ARCOmadrid 2026: A Strategic Bridge Between Europe and Latin America
The 45th edition of ARCOmadrid, which opened last Wednesday, once again reaffirmed its position as a key gateway for Latin American artists within the European art market. Approximately one-third of the international galleries participating in this year’s fair originate from Latin America, with 15 Brazilian galleries among the 214 exhibitors from 36 countries representing a significant 7% of total participation.
Brazilian and other foreign galleries benefit from a more favorable tax structure when selling their artists in Spain during ARCO, with a 10% import VAT on artworks, while Spanish galleries face a significantly higher 21% VAT on art sales. This fiscal imbalance can influence the behavior of collectors residing in Spain, including a significant number of Latin American collectors, who may be encouraged to acquire works by foreign artists presented by international galleries connected to their countries of origin, rather than works sold by Spanish galleries. As a result, this dynamic may gradually affect the development of local Spanish collections and the visibility of Latin American artists, including Brazilians.
Miami and the Unmasking of a Slowing Market – 2025
Two weeks after the major New York auction houses collectively achieved over $2.2 billion in sales, the art world naturally expected this momentum to spill over into Art Basel Miami, an extension of the end-of-year market cycle that traditionally attracts an active mix of American and Latin American collectors.
However, this year told a different story. The market’s apparent vitality proved to be an illusion: very few key clients are on the ground, the usual excitement is noticeably absent, preview purchases were limited, and several Brazilian galleries even withdrew entirely from the fair, choosing instead to prioritise the increasingly strategic Paris edition. Among them are Luisa Strina and Fortes D’Aloia & Gabriel (absent since 2024), joined by international galleries that represent major Brazilian artists, such as Alison Jacques for Lygia Clark or Peter Kilchmann for Fernanda Gomes, who also opted not to return this year.
ArtRio 2025: A Snapshot of Brazil’s Contemporary Art
ArtRio has consolidated itself as one of the leading art fairs in Latin America. In 2024, its 14th edition gathered around 90 exhibitors and welcomed over 60,000 visitors, attracting international collectors and curators from museums and private collections. Highlights such as the Contemporary Brazil program and the Sculpture Garden reinforced the relevance of Brazilian production, including Indigenous artists, even amid global economic challenges.
Bombs Fall, But the Art Basel Bubble Shines – 2025
Amid the uncertainties of a shaken world, with the war in Iran quietly reverberating through hallway conversations, Art Basel 2025 opened its doors with a surprisingly buoyant energy. On VIP day, the atmosphere was electric, lively, even playful, as collectors and curators circled each booth with sharpened focus, as if art itself offered a necessary refuge from the chaos beyond.
One shift was impossible to ignore: the notable absence of American buyers. Instead, the fair was dominated by a sophisticated European clientele, discreet collectors, seasoned buyers, and a strong presence of curators from major museums and institutions.
SP–Arte 2025 Sales Report: Brazilian Art Market Faces the Future with Resilience
SP–Arte, Latin America’s leading art fair, returned in 2025 for its 21st edition with a more restrained atmosphere, reflecting a cooling global market—but still affirmed its role as a key cultural and commercial hub. Held from April 2 to 6 at the iconic Bienal Pavilion in São Paulo, the fair brought together 200 exhibitors, including 9 new Brazilian art galleries and 16 design studios. While sales were more cautious compared to previous years, SP–Arte reaffirmed its commitment to elevating Brazilian art on the international stage.
This year’s edition welcomed 70 international collectors, museum patrons, and art advisors invited by the organization—demonstrating the fair’s continued strength in building global networks. Twelve international galleries participated, including four newcomers, signaling enduring interest in Latin America’s art scene despite the shifting tides of the market.