See Larger Image

Buy Now!

In a series of beautifully paced narratives, Sarah Thornton investigates the drama of a Christie's auction, the workings in Takashi Murakami's studios, the elite at the Basel Art Fair, the eccentricities of Artforum magazine, the competition behind an important art prize, life in a notorious art-school seminar, and the wonderland of the Venice Biennale. She reveals the new dynamics of creativity, taste, status, money, and the search for meaning in life. A judicious and juicy account of the institutions that have the power to shape art history, based on hundreds of interviews with high-profile players, Thornton's entertaining ethnography will change the way you look at contemporary culture.

Average Rating:

Rating: - Arrived in perfect condition & earlier than promised
Book arrived in perfect condition, very well wrapped, and it arrived earlier than promised. Many thanks.

---

Rating: - Balanced insights into the art world
This book is an excellent introduction to the art world and its dynamics, and players. Sarah Thorton has applied, as she states, an ethnographic approach. This provides an opportuntiy to draw on the views of participants and present the diversity of opinions, while also bringing her own views of the industry drivers and dynamics. The references to the decisions of collectors, and how they approach ensuring ongoing value of their collections is well expressed. The subject of contemporary art, and ... Read More

---

Rating: - Interesting Read
Although I thoroughly enjoy Sara Thorton's approachable writing style, and her views on the art world, I couldn't help but feel that sometimes she was overly sarcastic or jaded about certain aspects. Her approach is second to none, and I found it incredibly intriguing how she viewed her material as an anthropologist or sociologist would, however I felt that some of it was misguided. Although I am really only familiar with the auction world, having interned for sometime at one of the top houses, I felt ... Read More

---

Rating: - Fine Picture of the Whole Art World
From the fringes, I have experienced some of what this book describes, so, I suspect the other scenarios are also accurate. This compelling narrative, in shooting significant detail from seven different angles, creates a coherent, dynamic picture. I tell everyone who asks me about the art world, "well, here's what I know; but, read Sarah Thornton's book."

---

Rating: - Excellent guide to today's wacky art world
This is, hands-down, the single best guide for outsiders to the inner life of the art world, from the fledgling artists hoping to make their mark to the affluent collectors and the dealers, curators and advisors who surround them.
Her structure is carefully chosen and works beautifully -- breaking the art world down into seven parts, each devoted to a specific group or dimension (the auction, the studio visit, the art fair, etc.), she sheds light on the characters and issues that arise in the context ... Read More