Talking Prices is the second offering from Olav Velthuis an assistant professor of sociology and anthropology at the university of Amsterdam. His research is unprecedented and sheds light on the forces that govern a market that even baffles those who are firmly embedded within it.
Through interviews with dealers, collectors, artists and other art world types from Amsterdam and New York Velthuis exposes the inner workings of an otherwise private community and succeeds in explaining almost anything that you would want to know about the contemporary art market whether it be why a pickled shark can fetch over $10 million at auction or why dealers insist on providing expensive champagne at their frequent exhibition openings.
All in all Velhuis delivers an interesting account of how the art market differs from traditional economies and combines engaging writing with a series of interesting anecdotes, facts and figures. As someone interested in pursuing a career in such a field, Talking Prices provided me with a greater understanding of a industry where products sell for record prices, yet price tags are virtually invisible.
An essential book for anyone with an interest in contemporary art, artists or budding dealers alike.
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