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The art machine: dynamics of a value generating mechanism for contemporary art

Victoria Rodner & Elaine Thomson

Arts and the Market (formerly Arts Marketing)2013https://doi.org/10.1108/20442081311327165article
ABDC C
Weight
0.74

What the paper says

Purpose – This paper aims to deconstruct the validation process for contemporary art with a fresh take on the components and terminology of this process, here referred to as the art machine. Design/methodology/approach – Existing literature is analysed and key theoretical aspects combined to support the theory that an art machine exists that may process contemporary art for legitimation, sustainability and market success. Findings – Roles played by art professionals and institutions within what is pioneered in this paper as the art machine frequently overlap. Opportunities for success are maximised when and if artists, art schools, galleries, critics, auction houses, museums and collectors manage to work in unison towards the common goal of optimal symbolic and financial value for the contemporary art market. Research limitations/implications – A clear and intelligible deconstruction of the art machine’s interacting components should enable interested agents in both established and emerging art markets to better operate mechanisms towards short-term marketing objectives and long-term sustainability within the highly competitive and fluid art environment. Originality/value – Existing literature recognises layered spheres of activity that may combine for success in an art market seeking increasing symbolic and financial value and sustainability. This article innovatively pictures the dynamic, interlocking mechanisms in this on-going, one-way process of turning inconspicuous raw materials into a valued end-product: this is the art machine.

42 citations

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/20442081311327165

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@article{victoria2013,
  title        = {{The art machine: dynamics of a value generating mechanism for contemporary art}},
  author       = {Victoria Rodner & Elaine Thomson},
  journal      = {Arts and the Market (formerly Arts Marketing)},
  year         = {2013},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/20442081311327165},
}

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The art machine: dynamics of a value generating mechanism for contemporary art

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Evidence weight

0.74

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact1.00 × 0.4 = 0.40
M · momentum0.78 × 0.15 = 0.12
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.