Attention art connoisseurs: Discover impressive artworks by up-and-coming students on SKM

of being able to put $45 million on the table for an old masterpiece Sotheby's next Tuesday stratosphere of art auctions at Christie's , with record-breaking works by Picasso and Giacometti, is most likely out of your league as well.

Nevertheless, there are also down-to-earth ways to enter the art market in order buy unique paintings – at smaller auctions, regional art fairs or student exhibitions.

The hunt for the next big art star and the accompanying thrill don't have to come at a huge price if you look for talents who have yet to have their big breakthrough and their value development.

In an ocean of creative diversity, we often discover unique works directly from talented art students . At universities and art academies, a world of painting and sculpture opens up to us, brimming with unbridled inspiration and fresh ideas.

If you don't currently have direct connections to the student scene at an art school , that's not a major obstacle. It's possible to purchase artworks directly online from art students. You might even be able to acquire a work by the next Gerhard Richter for a three-figure sum.

That would undoubtedly be a stroke of luck. In any case, by purchasing art from students, we support young talents on their creative journey and are therefore personally and emotionally involved.

on a virtual art market for art students, we can find the art of tomorrow today.

Discover talented students and their unique works at the Student Art Market

The online gallery “Student Art Market” is one such virtual platform and now presents works by more than 350 art students from the most prestigious art schools . Art lovers have the opportunity here to discover original, impressive, and unique artworks from various disciplines in a virtual tour and to purchase them at fair prices.

At the same time, buyers are supporting young artists.

The Student Art Market is a unique initiative created to provide talented art students with a valuable platform to showcase their creative works to the public and offer them for sale.

The ever-increasing interest in the works of students has led to a situation where these can no longer only be admired in the corridors of universities, but can also be conveniently viewed and purchased online.

The exhibited artworks come from up-and-coming talented artists from the most prestigious art colleges in Germany, as well as from some universities in Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, the Netherlands, Russia and Switzerland.

SKM – Clear vision and passion in the blood

SKM, short for Student Art Market, was founded in 2019 out of two brothers' passion for the art scene. Growing up in an artistic family near Greifswald, art was an integral part of their lives from an early age. Erich Reich , one of the founders of SKM, had the vision of creating a platform where creative individuals could present and sell their work.

Originally a sportsman and physical education teacher, he was inspired by his brother Sigmar , who had the idea of ​​offering art students an online sales platform. This vision was further solidified by Sigmar's friendship with an art student. Together with programmer Manuel Rülke, they quickly implemented the concept. Thus, SKM was born and entered the limelight of the art world.

A lot has happened in the past three years – from the first exhibitions and newspaper articles to podcast interviews and collaborations with influencers . As a result, a small idea has grown into a thriving community .

SKM has evolved into far more than just an idea. It pursues the ambitious vision of supporting aspiring artists on their path to an independent artistic career and providing high-quality art for art lovers.

It is gratifying to note that numerous works have found new owners and that students have been able to give up their part-time jobs to make a living from their art. These successes serve as an incentive for the SKM team – now strengthened by Patric Malter (CFO, Finance), Anna Mischel (Social Media, Marketing, Projects) and Sophia Berlin (Communication with Art Students) – to continue moving forward with such dedication and a drive for success.

Exhibiting artists: Who are the creative minds behind the artworks at the SKM?

Through their creative, often still unrestrained works, these up-and-coming artists bring a breath of fresh air to the art market and offer unique opportunities to discover and acquire new artworks. The diversity of their inspirations and working methods makes each piece a fascinating glimpse into the world of these young talents.

Anna Hopfensberger – Courage to be versatile

Let's talk about Anna Hopfensberger , who has been exhibiting at the SKM for some time now. Her vibrant paintings fascinate with their fresh perspective and innovative approaches. Her works reflect a wide range of styles, from abstract painting to realistic depictions.

Anna Hopfensberger is an art student at the Free Academy of Fine Arts in Kolbermoor and currently runs a studio in Munich.

A particularly remarkable series by Anna Hopfensberger is her “Mouths,” which are placed in oversized proportions on seemingly small people, thus transforming them into abstract figures. These works push the boundaries and capture the viewer—not with gazes, but with mouths.

Anna Hopfensberger's artworks, particularly her "Mouths" series, are characterized by oversized mouths on small, stylized figures representing abstract characters. These striking works captivate the viewer and are already appreciated by the American art market.

Hopfensberger's versatility is evident in a multitude of expressive forms, shaped by narratives and diverse modes of representation. The artist views this versatility as a reflection of her personality . In addition to art history and philosophy, she also engages with modern technologies such as autonomous driving, artificial intelligence, and NFTs.

The young artist is symbolic of a generation of artists who rebel against critical voices from the art scene, who often want to impose strict limits on emerging creatives at an early stage.

The pressure to specialize and adhere to a defined subject matter (partly by gallery owners) makes her feel restricted in her still wild and free creative power. Hopfensberger deliberately wants to push these boundaries in order to stand up to external criticism and to encourage young artists to develop their creativity and not accept rigid limits in the early stages of their development.

