Introduction
Have you ever felt like an outsider in an art gallery, surrounded by people who seem to understand a secret visual language that eludes you? You're not alone. In her book "Get the Picture," Bianca Bosker takes readers on a journey through the complex and often mysterious world of contemporary art. As a reporter and former aspiring artist, Bosker set out to bridge the gap between her childhood passion for art and the alienating experience of entering galleries as an adult.
This book is not just about understanding art itself, but about uncovering the hidden mechanisms that drive the art world. From the creators to the collectors, from gallerists to curators, Bosker explores the intricate web of relationships and unspoken rules that govern this exclusive realm.
Through a series of firsthand experiences – including working in prestigious galleries, attending high-end art parties, and even participating in performance art – Bosker peels back the layers of mystique surrounding the art scene. Her journey reveals a world that is simultaneously fascinating, quirky, and at times, deeply troubling.
The Exclusive Nature of the Art World
One of the first things Bosker discovers is just how unwelcoming the art world can be to outsiders. It's an intricate social scene that seems designed to keep out those who lack the right connections, wealth, or cultural knowledge. This exclusivity is not accidental; it's a carefully cultivated aspect of the art world that serves to maintain its mystique and perceived value.
Bosker's attempts to infiltrate this world are met with resistance and secrecy. When she tells insiders about her plans to investigate the art scene, she encounters evasion and hostility. This only fuels her curiosity and determination to understand why the art world is so protective of its inner workings.
Over the course of five years, Bosker works in some of New York's most exclusive galleries, gaining an insider's perspective on the industry. What she uncovers is a world of extremes – extravagant wealth and creativity on one hand, and a dark underbelly of drugs, deceit, and questionable financial dealings on the other.
One of the most striking revelations is how art dealers often treat artworks as mere commodities. The artists themselves are frequently sidelined from the profits generated by their creations, highlighting a troubling disconnect between the creators and the business side of art.
The Unspoken Rules of the Art World
As Bosker delves deeper into the art scene, she begins to unravel the complex set of unspoken rules that govern behavior, appearance, and speech within this exclusive circle. These codes do more than just maintain an aesthetic; they serve as barriers that distinguish insiders from outsiders, the knowledgeable from the novices.
For example, Bosker learns that the way one dresses can vary significantly depending on the specific art scene. In Manhattan's Upper East Side, the look might be polished and sleek, while Brooklyn's art scene favors a more deliberately unkempt aesthetic. These fashion choices are not just about personal style; they're signals of belonging and cultural fluency.
The language used in the art world is another key element of this exclusive code. Bosker discovers that certain terms are favored over others, and that there's an entire vocabulary – often referred to as "artspeak" – that has evolved to discuss and describe art. This language, which can be dense and academic, serves as another barrier to entry for outsiders.
Even the way art is discussed reveals the priorities of the art world. Bosker notes that conversations often focus more on the context surrounding an artwork – the artist's education, connections, and exhibition history – rather than on the work itself. This emphasis on backstory and provenance underscores how much the art world values social and cultural capital.
The Business of Art
As Bosker gains more experience in the industry, she uncovers the complex economics that drive the art world. She learns that many successful artists don't actually profit from the sale of their work, especially when it comes to secondary market sales.
The story of Julie Curtiss, a talented young American artist, illustrates this problem. Curtiss saw one of her paintings sell at auction for $106,000, just two years after it had been sold for a mere $600. Despite this massive increase in value, Curtiss didn't see any of the profits from the auction sale.
This situation highlights a significant imbalance in the art market, where artists may struggle financially while others profit handsomely from their work. Some galleries try to protect their artists with anti-flipping clauses, but these often only cover the initial resale and not subsequent sales.
Bosker also discovers that the art world has a complicated relationship with commercial success. While galleries and dealers are in the business of selling art, there's a prevailing attitude that overt commercialism is distasteful. Artists who become too commercially successful too quickly may face backlash from critics and lose favor with the very people who initially championed their work.
The Gallery System
Bosker's experience working in galleries provides insight into how these spaces operate and the role they play in the art world. She learns that many high-end galleries in places like Manhattan are intentionally difficult to find and access. This inaccessibility is part of their allure, turning their exclusivity into a symbol of status.
Gallery owners often aren't interested in attracting casual visitors or "Joe Schmoes." Their primary goal is to sell art, but not to just anyone. The ideal buyers are those who can elevate an artist's work simply by owning it – people deeply embedded in the art scene, who own collections, sit on museum boards, or are considered influencers.
This selective approach to sales means that the process of buying art in these galleries isn't a straightforward commercial transaction. Potential buyers may find themselves on waitlists that never materialize into ownership unless they possess the necessary social stature. This gatekeeping ensures that art remains circumscribed within an echo chamber of cultural elites.
