The Future of the Art Market: TIGER 21 Founder Featured in Forbes 

With new tariffs on steel, aluminum, and potentially imported collectibles, the ripple effects are extending into sectors far beyond manufacturing, including fine art. TIGER 21 Founder and Chairman Michael Sonnenfeldt was featured in an article in Forbes by Matthew F. Erskine, JD,  on how rising tariffs and global economic shifts are impacting the art world, and what this signals about broader investment trends among the ultra-wealthy. 

Drawing from insights originally shared with Crain Currency, Michael highlights how TIGER 21 Members are navigating today’s trade environment and market volatility through a disciplined focus on diversification, fundamentals, and long-term value creation.  

As Michael explains, TIGER 21 Members are concentrating capital in traditional long-term assets such as real estate, private equity, and income-generating investments that provide downside protection, with less allocation to cash. While this may reflect investor confidence, it could also signal increased risk exposure amid ongoing economic uncertainty. 

For the art market, these shifts are significant. As collectors grow more selective and speculative investment slows, emerging artists and contemporary galleries may encounter new challenges. At the same time, blue-chip art and tangible assets with strong historical performance may appeal to investors seeking more stable stores of value. The article also explores how changes in tax policy, estate planning, and cross-border logistics are prompting artists, dealers, and collectors to reevaluate how they protect and transfer wealth. These are areas where TIGER 21 Members apply the same intentionality and foresight they bring to managing their broader portfolios. 

Michael’s perspective reinforces a central tenet of the philosophy of TIGER 21 Members: in times of uncertainty, preparation and perspective are critical. Whether the asset is a painting, a business, or a generational estate, strategic planning is not just about preservation. It is about building legacy with purpose. 

Read the full article here.