Interior of front space of Chelsea art gallery exhibiting Andy Warhol prints.
DAY 7 Today is Thursday, June 9th and we begin our study of the contemporary art market with Olav Velthuis' Talking Prices: the Symbolic Meaning of Prices on the Market for Contemporary Art. Read the
introduction, chapters one and two. What are some of the factors that support the architecture of the art market? Consider the spaces for the sale and exhibition of art; the cultural value of art; the symbolic value of
art and the players and/or playing fields involved in setting the prices for contemporary art. In your response, choose a specific example of a particular aspect of the architecture of the art market (i.e. the gallery
spaces used for selling art that the author discusses – front room, back room, etc.; the auction house; or the different kinds of galleries – traditional, contemporary, etc.) or a theoretical aspect of the market and/or
pricing and valuation (i.e. "hostile worlds" viewpoint) to further elucidate your point. Include images or links to support your response. You might even consider reporting on a gallery you know in the city or town that
you know best!
Readings
Selected chapters from Olav Velthius, Talking Prices: Symbolic Meanings of Prices on the Market for Contemporary Art (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2007
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