57 minutes / Color
English / English subtitles
Release: 2014
Copyright: 2014
Despite the financial crisis, prices for contemporary art are going through the roof. The auctions at Christie's and Sotheby's are breaking record after record. The Internet, the growing number of (mega) rich people and globalization have changed the art market beyond recognition. Has contemporary art become a commodity in the hands of the super rich private collectors?
This film investivates the ins and outs of the soaring art market and the consequences for artists, dealers, museums and for art history.
Featuring artists Jeff Koons, Chuck Close and Adrian Ghenie, top collectors Michael Hort, Thomas Olbricht and Martin Z. Marguiles, and former Christie's NY Chairman Amy Cappellazzo.
"A shining example of how to present a complex topic—the multifaceted relation between art, money, and the dynamics that link them—in a lucid and comprehensive manner."—Cineaste Magazine
"Question[s] the incestuous nature of the price of art and the various interests who control the market, as well as raises questions about the transient nature of the current market and the consequence for artists who are judged by how much money they make."—Educational Media Reviews Online
“A compelling portrait of a very real phenomenon in the contemporary art world.” —Video Librarian
Select Accolades
A powerful portrait of Africa's most widely acclaimed contemporary artist El Anatsui.
Susan Vogel | 2011 | 53 minutes | Color | English
Explores the artist's work and philosophy, using extensive interviews and documentation of artwork installed around the world.
Chris Teerink | 2014 | 72 minutes | Color | Dutch; Italian | English subtitles
