The concept of "Art for art's sake" is a philosophy that emphasizes the intrinsic value of art as an end in itself, rather than serving a didactic, moral, or utilitarian purpose. This idea became popular in the 19th century and advocates that art should exist purely for its own beauty, expression, and creative exploration, without being constrained by societal, political, or moral considerations. According to this view, art should be free from any external agenda or message, allowing artists the freedom to express themselves without having to conform to specific societal expectations or moral standards.
The Art for Art's sake seminar aims to explore the concept of value in art and artists. We'll discuss different definitions of value, its perception in the art industry, and how it differs for artists. We'll also look at the differences in how we value art and artists within society. For example, in Ireland, artists don't pay tax because they place more value on the cultural significance of the artist. In Japan, there is no differentiation between art and craft, and "national living treasures" are named to assign value.
Candace Worth believes that the real worth of art is determined by what people are willing to pay for it. Nowadays, fewer individuals visit galleries to purchase or admire art as an investment. Instead, there seems to be a widespread belief that the value of a piece is determined by a certain "love percentage."
Art can be a difficult industry to navigate. Does the monetary value of something dictate whether it is good or not? Desirability, market value, and other factors can also come into play.
The Green Manifesto did not prioritize artists because their work does not relate directly to survival. However, it is unclear what the manifesto says about artists now.
Saatchi and Saatchi is an advertising and promotions firm that specializes in promoting young British artists. They are able to receive and offer tax deductions for their clients and are known for their ability to deal with small groups of artists at a time, particularly high flyers in the contemporary industry.
When it comes to marketing, it's essential to consider the amount of control you're willing to give up to a gallery. Galleries are known for their ability to sell artwork at high prices, but it's important to weigh the benefits against the potential loss of control. It is also essential to manage all contracts and finances correctly to ensure you get the best deal or monetary value.
As an artist, you have the option of working like a plumber and charging a set price for your work, or you can try to get as much as possible for it. Additionally, the value of your work can increase as you get older, due to its rarity and market value.
Sotheby's or Christie's have an established appraisal system to value the artwork:
Rarity
Quality
Fashion/Trend/Theme
Authenticity (Signature/Maker's Mark)
Provenance (paper chase)
Medium
Condition
Historical Significance
Scale/Size
Subject Matter
We can use a similar system to establish the value of the Artist themselves.
Quality of the item
Marketing
Success
Consumer Education (having an understanding of the skills needed to create the art)
Self-Belief/Confidence
Integrity
Professionalism
Public Support/Patronage
Government Support - grants early on make more later likely (Crafts council has national register)
Subject Matter
Corporate Support (other businesses)
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