Los Angeles, CA — Latin American Art has gained significant prominence in the collecting world, attracting both US and foreign clients. This growing interest spans a wide breadth of time periods and artistic styles, creating a unique and dynamic market. The appeal of Latin American art to collectors has been steadily increasing over the years. According to The Art Newspaper, “The influx of Latin American collectors and potential collectors into Madrid has increased in recent years—although it has been happening for some time”. This trend is not limited to Europe; the United States has also seen a surge in interest. One of the top auction houses in the world reported that sales of works by Latin American artists have exceeded $250 million between 2020 and 2023, surging more than 50% above pre-pandemic levels. At Moran’s, our Latin American Art and Design sales showcase this diversity, regularly featuring works by contemporary artists alongside colonial pieces. This blend of time periods is key to cross-bidding and allows collectors to create eclectic collections that span centuries. Our recent auctions exemplify this range, with notable sales including Carlos Mérida’s “Espectro en Rojo” (1974), which brought in $22,860, and his “Abstracted Figures” (1952), fetching $11,000. These works showcase Mérida’s signature blend of European modernism and Latin American themes. Chilean artist Rodolfo Opazo’s striking oil painting “Unicornio Virrey” (1967) was another highlight, selling for $12,700, while his “Figura” (1965) achieved $9,000. The auctions also featured José Luis Cuevas’ provocative oil on canvas “Marquis de Sade, Niño” (1964), which sold for $11,880, and Lola Álvarez Bravo’s emotionally charged “Four Portraits of Frida Kahlo,” from the collection of Dr. Amy Conger, achieving $13,200.
Carlos Mérida “Espectro en Rojo,” 1974 Price Realized: $22,860
“At Moran’s, our Latin American Art and Design sales showcase this diversity, regularly featuring works by contemporary artists alongside colonial pieces. ”
The diversity extends to folk art and decorative design, with a mid-19th century Virgin of Guadalupe painting, attributed to the manner of Juan Manuel de Ávila, selling for $11,430. This reflects the continued interest in Spanish Colonial art, demonstrating how our sales span from the 18th century to contemporary works. Mexican silver jewelry played a crucial role in launching Moran’s Latin American category and continues to be a cornerstone of our sales. The sale of Hector Aguilar’s silver jewelry pieces, each fetching $2,857, further demonstrated the timeless allure of Mexican design. As noted by Jamie L. Shenkman, “The value of vintage Mexican silver jewelry rises and falls like other collectibles with demand as its driving factor”. The enduring appeal of Mexican silver brings both seasoned collectors and newcomers to our auctions, creating a dynamic bidding environment.
The juxtaposition of modern and colonial pieces creates a unique aesthetic that can be seamlessly integrated with other genres, appealing to a wide range of collectors. This blend allows for cross-bidding and encourages collectors to explore different aspects of Latin American art and design. The idea of commingling different time periods and styles not only makes for exciting auctions but also reflects the rich, layered history of Latin American artistic expression. By offering such a wide range of Latin American art and design, from colonial pieces to contemporary works, and including significant examples of Mexican silver jewelry, Moran’s provides a unique platform for collectors to engage with this rich and diverse artistic tradition. This comprehensive approach appeals to both specialized collectors and those new to the field, ensuring the continued growth and appreciation of Latin American art in the global market.