Book 51 - Sarah Thornton "Seven Days In The Art World"

[jazzy_dave]

Sarah Thornton "Seven Days In The Art World" (Granta Books)




This is a look at the world of contemporary art by ethnographic researcher Sarah Thornton. Each "day" comprises a long article about an aspect of the art world. I found it to be fascinating and surprising.

The book opens with an auction at Christie's, in which one's importance is indicated by where one is allowed to sit. This was a good opening for the book, illustrating how much art is just another plaything of the very wealthy. In subsequent chapters, Thornton looks at a class at CalArts in which students present their work for peer critiques; Art Basel, a Swiss art fair in which galleries have booths and do much of their year's sales; the announcement of the Turner Prize, a British art award which is as much a sign of prestige for artists as the Booker prize is for writers; ArtForum magazine; Japanese artist Takashi Murakami's various studios, in which his work is carried out by other artists and where marketing opportunities are pursued and, finally, the Venice Biennale, an international event for contemporary art.

Even as art itself is a constantly changing thing, how art is created, marketed, sold and resold hasn't changed. The most successful artists are as concerned for securing patronage and in marketing their image as they were in Renaissance Italy. And people have always bought art and, with their choices, indicated both their taste and wealth. If you have an interest in the subject, this is an excellent look at a world hidden from people who visit an art museum or gallery.

Comments

[a-phoenixdragon.livejournal.com]

*HUGS*

[ravena-kade.livejournal.com]

I will have to look for this book.

[thespian15.livejournal.com]

That is a disturbing cover picture. :o

A very interesting intro for the book.
Do they list a who's who?
Hugs, Jon

[davesmusictank.livejournal.com]

The book is nor a who-who list , it is an exploration of the vagaries of the art world by an ethnologist. She mentions that such a who who;s list does seem to pervade Art Forum, in the chapter n Magazines,

[thespian15.livejournal.com]

Now I am curious who is who. Old money? New money? lol.....

[davesmusictank.livejournal.com]

The art world according to Sarah is pervaded bu=y both. The old money of bankers and financiers and the new money of celebs, reality stars and yuppie wannabees.

[thespian15.livejournal.com]

A big UGH to "new" money. :o

[evilzerg-r.livejournal.com]

the rest part of the stuffed horse head on the wall.