SP-Arte 2026 Reports High Prices and Mixed Sales Amid Festive Atmosphere

SP-Arte 2026 commenced with a festive atmosphere, yet prices soared unexpectedly, with artworks listed 20-30% higher than anticipated. In spite of economic stagnation, the market responded by raising prices, resulting in increased sales for pieces priced below R$30,000. Among the significant transactions was a Vicente do Rego Monteiro painting that fetched R$6 million and an Ione Saldanha canvas sold during the preview. Leon Ferrari's wire sculptures were valued between R$1.2-1.4 million, while Abraham Palatnik's 1966 piece neared R$1 million. Other notable highlights included Jesús Rafael Soto's 'Ovoide mediano negro y rojo' at €560,000, Júlio Le Parc's work at €323,000, and Hélio Oiticica's 'Metaesquema #157' for US$250,000. However, not all galleries reported robust sales.