Art Market Gossip

Saturday, 17^th January 2009

ARTNET GOSSIP (Global)
Art market doldrums: Almost 25 galleries have pulled out of ARCO, a birdie says, and other upcoming art shows are sending out plenty of "wait list" letters, so they'll be sure to have enough applicants to fill any suddenly vacant spots. Spain's big art fair kicks off Feb. 11-16, 2009. . . "Sales" were okay at Art Basel Miami Beach and other fairs in December, but collecting the money is turning out to be harder than usual. "Sales are one thing," said one dealer, wryly. "Getting paid is another."
Artnet - New York,NY,USA

High returns for high art are swept away (London, UK)
This is not economising as most people would recognise it. Once-in-a-generation works can still expect to command spectacular prices. Sotheby's have a Degas bronze of a ballet dancer estimated at £9million to £12 million, Christie's a Monet at £15million. Jussi Pylkkanen, Christie's European president, said: "The art market has never been directly comparable to the global economy. Many of our clients who buy major pictures live in a slightly different world and while some have been affected by the downturn others haven't."
Times Online - UK

Weighing Andrew Wyeth (New York, US)
Most people -- critics included -- look at paintings and see reputations. Andrew Wyeth disappeared behind his reputation many years ago, and since then it has been all but impossible to sweep away the haze of words that hides his paintings from view. Pay a visit to New York's Museum of Modern Art and look at "Christina's World," his best-known canvas, and what do you see?
Wall Street Journal - USA