by artweb
Art dealers often get a bad rap. Artists grumble about the hefty cut dealers take from every sale, while art buyers and collectors complain about the high prices. Even within their own ranks, dealers sometimes harbor disdain for one another. But are art dealers merely middlemen who inflate prices and siphon off profits? Or do they play a more significant role in the art ecosystem? Let’s take a closer look.
"I buy art without ever setting foot in a gallery," you might say. "Why should I waste money on gallery commissions? I know my tastes, how to spot a good investment, and what to pay, all without any dealer's advice."
Of course, you do. You immerse yourself in art, spending countless hours every day studying, researching, and discussing it. You read every relevant publication, attend exhibitions, visit museums, and engage with other collectors and art professionals. You've honed your eye over years of looking at art, making fine distinctions in quality, and understanding market trends.
You're well-versed in both retail and wholesale aspects of the art market. You keep tabs on galleries and auction houses globally, know who's exhibiting what, and at what prices. You can identify quality art at fair prices, distinguish bargains from subpar works, and recognize fakes and scams. When you find art you like, you know the right questions to ask and understand the financial implications of your purchases.
You have a knack for spotting emerging talent and understanding groundbreaking art. You can differentiate between trendsetters and fleeting phenomena, and you inspect art for structural integrity and longevity. You can assess an artist's body of work and select pieces that best represent their skills and vision.
"Exactly," you say. "Why should I pay gallery prices when I can find art bargains elsewhere? Just last month, I picked up a supposed Misheck Masamvu or a Moffat Takadiwa for a fraction of its value."
"I’m an artist," you argue. "I pour my soul into my work and don't need a dealer taking a large cut of my earnings. I can sell my art myself."
True, you might have a great space to showcase your work, perfectly located with good traffic and lighting. You're comfortable networking with potential buyers, know how to speak their language, and can discuss art and money without hesitation. You can sense when a buyer is ready to purchase and know how to close the deal.
Just like art dealers, you constantly evaluate art, interact with fellow artists, and stay informed about market trends. You meticulously prepare your work for public viewing, ensuring it meets your high standards and can withstand scrutiny. You invest significant time and money to promote your art and build a network that appreciates and buys your work. You face critiques and opinions from all sides but remain steadfast in your belief in your art.
So, why do art dealers matter? Particularly in Zimbabwe, where emerging dealers like Vongai Sibanda of ABAM, Richard Mudariki of artHARARE, Gina Maxim of Village Unhu and Peter Kaunda of Artillery are making waves, the role of art dealers extends far beyond sales. They are curators, mentors, and advocates who introduce new talent to the market and educate collectors. Almost all have been pivotal in promoting Zimbabwean artists, providing them with exposure and opportunities both locally and internationally.
Art dealers possess the expertise to identify and nurture talent, allowing artists to focus on their creative work while managing the business side. They bridge the gap between artists and collectors, presenting art in a compelling way that resonates with buyers. In Zimbabwe’s growing art market, strong advocates like Sibanda, Mudariki, Kaunda and Maxim are essential to highlight the value of local art and ensure it gains global recognition.
In essence, while it’s easy to criticize art dealers for their commissions, their contributions are vital. They bring structure, credibility, and visibility to the art market, supporting artists and educating collectors. Emerging dealers are transforming Zimbabwe’s art scene, ensuring that the country’s art gets the recognition it deserves. So, before dismissing the role of art dealers, consider the indispensable services they provide to the art world.
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