What is art flipping?
Definition: Flipping in the art market refers to the practice of buying artworks — especially from emerging or in-demand artists — and reselling them quickly for a profit. It typically occurs in the secondary market, such as at auctions or private sales, and is driven by speculation rather than long-term collection.
Flipping is controversial. Galleries and artists often frown upon it because it can destabilize pricing, undermine career development, and damage trust between collectors and dealers. Some galleries vet buyers carefully or include resale clauses in contracts to discourage flipping.
That said, flipping also plays a role in market liquidity and price discovery. High-profile flips — such as works by KAWS, Jonas Wood, or Amoako Boafo — have drawn media attention and reshaped demand dynamics.
External Resources
- Artsy: Why the Art World Is Obsessed with Flipping
- ARTnews: Art Market Speculation
- Artnet: What Is Art Flipping?
