Architecture of the Contemporary Art Market

Vincent Anthony Falkiewicz

Erica Gilbert-Levin  

Kimberly Ann Phoenix  

It is interesting that art dealers do not want to view themselves as businessman.  That somehow because they make money at what they do, the shear act of a monetary transaction cheapens the art.  Is it really so different from a clothing designer wanting to sell their clothing or a theatre selling tickets to the latest performance?  .Most people do a job because at some level they love what they are doing, artists are no different.  The love of painting, photography, or any other form of art should be shared and if someone wants to pay money for it great.  The idea of a Gallery having to separate the viewing from the buying seems a bit pretentious.  But the practice is alive and well, I found one here in New York City, the Silverman Gallery.  They have two galleries on 24^th street ground level were exhibits are held and one on 20^th 3^rd floor for smaller exhibits and open by appointment only.  This is the statement regarding the 24^th street space "The Bruce Silverstein Gallery's main location is a 5000 sft. street level exhibition space in the heart of the Chelsea Art District.  The gallery maintains an in-depth inventory of masterworks of the photographic medium and promotes long-standing relationships with museums, private collectors, art consultants and corporations from around the world. "We welcome both experienced and new collectors" (http://www.brucesilverstein.com/gallery.php).  The description of the 20^th street space "Contemporary works on display in the private viewing rooms are viewable upon appointment." (http://www.brucesilverstein.com/gallery.php)  Art is sold and people make money, most people know this fact, the idea that it needs to happen away from the public eye is interesting.  An artist needs to make a living and it selling what they are good at should be a place of pride.

24^th street gallery

20^th street 3^rd floor gallery

             The other part of this relationship is that between the gallery and an artist.  The Silverman Gallery has such a relationship with Randy West.  On his website it states that he is represented by the Silverman.  The Silverman Gallery has held several solo shows of his work.  There is a current showing of his work until September 2011.  Of course there is no way of knowing if there is a financial relationship that extends beyond the selling of work but given the history of the gallery/artist relationship there just might be. 

Tethered #1

Randy West