The Role of Collectors
Bosker's exploration of the art world also sheds light on the diverse motivations of art collectors. While some collectors are criticized for hoarding artworks in private collections, never to be seen by the public again, others play a more positive role as ethical patrons who actively support emerging artists and invest in their careers.
The impact of collectors on an artist's career can be significant. A purchase by a well-known collector can boost an artist's reputation and increase the value of their work. However, this system also contributes to the speculative nature of the art market, where artworks are sometimes treated more like financial assets than cultural objects.
The Artist's Perspective
Through her interactions with artists, Bosker gains insight into the challenges they face in navigating the art world. Many artists struggle with the tension between creating authentic work and meeting the demands of the market. They must balance their artistic vision with the need to make a living, all while navigating the complex social dynamics of the art scene.
Bosker's visits to artists' studios prove particularly enlightening. Observing artists at work, grappling with technical challenges and creative decisions, helps to demystify the artistic process. It underscores the idea that art is not just about innate talent or inspiration, but also about hard work, experimentation, and problem-solving.
Overcoming Art World Elitism
Despite the many barriers and exclusionary practices she encounters, Bosker ultimately finds ways to engage meaningfully with art. She discovers that genuine art appreciation can bypass the snobbery and elitism of the art world, focusing instead on direct engagement with the artwork itself.
One key insight is the importance of spending quality time with individual artworks. Rather than trying to see everything in a museum or gallery, Bosker suggests focusing on one or a few pieces that resonate personally. This approach allows for a deeper, more meaningful experience than a superficial glance at numerous works.
Another technique Bosker recommends is to challenge oneself to observe five specific details about a piece of art. These observations don't need to be profound or complex – they can focus on sensory impressions or emotional responses. This method encourages thoughtful consideration of the artist's choices and can help viewers connect more deeply with the artwork.
Expanding Perceptions of Beauty
Through her immersion in the art world, Bosker finds that her perceptions of beauty are expanded and redefined. She learns to appreciate not just what's traditionally beautiful, but also moments that challenge expectations and provoke thought or emotion, even if they're uncomfortable.
This broadening of aesthetic appreciation extends beyond the confines of galleries and museums. Bosker encourages readers to seek out art in less conventional places, such as art schools or small local galleries. These venues often provide a fresher, less curated perspective on artistic expression, bringing viewers closer to the raw creativity of artists.
The Value of Art in Society
Despite the many problematic aspects of the art world that Bosker uncovers, her journey ultimately affirms the value of art in society. Art serves as a mirror to our culture, challenging our perceptions, provoking thought, and opening up new ways of seeing the world.
Bosker's experiences highlight how art can bridge divides and create connections between people from different backgrounds. Even as the art world maintains its exclusivity, individual artworks have the power to speak directly to viewers, transcending social and cultural barriers.
The Future of the Art World
As Bosker concludes her exploration, she reflects on the potential for change within the art world. While the entrenched systems of exclusivity and elitism are deeply rooted, there are signs of movement towards greater accessibility and diversity.
The rise of digital platforms and social media has created new avenues for artists to showcase their work and connect directly with audiences. This has the potential to disrupt traditional gatekeeping mechanisms and democratize access to art.
Additionally, there's growing awareness and criticism of the art world's lack of diversity and inclusion. Many institutions are facing pressure to address these issues, potentially leading to more representative and inclusive spaces in the future.
Conclusion
"Get the Picture" offers a fascinating and eye-opening journey through the complex world of contemporary art. Bianca Bosker's personal quest to understand and reconnect with art serves as a relatable entry point for readers who may feel alienated or intimidated by the art world.
Through her experiences, Bosker reveals the often hidden mechanisms that drive the art market, from the power dynamics between galleries, collectors, and artists, to the unspoken codes that govern behavior and taste. She exposes both the allure and the problematic aspects of this exclusive world, challenging readers to think critically about how art is valued, sold, and experienced in our society.
Ultimately, Bosker's journey demonstrates that while the art world can be exclusionary and elitist, the power of art itself transcends these barriers. She encourages readers to engage with art on their own terms, to trust their own responses, and to seek out meaningful experiences with creativity in all its forms.
The book serves as both a critique of the art world's exclusivity and a celebration of art's capacity to enrich our lives and expand our perceptions. It challenges us to look beyond the hype and market dynamics to find personal connections with art, whether in prestigious galleries or unexpected corners of our communities.
For anyone who has ever felt intimidated by the art world, "Get the Picture" offers a roadmap to navigate its complexities and a reminder that art, at its core, is about human expression and connection. It invites readers to embark on their own journey of discovery, armed with new insights and the confidence to engage with art on their own terms.
In the end, Bosker's exploration reveals that while the art world may often seem designed to keep people out, the art itself has the power to draw us in, challenge our perceptions, and enrich our understanding of the world around us. It's a reminder that despite the barriers and exclusivity, art remains a powerful force for personal and cultural transformation – one that is ultimately accessible to anyone willing to look, think, and feel deeply.