What we do
The global art market is vast, fragmented and rife with misaligned interests. Unlike most galleries, auction houses, or advisors, we invest our own capital and never act as agents. Curatorial rigor combined with financial strength unlocks unparalleled opportunities, agility and trust.
What’s worth seeing? What’s worth owning?
How we do it
Velaras targets acquisitions where quality exceeds market price. We pursue long-term value through overlooked, underappreciated or out-of-favor works - spanning movements, artists, series and individual pieces. Rarely chasing emerging or trendy names, we remain opportunistic when confidence is exceptionally high.
What’s worth knowing? What’s worth owning?
Why we’re different
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We own every work we offer – no commissions, no outside obligations.
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Not beholden or limited to represent specific artists, we are completely independent and unconstrained. Our portfolio evolves as discernment dictates.
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As long-term principals, we can remove purchase barriers with low-cost leases that include buyout options and substitution rights.
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As experienced, well capitalized principals we are always ready to acquire quality works.
Eliminating principal-agent conflicts to unlock powerful advantages for our clients:
Who we are
Velaras is guided by three founders with complementary perspectives—a collector/investor, a private dealer, and a senior auction house executive—who’ve worked together for more than 20 years. Across 1,000+ transactions worth hundreds of millions of dollars, their deep activity in under-the radar artists and movements has earned preferred early access and privileged sourcing.
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A private dealer for over 40 years, Michael, as a principal, has executed billions of dollars in art transactions and built an extensive global network of galleries, artists, advisors, and collectors.
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An investment professional and co-founder/CEO of a $25 billion alternative asset manager acquired by BlackRock, Jeff brings decades of art-market experience—applying his investment expertise to uncover inefficiencies and value opportunities.
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A senior Christie’s executive for 25 years—culminating as Executive Deputy Chairman and Head of Post-War & Contemporary Art, Americas—Barrett brings firsthand insights from structuring billions in purchases, sales, guarantees, and financing, alongside long-standing relationships with institutions and collectors worldwide.
IMAGE 2: Howardena Pindell, Monet Waterlillies #3, © Howardena Pindell. IMAGE 3: Friedel Dzubas, Self Portrait, 1961; Betryal, 1960; Monk, 1960, © 2025 Estate of Friedel Dzubas/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. IMAGE 4: Mark Tobey, Incantation, 1966, © Mark Tobey/Seattle Art Museum, ARS, New York.