PRIVATE SALES

Access beyond the public market

Vroom & Varossieau discreetly sources exceptional works of modern and contemporary art for private collectors, institutions and professional advisors worldwide.

Many important artworks never appear at auction, in online catalogues or on public sales platforms. Through an international network built over more than 25 years, we can search privately for works that are rarely and sometimes never offered publicly.

Whether you are looking for a specific artwork, a particular period or a meaningful addition to your collection, we can conduct a confidential search on your behalf.

Artists we can source

Our network gives us access to private collectors, artists, estates, dealers, fellow galleries, museums and specialist advisors around the world.

Depending on current availability, we can privately search for works by artists including:

Jean-Michel Basquiat, Banksy, Blade, Keith Haring, Kenny Scharf, Lee Quiñones, Dondi White, KAWS, Yayoi Kusama, Javier Calleja, Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, LA2, Rammellzee and many other blue-chip, graffiti and post-graffiti artists.

Availability is never guaranteed and changes continuously. If an appropriate work is not immediately available, we can conduct a focused search through our network.

What we source

Our searches may include:

  • paintings;

  • sculpture;

  • installations;

  • works on paper;

  • drawings;

  • prints and editions;

  • historic graffiti and post-graffiti works;

  • documented street pieces;

  • rare and significant works from private collections.

Every potential acquisition is considered individually. Before presenting a work, we review the available information concerning provenance, authenticity, condition, ownership and lawful sale.

Where necessary, we involve relevant specialists, estates, foundations, conservators or other professional advisors.

Why these works are not shown publicly

Many of the works we encounter are held in private collections and are not publicly advertised.

Owners may wish to protect their privacy, preserve the exclusivity of a work or avoid publicly announcing their intention to sell. In other cases, images and detailed information may only be shared with qualified potential buyers.

This discretion is an essential part of the private art market.

For that reason, our website does not function as a public catalogue of everything available through our network. Suitable opportunities are shared privately after we have discussed your search, preferences and budget.

Confidential information is never published or shared without permission.

How a private search works

1. Tell us what you are looking for

You can contact us about a specific artwork or provide a broader description of your interests.

We will usually ask about:

  • the artist or artists;

  • a specific title, series or subject;

  • preferred period or year;

  • type of work or medium;

  • dimensions or other practical preferences;

  • provenance or edition requirements;

  • indicative budget;

  • preferred timing and location.

You do not need to know every detail before contacting us. An initial search can also begin with a broader collecting objective.

2. We define the search

We discuss your preferences and determine what is realistic within the desired budget and timeframe.

If appropriate, we may suggest alternative periods, media or works that fit the underlying objective of your search.

3. We activate our international network

We discreetly approach relevant collectors, dealers, galleries, artists, estates and specialist contacts.

Because many owners do not publicly advertise a work, a direct and trusted approach can reveal opportunities that are not visible on the open market.

4. Suitable opportunities are shared privately

When we identify a potentially relevant work, we privately share the available information with you. Depending on the circumstances, this may include images, dimensions, condition, provenance, location and asking price.

More sensitive information may only be disclosed once serious interest has been established.

5. We guide the acquisition

If you wish to proceed, we can assist with the next steps, including further documentation, condition assessment, negotiation, specialist advice, transport and international coordination.

An international network built over 25 years

For more than 25 years, Vroom & Varossieau has developed relationships throughout the international art world.

Our network includes:

  • private and institutional collectors;

  • established and emerging artists;

  • artist estates and representatives;

  • international art dealers;

  • fellow galleries;

  • museums and cultural institutions;

  • conservators, researchers and other specialists.

These relationships allow us to search efficiently, approach the right people personally and create connections that would often be difficult to establish through public channels.

Our strength lies not only in knowing where a work may be found, but in understanding whom to approach, how to approach them and when an opportunity is genuinely relevant.

Experience in private placement

Over the past 25 years, we have sourced, advised on or privately placed works by artists including Banksy, Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Dondi White, Rammellzee, Yayoi Kusama and Roy Lichtenstein, among others.

Many of these transactions remain confidential. We only publish details, images or case studies when permission has been granted by the relevant parties.

Selected examples and references may be discussed privately where appropriate.

  • Yes. Many works available through our international network are never publicly advertised. After discussing your search and budget, we can approach relevant owners and market contacts privately.

  • No. An initial enquiry allows us to understand what you are looking for and determine whether we can assist. Any potential work is presented separately for your consideration.

  • An indicative budget helps us conduct a realistic and efficient search. It also prevents us from presenting works that are not financially relevant. A budget range is sufficient for an initial conversation.

Frequently asked questions

Can you source artworks that are not shown on your website?

Yes. Many works available through our international network are never publicly advertised. After discussing your search and budget, we can approach relevant owners and market contacts privately.

Does submitting a request obligate me to purchase?

No. An initial enquiry allows us to understand what you are looking for and determine whether we can assist. Any potential work is presented separately for your consideration.

Do I need to provide a budget?

An indicative budget helps us conduct a realistic and efficient search. It also prevents us from presenting works that are not financially relevant. A budget range is sufficient for an initial conversation.

How long does a private search take?

This depends on the artist, type of work and specificity of the request. Some opportunities can be identified quickly, while rare or highly specific works may require a longer search. We will be transparent about what appears realistic.

Can you guarantee authenticity?

No responsible advisor should guarantee authenticity without appropriate evidence and expert review. We examine the available provenance and documentation and, where relevant, consult recognised specialists, estates, foundations or authentication bodies before advising on a transaction.

Will my search remain confidential?

Yes. We treat private searches and client information confidentially. We do not publicly announce what a client is looking for and do not disclose personal information without permission.

Can you assist international collectors?

Yes. We work internationally and can assist with cross-border transactions, specialist transport and introductions to appropriate professional advisors where required.

I own a work that I may wish to sell. Can I contact you?

Yes. We also advise collectors and owners considering a confidential sale. Your artwork will not be published or offered to third parties without prior discussion and permission.

photo by Lisa Boulet

Isabelle Vroom, Brian Calvin & Olivier Varossieau at Almine Rech Brussels

Olivier Varossieau and Isabelle Vroom with Karl Lagerfeld at Art Basel

Naomi Campbell and Olivier Varossieau at Vroom & Varossieau Gallery Amsterdam

Blade, Olivier Varossieau and Futura 2000 in Dubai at the World Record of Graffiti 2014.

Olivier Varossieau working with Richard Hambleton in New York