by Leslie Thompson | 16 April 2010 | Books
Although not a recent publication (2003), Richard Polsky’s I Bought Andy Warhol is worth a read. As someone who normally focuses more on the museum side of the art world, I enjoyed this insider’s take of the contemporary art market. While his chief pursuit centers on the prolific work of Warhol, Polsky enlightens us “outsiders” more generally on the world of art dealers. Readers learn not only the basic procedures of art auctions and challenges in landing deals, but also encounter the many personalities and characters of the dealers and collectors with whom Polsky interacts. No surprise, money is the theme of this narrative (which makes me cringe).
While a large sum of museums’ collections comprise of gifts from private collectors, I’m curious about the extent to which museums play the art market.
In the attached link you can listen to Kai Ryssdal interview Richard Polsky. It’s very interesting approaching art a price rather than an experience.
http://www.polskyart.com/welcome.html