Mail & Guardian | Melvyn Minnaar:
The rapid growth of “art fairs” globally could either be the upside or downside of the future of the art industry, writes Melvyn Minnaar.
Gallerists never talk about money. Not in public anyway. In their swanky showrooms these days, prices aren’t even mentioned on the exhibition list. Backroom deals are the business.
The rapid international growth industry of “art fairs” is the upside (for those in the money) or the downside (for genuine creativity). (Lisa Skinner)
The rituals of today’s art trade often suggest to the naive art-lover the maxim “if you have to ask the price, you can’t afford it”. The implication is obvious: artwork ownership belongs to those with the bucks.
It’s a sad state of affairs but, culturally, also a dangerous one and the rapid international growth industry of “art fairs” is the upside (for those in the money) or the downside (for genuine creativity)…
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