One thing Americans love is bold artists with bolder statements. At Deodato, we got you covered.
The american market
The American art market has always been about bold names and bolder statements. From pop culture crossovers to blue-chip editions, Deodato’s roster includes some of the most talked-about artists of the moment. Each blending cultural relevance with investment potential. Here’s a look at the names American collectors are watching in 2025.
KAWS
With his signature XX eyes, American-born KAWS (Brian Donnelly) disrupted the art world with toy-inspired sculptures that bridge American pop culture with street art, design, and fine art. In 2024, his works generated roughly $11.6 million at auction, with American buyers especially active in prints and limited editions under the $100,000.
While Asia remains a powerhouse for KAWS, America’s appetite shows no sign of cooling. As for collectors, he represents a high-velocity market with pop-culture powered engines.
Jeff Koons
Remember that one episode in "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" where Kris Jenner art-shamed Khloe Kardashian for not recognizing the artist behind the famous balloon dog sculpture? That artist is Jeff Koons, an American-born pop culture-inspired artist famously known for his balloon animal variations sculptures.
Koons' most dynamic activity today is in the U.S. market, trading well under $1M. For collectors seeking instant brand recognition, Jeff Koons is the one for you, at price points that feel surprisingly accessible.
Shepard Fairey
Catapulted into the spotlight with his "HOPE" poster for Barack Obama's presidential campaign in 2008, Shepard Fairey established his status as an artist and activist in the American contemporary art scene. A South Carolina-born artist, famous for his OBEY stickers on American streets, achieved an auction record of nearly $600,000.
However, the majority of his market thrives in editions and mixed-media works priced in the low four- to mid-five-figure range. This, coupled with his unapologetically visual language, makes Fairey one of the most collectible street artists for American buyers, bridging cultural symbolism with market stability.
Takashi Murakami
Smiley flower motifs and the Superflat movement Takashi Murakami brings Japanese pop culture to the surface. What makes him one of the most sought-after is his high profile collaborations like his renowned 2003 and 2025 collaboration with Louis Vuitton’s spring-summer collection.
His work consistently appears in New York sales, with notable examples of $762,000 results at Phillips in 2024. While Murakami’s global record sales reach tens of millions, the sweet spot for American collectors lies just under the $1M line, particularly for his iconic flower imagery.
Damien Hirst
From a preserved shark to a skull encrusted with diamonds, Damien Hirst is a force to be reckoned with. A controversial British artist takes the art world by storm with his provocative creations. Yet, art collectors love him. In 2024, his works generated between $22 million and $27 million at auction worldwide, including a single lot that fetched $1.81 million.
What stands out for American collectors is the accessibility and liquidity. A dedicated Philips "Editions & Works on Paper" sale in New York earlier this year realized $763,400 with a 90% sell-through rate. Whether you're eyeing butterfly prints, spots, or Cherry Blossom editions, Hirst offers an unusually liquid entry into blue-chip collecting.
Mr. Brainwash
Last but not least, we have the vibrant street artist, Mr. Brainwash. A French-born Los Angeles-based street artist shot to fame with the encouragement from Banksy. His murals, graffiti, and colorful street art including his mural tribute to Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna amplifying his footprint within the American culture scene.
His works regularly circulate at Heritage and other American auction houses, with most hammering well below the $1M mark. For collectors, Mr. Brainwash offers accessibility, cultural recognition, and a steady secondary market presence.
Why do these artists matter to American collectors?
One thing these artists have in common is the embodiment of what American collectors value most: cultural clout art with market potential. With Deodato Arte, acquiring these works is faster and easier and even closer to home.
Whether you are building your first collection or expanding your existing one, these are the names with the most compelling opportunities to take a closer look at in 2025.