.S. Richest guy on the planet drops $100M on a Basquiat? Total flex. Nerdy collector grabs a $10K painting from an MFA grad? Pure finesse. Who’s winning? Depends on who you ask.

Smart Money, Smart Machines

Dubbed "the rocket fuel of AI" by Wired, this innovation is causing a stir on Wall Street. With projections hitting $80 trillion – that's 41 Amazons – the potential is huge. But here's the deal: sharp investors who are ahead of the game have the opportunity to invest in a technology poised for domination. Thanks to The Motley Fool, you can access the full story in this exclusive report.

-Today’s Catch-

Richard Hambleton

Richard Hambleton, Shadowhead, 2015

Richard Hambleton market analysis.pdf628.91 KB ‱ PDF File

💭 My 2 Cents: Hambleton’s Shadowhead is raw power on canvas. Forget the figure, it’s the shadow that matters, the one that creeps into your thoughts and doesn’t leave. This is Hambleton at his best, turning chaos into something unforgettable. It’s got the DNA of his famous Shadowmen, but feels quieter, more personal, like he’s letting you in on a secret.

🔑 Key Numbers: Hambleton’s market is climbing. His auction sales have been growing 17% a year—steady, not flashy, but solid. His 1980s work gets the most love, with a 48% premium, but pieces like Shadowhead are starting to shine. This one’s estimated at $15,000–$25,000, and similar works have sold for around $40,000. Post-Shadowman documentary, his late stuff is getting way more attention, so this could hit above its estimate.

🧠 Why It’s a Smart Pick: If you want Hambleton without selling a kidney, this is the play. It’s got the grit and darkness he’s known for, but it’s smaller, more personal—like a quiet thunderstorm. Plus, it’s got Bob Murphy provenance, which adds weight. Street art’s been holding its ground, and if Hambleton keeps rising, this is the kind of piece you’ll wish you grabbed.

-Whenever You Are Ready-

Here are 3 ways I can help you:​

  1. Serious about collecting? Join Frame&Flame Circle, my exclusive WhatsApp group for top-tier art connections. Apply now!

  2. Get in front of my audience - With more than 10,000+ newsletter subscribers and 200k+ Instagram followers, my team and I work with dozens of partners in unique ways to help them grow. Interested in a partnership, tap here.

  3. Interested in selling works from your collection? I'll help you connect with buyers from the Frame&Flame Community.

See you next Wednesday!

-Alvaro (@theartmarketguy)

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Disclaimer
Not financial advice. Frame&Flame is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions.