As we step into 2026, the curatorial lens offers a clear signal: the era of grand gestures is giving way to smaller scales, intimate narratives, and sustainable practices. The late Koyo Kouoh’s theme for the Venice Biennale, “In Minor Keys,” sets the tone—an invitation to pause, to embrace fragility, and to highlight the unheroic. This curatorial vision resonates far beyond Venice, shaping the global art market’s mood.
Global Market Dynamics
The second half of 2025 brought some recovery, particularly through New York’s November auctions, yet macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties remain. Collectors are increasingly drawn to smaller works. Artsy reported that sales of miniature and small-scale paintings rose by 66% in 2025, with nearly 40% of all purchases under 40 square inches. This shift reflects a desire for intimacy and domestic resonance rather than spectacle. Flashy stunts, once epitomized by Maurizio Cattelan, are fading, replaced by imagery of tables, food, and everyday rituals—symbols of comfort and connection.
Biennale and Sustainability
The Biennale’s theme underscores a broader market sentiment: sustainability over expansion. Galleries are pruning their geographies rather than closing outright. Sean Kelly scaled back in Los Angeles, Stephen Friedman exited New York, and Almine Rech downsized in London. These moves reflect a strategy of “strength through reduction,” aligning with the curatorial call for modesty and resilience.
Turkey’s Art Market
In Turkey, the art scene remains vibrant despite economic pressures. The Istanbul Biennial, Arter’s interdisciplinary programs, and Pera Museum’s anniversary exhibitions reinforce the city’s cultural magnetism. Collectors mirror global trends, favoring smaller, thematic works that balance affordability with meaning. In 2025, Istanbul galleries noted heightened interest in miniature formats and craft-based practices, echoing the global appetite for intimacy. Inflation and uncertainty limit large-scale investments, yet Istanbul’s cultural dynamism continues to position Turkey as a regional hub.
Craft and Material Narratives
Craft-based work is expected to surge further in 2026. In Turkey, traditional practices—such as Anatolian weaving and ceramics—are increasingly integrated into contemporary art, offering both local identity and global appeal. These works embody resilience and authenticity, qualities that resonate with collectors seeking depth in uncertain times.
Conclusion
2026 can be read as the year of small scales. Globally and in Turkey, the art market is pivoting toward modest formats, craft traditions, and sustainable strategies. The balance between economic caution and cultural vitality will define the year ahead, shaping not only market behavior but also the narratives artists choose to tell.
