Domino Effect

May 16, 2025


In the art world, timing can feel like everything. A painter might toil in obscurity for years—decades even—creating a compelling body of work, slowly attracting whispers of attention. Then one day, something clicks. A notable collector finally pulls the trigger, and just like that, the dominoes begin to fall.

This phenomenon, often referred to as the “domino effect” in art, is a fascinating moment in an artist’s trajectory. It’s not necessarily about a sudden change in the work itself, but a shift in perception. A single acquisition by the right person—a respected collector, a tastemaker, a prominent gallery—can trigger a rush of interest that had been quietly building beneath the surface for years.

The Quiet Years: Building the Foundation

Most artists don’t burst onto the scene overnight. They build slowly, exhibit in smaller venues, push their practice forward with or without fanfare. Meanwhile, collectors and curators may watch silently, curious but hesitant. Some follow the artist’s journey for years, waiting for validation, or perhaps waiting for the right moment to strike. These early watchers often know the quality is there, but the market isn’t quite ready—or confident—enough to leap.

Then it happens: one respected name buys in.

The First Domino Falls

That first acquisition acts as a signal flare. Suddenly, the conversations shift. “Did you see that so-and-so bought their work?” Collectors who were once hesitant now feel the itch of urgency. No one wants to be late to a discovery, especially one they’ve had their eyes on for years.

This is when momentum takes over. A few more collectors jump in, then a gallery steps up to represent the artist, followed by more institutional interest. Each move adds weight to the story. The artist, once seen as a hidden gem, is now part of an unfolding narrative—the exciting new name whose moment has finally come.

FOMO and the Art Market

Part of the domino effect is driven by something very human: fear of missing out. In an increasingly fast-paced and interconnected art ecosystem, nobody wants to be the one who looked away just before the breakout. Collectors, advisors, and dealers alike want to be part of the discovery, to contribute to the rise, to hold a piece of history in the making.

What once was a slow burn becomes a frenzy. Waiting lists form. Prices rise. Museum interest follows. All because a handful of people who were already watching decided it was time to move.

Years in the Making

It’s important to remember: while the market’s attention may feel sudden, it rarely is. Most “overnight successes” are actually the result of years of invisible labor, dedication, and resilience. The domino effect doesn’t make the work more valuable—it simply confirms a value that was always there, waiting to be recognized.

And for the artist, it can be both exhilarating and surreal. After years of working in the shadows, the spotlight arrives all at once. The key is not to chase the dominoes, but to keep building, keep making, and be ready when the momentum finally catches up.