Kenny Scharf, Kamo, 2020
Main reasons to invest
Return Potentialđ: An investment of 500 EUR is projected to be worth approximately 1,042 EUR in 4 years.
Cost-to-Return Ratioâïž: After deducting 2.7% in annual total costs (including exit fees), your net return could reach 20.1% per year.
Growing Legacy đ : Kenny Scharf is a mid-career artist with a long-standing reputation, recognised as a key figure in the Pop and Street Art movements alongside contemporaries like Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. His work has been exhibited by major galleries such as Gagosian, Almine Rech, Tony Shafrazi, Bruno Bischofberger and many more. Scharf, also has institutional and museum support worldwide. Scharfâs Tondo series, in particular, represent a moment in his artistic evolution, beginning the process in 2018 receiving critical acclaim from collectors and critics.
Description
To ensure the competitiveness of the investment, we conducted a thorough verification of the purchase price by analyzing recent gallery transactions. Our analysis confirmed that the price offered, inclusive of all associated fees, is highly competitive. To estimate the potential ROI, we used the annualized return of his paintings over the past five years. For our conservative scenario, we assumed the value of the painting would grow at the rate of Swiss inflation, reflecting a defensive approach. In the balanced scenario, we assume a 60% probability of realizing a 17.4% (CAGR of the past 5 years) annual return for the next 4 years. Finally, in the ambitious scenario, we assume a 100% probability of realizing a 17.4% (CAGR of the past 5 years) annual return for the next 4 years. These potential returns over the next four years, under both the balanced and ambitious scenarios, are further enhanced by the 35% discount at which this beautiful work is offered compared to the current gallery price for similar-sized works.
Exit Options at Maturity đȘ
We will manage the exit strategy in collaboration with our expert Opera Gallery on behalf of our investors, ensuring the best possible outcome based on market conditions at the time. Depending on the prevailing market situation, the painting will be sold to a private collector or offered as a single lot at an auction for contemporary art. An auction is considered if the price has developed to the point where the minimum bid matches the market value and there is high demand for works by the artist. Both options are carefully considered, and we will choose the one that maximizes the return for our investors.
Why Invest in This Category? đš
For centuries, art was collected for its cultural, emotional, intellectual, political, and economic value. Investing in a mid-career artist offers a mix of financial potential and personal satisfaction, making it an appealing option for both new and seasoned collectors.
Why Invest in This Asset? đ
Investing in Kenny Scharfâs âKamoâ offers collectors a compelling blend of cultural significance, proven pedigree, and exceptional value. Renowned for his vibrant, pop-surrealist aesthetic, Scharf emerged in 1980s New York alongside Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat, placing him firmly within the eraâs most influential creative circles. His works have since been exhibited at major galleries, including Gagosian and Almine Rech, and are held in prestigious museum collections worldwide, providing a solid institutional stamp of approval.
âKamo,â a unique 2020 tondo painting, represents a standout moment in Scharfâs evolving practice, appealing to both seasoned collectors and newcomers seeking promising investments. Purchased at GBP 41,000 against an average market value of GBP 62,750, âKamoâ is acquired at a roughly 35% discount, allowing immediate built-in value. With only four comparably sized tondos appearing at auction since 2021âachieving consistent results between ÂŁ55,000 and ÂŁ75,000âthis piece offers rarity and clear market benchmarks.
Beyond its appealing price point, Scharfâs career is entering a pivotal phase. Despite strong critical recognition and institutional support, he remains relatively undervalued compared to contemporaries. As demand grows for culturally significant, aesthetically impactful works, âKamoâ is poised to appreciate, benefiting from Scharfâs sustained critical relevance and collector interest.
Context in Time âł
âKamoâ exists at an intersection of artistic heritage and future potential. Kenny Scharf rose to prominence alongside Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, iconic figures who forever changed the landscape of contemporary art. Their collective energy shaped the vibrant East Village art scene, merging Pop, Street Art, and Surrealism into a new visual language. Today, with Haring and Basquiatâs legacies fully enshrined, Scharf remains a living link to that eraâs innovation, yet his market currently lags behind their lofty peaks. This creates a unique opportunity: by investing in Scharf now, collectors may benefit as his recognition and market alignment inevitably intensify.
Conclusion đŻ
In conclusion, acquiring Kenny Scharfâs âKamoâ at a 35% discount relative to comparable gallery offerings presents an exceptional opportunity to secure a culturally significant artwork at below-market value. With Scharfâs rising profile, institutional backing, and historical ties to iconic artists like Basquiat and Haring, this piece stands to gain recognition and appreciation over time. The paintingâs rarity and strong auction benchmarks underscore its investment potential. Coupled with the projected annualized returns derived from comparable performance data, âKamoâ offers a balanced blend of financial upside and artistic importance. As Scharfâs market evolves, this investment may reward collectors with enduring cultural and monetary value.
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 Valdés, and Anselm Reyle.