Modern art from the Fluxus school highlights Roland Auctioneers & Valuers' auction in New York on January 7.

An exceptional collection of paintings, works on paper, photography and sculpture will feature, from Fluxus artists including Paula Scher, Jonas Mekas, George Maciunas, Peter Tunney, Saul Chase, Ken Friedman, Ken Jacobs and Picasso Gaglione.

Within the collection are hand-pulled silkscreens, a Mekas signed film still of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, estimated at $3,000, and a Scher US map, valued at $800.

The Fluxus school, which came to the fore in the 1960's, is a global group of avant-garde artists and musicians. It takes much of its inspiration from Dadaism.

Fluxus artist Paula Scher's US map

The contemporary art market made great strides in 2011.

US-based art adviser Mary Hoeveler recently told Bloomberg that buyers are "migrating to the contemporary market from other more traditional art collecting fields.

"Demand for contemporary art has increased exponentially," the former Christie's executive added.

Yet for all its growing value, contemporary art still provides entry-level collectors with items of real interest and potential value in years to come.

Spotting emerging artists of real calibre before they hit the big time is among the most satisfying aspects of collecting contemporary art.

So while you may not have heard of Matthew Lindop, he could be the best investment you ever make.

The Roland auction will also feature a strong array of furniture, including a collection of German Biedemeier pieces, as well as silver, jewellery and Asian decorative arts.

Paul Fraser Collectibles will bring you the highlights from the sale next week.