Pieter Obels, Chasing a Feeling, 2024
Main reasons to invest
Return Potentialš: An investment of ā¬500 could reach an estimated value of ā¬1,129 in 4 years.
Cost-to-Return Ratioāļø: With just 2.7% annual total costs (July / August releases with no exit fees), your net profit could be 22.6% per year.
Timeless Curves in Steel š”: Obels' work evokes softness through steel, drawing collectors toward a more harmonious visual world. With each hand-formed curve and weathering patina, Chasing a Feeling tells a quiet story of balance, form, and resilience. Acquired at a 42.0% discount to the latest auction resultāits total cost remains 35.6% below market after fees. Validated by gallery quotes, this offers strong entry value for a rare, institutionally recognized sculpture.
Description
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Investment Horizon | 2ā4 years |
| Expected CAGR (balanced) | 22.6% p.a. after fees |
| Optimistic CAGR | 38.4% p.a. after fees |
| Entry Discount |
Entry discount of 35.6% compared to gallery retail price (fair value) |
| Sharpe Ratio | 0.81 (vs. SMI: 0.61) |
| Value at Risk (VaR) | 90% probability of exceeding ā¬68,800 |
| Standard Deviation | 28.8% |
| Risk Rating | B (7.6/10 ā Moderate Risk) |
- 2ā4 Year Horizon: Aligned with Obelsā expanding institutional visibility and strong demand from collectors of monumental sculpture, the holding period targets exit between 2027 and 2029.
- 22.6% CAGR (Balanced): Based on 35% probability of replicating the 36.2% CAGR observed across comparable sculptures (2017ā2025) and including a discount of 35.6% (after fees) versus the most recent auction.
- 38.4% CAGR (Optimistic): Reflects price potential if Obelsā market continues to accelerate alongside major public commissions and sold-out primary/secondary listings.
- Entry Discount of 35.6%: Final acquisition price is ā¬67,250 (incl. all fees), a 35.6% discount compared to the July 2025 auction result of ā¬104,493 for a similar-sized sculpture. Pricing is supported by gallery quotes and recent collector market activity.
- Sharpe Ratio of 0.81: A robust risk-adjusted return that exceeds the Swiss Market Index benchmark (0.61), highlighting the efficiency of this entry point.
- 90% VaR Threshold: Forecasts show a 9-in-10 chance that the sculpture will exceed ā¬68,800 in value after 4 years, offering solid downside protection.
- 28.8% Volatility: The standard deviation reflects moderate price fluctuations comparable to leading mid-career artistsāappropriate for collectors seeking appreciation with measured risk.
- Risk Rating āBā: Obels scores well across entry pricing, volatility, institutional demand, and recent performanceājustifying a moderate risk profile.
In collaboration with our experienced Opera Gallery, we handle the exit strategy on behalf of our investors to ensure the best possible outcome under current market conditions. Depending on market dynamics, the artwork will either be sold to a private collector or offered as a single lot at a contemporary art auction. An auction will be considered if price developments support a reserve price aligned with market value and strong demand for the artistās work exists. Both options will be carefully evaluated, and we will choose the one that maximizes returns for our investors.
Why Invest in This Category? šØ
For centuries, art has been collected for its cultural, emotional, intellectual, political, and financial value. Investing in a mid-career artist offers a combination of financial potential and personal satisfaction, making it an attractive option for both new and seasoned collectors.
Why Invest in This Asset? š
Pieter Obelsā āChasing a Feelingā stands out not only for its craftsmanship but also for its positioning within the international art market. Created in 2024 and acquired directly from the artist, this unique work features Obelsā signature material, Corten steel, known for its natural weathering and the patina that develops over time. Unlike cast works, āChasing a Feelingā is entirely hand-shaped ā there is no duplicate ā highlighting both the rarity and authenticity of the piece.
Its impressive dimensions (225 x 138 x 125 cm) and organic aesthetic make it an appealing centerpiece for both public and private installations. Obels has an extensive exhibition history at renowned institutions such as Opera Gallery Dubai, Art Paris, and The Valley in Amsterdam. His works are not only sold out on platforms like Artsy but are also part of numerous corporate and municipal collections across Europe.
This work was acquired with a 35.6% discount compared to a comparable auction result from July 2025, ensuring a strong margin of safety. With no expected variable holding costs and highly durable material, the sculpture is structurally and financially well-suited for a mid-term holding position. Based on historical performance and current market dynamics, the projected return in a balanced scenario is 22.6% p.a., with an optimistic outlook of 38.4%.
Obels combines rarity, public recognition, and long-term aesthetic relevance. With institutional placements across Europe, zero variable costs, and high market absorption, āChasing a Feelingā is well-positioned to achieve significant value appreciation by 2029.
Expert
Founded in Singapore in 1994, Opera Gallery has forged, over its 30 years, a network of 16 galleries worldwide including London, Paris, New York, Geneva, Hong Kong, and Seoul, establishing itself as one of the leading global players within the international art market. Headed by Gilles Dyan, Opera Gallery specialises in post-war French art, and in Modern and Contemporary European, American, and Asian art. In addition, the gallery represents international emerging artists such as Andy Denzler, Anthony James and Gustavo Nazareno. and more established contemporary artists such as Ron Arad, Manolo ValdƩs, and Anselm Reyle.
