In her book “High Price – Art between the Market and Celebrity Culture”, the author Isabelle Graw analyzes and describes the relationship between symbol and market value of a work of art. Are they totally exposed or totally dependent; do they only affect themselves or do they even strive apart? All these considerations were discussed step by step and underlined by examples under various headings and contexts. She takes a look both at the art market, as well as on the goods, respectively economic market, and puts this into the context of today's existing Celebrity culture. From her words, it becomes clear that the art business, which was formerly organized according to the principle of "retail", is undergoing a major change.
Deutsche Version
In ihrem Buch „Der große Preis – Kunst zwischen Markt und Celebrity Kultur“ analysiert und beschreibt die Autorin Isabelle Graw, in welchem Verhältnis Symbol- und Marktwert eines Kunstwerkes zueinanderstehen. Sind sie völlig unabhängig voneinander oder doch total abhängig; beeinflussen sie sich nur oder streben sie gar voneinander weg? All diese Überlegungen diskutiert sie Schritt für Schritt und anhand von Beispielen unter verschiedenen Überschriften und Kontexten. Sie wirft einen Blick sowohl auf den Kunstmarkt, als auch auf den Waren- bzw. Wirtschaftsmarkt und setzt diese in den Kontext der heutig bestehenden Celebrity Kultur. Aus ihren Worten wird deutlich, dass der Kunstbetrieb, der ehemals nach dem Prinzip eines „Einzelhandels“ organisiert war, einen starken Wandel durchläuft. Da Graw Bezug zur Vergangenheit nimmt, die auch die heutige Zeit mitgeprägt hat, und zugleich aber auch Ereignisse, Meinungen und Themen aus der aktuellen Zeit miteinbezieht, um die Frage nach dem Verhältnis von Symbol- und Marktwert zu beantworten, verbindet sie Theoriebildung und Gegenwartsdiagnostik, was den brisanten Charakter des Buches attestiert.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- High Price
- Art Between the Market and Celebrity Culture
- The Symbolic Value
- Art as a Commodity
- The Art Market
- Celebrity Culture
- Branding
- Price and Pricelessness
- The Role of Trust
- Symbolic Value and Market Value
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay examines the relationship between the symbolic and market value of artwork, particularly within the context of contemporary celebrity culture. It analyzes how the art market has evolved and how it interacts with the broader economic market.
- The interdependence of art and the market
- The symbolic value of art and its relationship to market value
- The role of celebrity culture in shaping the value of art and luxury goods
- The impact of branding on the perception and pricing of goods
- The concept of price and pricelessness in relation to art and luxury items
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- The Symbolic Value: This chapter explores the historical development and significance of the symbolic value attributed to artwork, emphasizing its unique position within society. It discusses how this symbolic value is intertwined with the market value.
- Art as a Commodity: This section examines how art, while not entirely dominated by market forces, is nevertheless subject to economic considerations. It explores the inherent tension between the artistic and commercial aspects of art, highlighting the importance of market integration.
- The Art Market: This chapter analyzes the various actors involved in the art market, including artists, dealers, auctioneers, and collectors. It explores how the market's dynamics influence the value of artwork, examining the relationship between visual representation and meaning-production.
- Celebrity Culture: This section delves into the impact of celebrity culture on art and luxury goods. It explores how celebrities, influencers, and the pursuit of self-optimization influence the perception and desirability of these items, contributing to their market value.
- Branding: This chapter discusses the role of branding in establishing high prices for luxury items. It explores how brands, similar to art, create a symbolic value that justifies their premium pricing.
- Price and Pricelessness: This section examines the tension between the monetary value of art and its intrinsic, symbolic value. It discusses how the price of artwork is often used as a proxy for its artistic merit, although a direct correlation is not always accurate.
- The Role of Trust: This chapter explores the importance of trust in the art market and the broader economic system. It examines how trust, even in the absence of intrinsic value, drives market dynamics and influences price.
- Symbolic Value and Market Value: This section analyzes how the symbolic value of art can be influenced by market forces, but not entirely reduced to economic categories. It discusses how the historical, social, and personal contexts surrounding a work of art contribute to its value.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The primary themes and concepts explored in this essay include: symbolic value, market value, art as a commodity, celebrity culture, branding, price and pricelessness, trust, and the interdependence of art and the market.
- Quote paper
- Lisa Schulz (Author), 2017, High Price. Art between the Market and Celebrity Culture, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/429277
