Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • AMMpro
  • AMM Fantasy Collecting Game
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

The Politics of Basquiat Scholarship

June 27, 2017 by Marion Maneker

Chaédria LaBouvier raises an interesting conundrum surrounding Jean-Michel Basquiat’s art. In a piece in Apollo magazine ostensibly about the not-very-interesting (and hopelessly muddled) subject of whether a massive record price for Basquiat distorts the art historical estimation of his work, LaBouvier remarks upon the obstacles to good scholarship facing the art historian or cultural critic interested in Basquiat:

  • “In off-the-record conversations with senior museum curators and academics, a few have cited the politics and money around Basquiat as a reason for not seriously pursuing his work, or looking at it more critically. There is also a certain amount of academic (and press) territorialism around Basquiat that creates barriers where there should be collaboration.”

One might add to the list, the winnowing number of venues for academic writing about art. Nonetheless, LaBouvier goes on to remind us that Basquiat’s market has grown up without much museum support and in the absence of a strong and active foundation for the artist. 

High auction prices and scholarship  (Apollo Magazine)

More from Art Market Monitor

  • Souls on FairSouls on Fair
  • Christie’s Imp Mod Eve Sale = $140,773,500Christie’s Imp Mod Eve Sale = $140,773,500
  • Art In Extreme ElementsArt In Extreme Elements
  • The $11m Loophole or Why Bacon’s Freud Stopped in OregonThe $11m Loophole or Why Bacon’s Freud Stopped in Oregon
  • Lessons from a Grocer’s Son: Frum for CollectorsLessons from a Grocer’s Son: Frum for Collectors
  • Hundreds of Paintings Found in PolandHundreds of Paintings Found in Poland

Filed Under: Artists

About Marion Maneker

LiveArt

Want to get Art Market Monitor‘s posts sent to you in our email? Sign up below by clicking on the Subscribe button.

  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
California Privacy Rights
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Advertise on Art Market Monitor
 

Loading Comments...