Moritz Maas – Creative in the foreground and background

Or take Moritz Maas, an art student who works across genres and is enrolled in the art and communication design program at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen.

His intuitive and authentic portraits impress with their expressiveness. Although he primarily works in media design and film and television production, his artistic side is clearly evident at university, where drawings and compositions are his main focus.

His painting was self-taught, with his passion for art and drawings growing steadily over the years.

Interestingly, oil paints became his preferred medium. Moritz often works on several canvases simultaneously. When he feels he needs a break, he starts a new painting. Finally, he goes through a phase where he reworks all the pieces, so they are often finished at the same time.

Kaan Ege Önal – Art as a profound reflection of our society

Kaan Ege Önal , born in Turkey in 1996, comes from a family of artists and was introduced to the world of art at an early age. After studying at Mersin University, he moved to Germany to further develop his artistic skills. Since 2022, he has successfully participated in various exhibitions and received several awards for his work.

Önal's art is a meaningful engagement with our society. His paintings reflect a world full of social injustices and political tensions, but they go beyond that. Through the body language in his figurative paintings, Önal invites the viewer to a dialogue with the artwork.

His art confronts us with the unvarnished truth about social realities and encourages us to engage with them. In his works, he takes us on a captivating and moving journey through reality.

Through his intensive involvement in performance art, Önal integrates the language of the body into his art to address social issues. Viewers are encouraged to interpret body language themselves and find their own interpretations.

From abstract to realistic – which styles are presented?

In the virtual gallery, you can discover a variety of art styles. The spectrum of works ranges from abstract compositions to realistic, figurative depictions.

Among the most popular subjects, besides abstract painting, are landscape painting, nude painting ( find your perfect nude painting ), pop art, narrative art, mythology, symbolism and science fiction.

In addition to paintings using various media, sculptures and installations can also be found among the exhibited works.

Each painting reflects the unique artistic vision of the students, which is just beginning to fully unfold.

Sources of inspiration for the students: What motivates the young artists and how is this reflected in their works?

Inspired by a variety of sources, art students like Anna and Moritz draw from their surroundings and inner world to create unique works.

Her works reflect the diversity of human experience, captured in vibrant paintings and creative works. Through the fusion of tradition and innovation, new artistic styles emerge that captivate the viewer and stimulate reflection.

The influence of art history and engagement with current events and contemporary culture is noticeable in every work, allowing students to further develop their artistic vision and enrich the vibrant pulse of the art market.

Behind the scenes: Insights into the students' creative process

Anna Hopfensberger shares insights into her creative world, describing her motivation and approach in an artist interview on SKM . From the first sketch to the finished work, she takes us on a journey through her creative process. Every brushstroke, every nuance of color – every detail is crafted with passion and dedication. It is inspiring to see how new ideas emerge, develop, sometimes even transform, and ultimately become unique works of art.

The behind-the-scenes process often reveals the students' deep connection to their art and shows how facets of their personality and intimate emotions are expressed in their works.

The numerous studio visits with art students presenting their work at the SKM offer us fascinating insights into the artists' creative thought processes. One such visit took us to the studio of Cologne-based artist Marie Hesse . In a personal conversation, her unique connection to art was revealed; she shared inspiring sources and people, explained the importance of versatility in her style, and much more…

Valuable investment: Why buying artworks by young talents can be a worthwhile decision

A look at the art market reveals that buying works by young talents is more than just an investment in new paintings. It's an opportunity to support emerging artists and appreciate their inspiring work.

By acquiring artworks from students, you not only contribute to the promotion of the art scene, but also enrich your home with fresh creativity and originality.

01 Affordable entry opportunity

A compelling reason to start collecting works by emerging artists is affordability. Unlike established, renowned artists, whose works can often fetch astronomical prices, emerging artists offer their creations at more reasonable prices.

This means you can start your art collection without breaking your budget, making it attractive to both experienced collectors and newcomers.

02 Diverse and unique perspectives

Emerging artists often offer a fresh and unique perspective with their artwork. They are free from the expectations and limitations that can come with fame and recognition, and can therefore explore innovative ideas, techniques, and themes.

Adding their works to your collection can bring a breath of fresh air and offer a dynamic and constantly evolving variety of artistic styles.

03 Supporting the next generation

Investing in emerging artists not only enriches your collection but also strengthens the art scene as a whole. Your support enables artists to pursue their creative journey, participate in further education, and access resources that foster their growth.

A mutually supportive relationship develops: They enjoy their art and at the same time help to advance artistic careers.

04 Great potential for long-term value appreciation

While the works of emerging artists are relatively affordable compared to established names, there are numerous examples of their art increasing significantly in value over time.

A work of art acquired today could develop into a valuable possession in the future and generate a return that far exceeds your original investment.

Purchasing options: How can you acquire artwork by students?

online art marketplace allows you to immerse yourself in the world of emerging artists from the comfort of your home. This enables you to purchase unique paintings. Prices range from €135 to €7,000.

Browse the wide selection of paintings, sculptures and other works and use the numerous search filters available to specify your search query.

