Comments on: Buying art? … the fear to buy what you don’t understand.

By: Blogroll « Musings on Photography

Blogroll « Musings on Photography — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:05:12 +0000

[...] Buying art? … the fear to buy what you don’t understand. on Miguel Garcia-Guzman’s [EV +/-] Exposure Compensation. Posted in Blogroll | [...]

By: Brian Carlson

Brian Carlson — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:54:24 +0000

This is exactly the reason I am not fond of being called an “Artist.” Photographer is fine with me. Artist brings to mind snobby upper class elitist. It makes me uncomfortable, like I can’t relate to the every day person. Does anyone else feel this?

By: Ben Hider

Ben Hider — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 19:25:16 +0000

Patrick Mimran said it best in his most recent billboard in Chelsea “Never buy a work of art you could have made yourself”

By: Miguel

Miguel — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 16:32:09 +0000

Very well said Jacob. I fully agree …

Miguel

By: Jacob Pritchard

Jacob Pritchard — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 23:52:14 +0000

It strikes me that many galleries perpetuate the elitism and condescension because of the belief (wrong or right), that it allows them to retain their status as the expert. For the buyer looking at the purchase as an investment, this works in their favor as well. When a small group of people defines what holds value, it’s easier to trust that the small pool of work that they approve of will be a sound financial investment.

In comparison to luxury clothes or cars, much more of the value in art is derived from it’s scarcity. Sitting at the top of the pyramid are the buyers and sellers who have done quite well in a system that alienates a large group of potential art buyers. Most of those who are currently responsible for selling high end art are stuck in a paradigm in which reaching out and catering to a broader market would work against a system that has worked very much to their advantage in the past.

By: Miguel

Miguel — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 05:23:37 +0000

However, when have you ever felt this sort of connection when looking at art in a sterile gallery?

You are so right … somehow the elegant and sterile nature of galleries detracts the “organic and emotional” side of art.

Miguel

By: Daniel Sroka

Daniel Sroka — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 01:40:59 +0000

Maybe this is why so many artists seem to do most of their sales during an open studio. It brings the audience into direct contact to the messy complexity or art creation. Art is not some lofty elite activity, it is crazy, complex, fascinating, and engaging. When you see art, smell it, and taste it, you understand, and maybe are willing to pay for it. However, when have you ever felt this sort of connection when looking at art in a sterile gallery?