PARIS.- For over twenty years, Artcurial has established itself as a pioneering player in the development and recognition of urban art on the international stage. By shaping this market and supporting its leading artists, the auction house has helped to foster a new generation of collectors and to firmly establish these works within the art market landscape.

To mark this anniversary, we look back at the key moments that have shaped the history and development of the Urban department, highlighting its decisive role in the evolution of this movement.

To mark the occasion, Artcurial is organising the Iconoclasts – 20 Years of the Urban Department auction, an exceptional sale bringing together the movement’s most influential figures and providing an ideal platform for the presentation of major works.

Towards the Future of Urban Art

Scheduled for November 18th, 2026, the Iconoclasts – 20 Years of the Urban Department auction will celebrate the twentieth anniversary of Artcurial’s Urban Department through an exceptional sale dedicated to the leading figures of urban and contemporary art.

Conceived as a major event on the art market, this auction will bring together an international audience of collectors, professionals and institutions involved in this scene in Paris.

Auction concept: a manifesto for Urban Art

The auction is part of a strong curatorial approach, showcasing artists who have broken with traditional artistic conventions by developing radical, socially engaged visual languages deeply rooted in their era, such as Rammellzee, Banksy, Shepard Fairey, Futura, Invader, JR and Vhils.





Through a carefully curated selection, the auction explores the various facets of the movement, from pioneering graffiti to the most conceptual contemporary practices, affirming the central role of these artists in the history of 20th- and 21st-century art.

The project will be underpinned by a strong artistic direction, faithful to the visual identity that has made Artcurial’s Urban sales so successful, in order to create a coherent and instantly recognisable world that perfectly resonates with the sale’s iconoclastic and avant-garde spirit.

An immersive experience

In the run-up to the sale, the works will be presented as part of an exhibition designed as a true experience, featuring an immersive display inspired by the conventions of street art (play on scale, raw materials, contextualised displays) and bringing together a discerning international audience comprising collectors, advisers, institutions and professionals, thanks to Artcurial’s global network.

Why now?

The urban art market is currently undergoing a phase of maturity and consolidation, driven by sustained international demand and growing recognition of its leading artists. Auction results in recent years bear witness to a lasting interest in these works, which are now fully integrated into major private and institutional collections.

At the same time, the movement’s increased visibility through museum exhibitions and initiatives by major foundations is helping to reinforce its legitimacy and to establish a sustainable market structure.

Against this backdrop, historic and iconic works are attracting particular attention, both from established collectors and from a new generation of international buyers.

Artists sought: Banksy, Shepard Fairey, Rammellzee, Futura, Invader, JR, Vhils, Dran, Richard Hambleton, JonOne…