Kanye's childhood drawings now worth $3.1 million

Kanye West's early drawings and paintings, created as a teenager in Chicago, have surged in value to an estimated $3.1 million.

This was a dramatic increase from their $16,000 to $23,000 appraisal on Antiques Roadshow in 2021.

There is a drawing of his mother, Donda West, circa-1995 that is currently worth $335,000 as part of a five-piece collection. 

They were acquired subsequently by a Washington D.C.-based collector, Vinoda Basnayake.

However, the price of her purchase is not publicly disclosed, as part of a non-disclosure agreement.

In late 2025, Basnayake has the works reappraised according to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. 

The father of four had told Page Six that the original television valuation had failed to see the bigger picture by considering the pieces as a typical celebrity art.

He explained that rather than being regarded as the conclusion, the works were to be considered as the first chapter in the creative career of Kanye West.

Notaably, he became one of the best-selling music producer, musical artist, and fashion designer of a generation.

In 2022, he met with widespread backlash following a set of anti-Semitic comments, and brand deal collapse followed, including the termination of his Yeezy partnership with Adidas.

In London, his participation as a headliner also led to the cancellation of the Wireless Festival, with brands pulling out.