With just a few clicks, you can add your favorite artwork to your cart and buy it securely online. Support the next generation of artists by not only discovering their work but also giving it a place in your home.

A look at Trustpilot profile shows a rating of 4.9 out of 5, demonstrating a far above-average level of buyer satisfaction.

 

How to successfully and responsibly collect works by art students

In an interview with institute directors and exhibition directors, Olivia Gavoyannis valuable tips on Artsy for acquiring artworks directly from students in a successful and responsible way.

Graduation exhibitions thus offer a unique platform for collectors to discover and support new artistic talent. Besides the opportunity to acquire high-quality artworks, these exhibitions facilitate direct exchange with emerging artists worldwide.

Joan Waltemath , head of the LeRoy E. Hoffberger School of Painting MFA at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), emphasizes that collectors can influence the art market through their purchasing decisions. This interaction presents both exciting opportunities and responsibilities, as supporting an artist can foster their professional development.

To keep track of the abundance of emerging talent at MFA exhibitions, editor Olivia Gayoyannis consulted some experts in the field.

01 Make the most of online resources

If you are interested in collecting artwork by students, spring an excellent time to do so. Before graduating from the MFA, students work intensively on their pieces, shaping them into a coherent body of work.

Due to potential difficulties, many collectors cannot MFA shows in person; however, the digital world offers the advantage of visiting virtual exhibitions worldwide. By purchasing artwork online, you have the opportunity to view the pieces comfortably from home and receive support from sales staff.

It is recommended to contact the exhibition department of an art school for individual advice on selecting suitable artworks. The SKM team, for example, also offers art consultations in this context.

02 Build a relationship with the artist

An additional benefit of digitization is that it makes it easier to discover and contact emerging artists online. Many art schools now link to their students' websites and Instagram accounts . Jane South , head of the Fine Arts department at Pratt Institute, recommends using these platforms to connect with students and request a virtual studio visit to learn more about their work and share your vision for the collection.

In the long term, she suggests social media as a springboard to build a meaningful relationship with the artist: visit every six months to see what they are working on, share their work on social media, attend exhibitions they are participating in, and encourage others to do the same.

“Build your collection with a spirit of generosity and you will find that as an active member of the art scene you have a wonderfully rich experience – and also great works in your collection.”

South emphasizes.

03 Think beyond the mere financial investment

Art experts repeatedly emphasize the importance of trusting one's instincts – especially when acquiring works by students, which are often associated with higher risks.

Dr. Roman Vasseur , lecturer in the MFA program at Kingston School of Art in London, shares this view and advises acquiring artworks that personally fascinate you, not for purely strategic or fashionable reasons. In his opinion, captivating artworks demonstrate intellectual depth and make a significant contribution to contemporary art.

To gain a better understanding of a student's artistic development, Vasseur recommends engaging with the artist's exhibitions and projects before and during their studies. This allows one to recognize how the artist views their work within the context of contemporary art practices.

Furthermore, Vasseur encourages art collectors to reflect on their role in supporting institutions and combating inequalities in the art world. He emphasizes the importance of acquiring works by women and previously underrepresented groups to promote diversity and equal opportunities.

04 Consider the impact of negotiations

Graduation exhibitions offer an excellent opportunity to acquire high-quality artworks such as sculptures or large paintings at affordable prices. However, haggling over the price of works by emerging artists can be detrimental.

According to Waltemath, collectors should not try to negotiate lower prices for the work of young artists, especially if they are not represented by a gallery. At this stage, artists often have to handle photography and PR themselves in addition to their creative work.

Ian Monroe , a lecturer at Falmouth University in the United Kingdom, encourages collectors to engage in constructive dialogue with artists. He emphasizes that artists must go through a steep learning process, moving from a personal artistic practice to the more professional demands of selling art.

Monroe suggests that collectors might consider steering the conversation or assisting artists with logistical matters. If the price of the works seems too high, a discussion about how it is determined can be helpful, provided the artists are willing.

05 Promote thoughtfully

A common practice Monroe observed at student exhibitions is that a collector tends to acquire all of a student's works, sometimes even their future pieces. This may seem sensible to the collector, as the artworks are affordable and the artist is eager to sell as much as possible.

However, this can surprise and worry the artist, who may fear that the collector might take control of their work or feel obligated in some way. Monroe suggests finding a balanced solution and ensuring that the collector maintains a long-term interest in the works.

According to Monroe, the best way for a collector to foster an artist's career is not to dominate the entire market, but to allow others the opportunity to acquire their work and, above all, to exhibit it. The more frequently the artworks are viewed, the greater their chance of increasing in value.

This recommendation is also supported by Luca Buvoli , director of the Mount Royal School of Art Multidisciplinary MFA at MICA. He encourages collectors not to auction a student's work. Instead, they should retain the pieces and act as intermediaries by offering curators, dealers, and museums the opportunity to introduce students and their work to a wider audience.

Collecting student work should be seen as supporting emerging artists. Acquire a work based on your genuine interest in the ideas, perspectives, and values ​​it embodies—not just as an investment.