Although, thanks to digitalization, many consider magazines, websites, and newspapers to be the primary sources of information, books play a key role. Despite requiring more time, they offer a space for deep and reflective learning.
That is why, from ARTEPRENEUR, we share three book recommendations for you to add to your reading list.
‘¿Inversión o pasión?’ by María Sancho Arroyo
In 2019, a table that an elderly woman had forgotten in her Paris kitchen was sold at auction for 24 million euros. The woman spent years unaware that the seemingly insignificant piece of wood, now displayed at the Louvre Museum, was actually The Mocking of Christ by the Italian painter Cimabue. Of course, it is not common to find such a treasure in a kitchen, but this case is a fascinating example of the importance of knowing, valuing, and dedicating time to art.
“¿Inversión o pasión?” entertainingly dissects the sales channels, the secrets of appraisal, the interactions between museums and the market, and the possibilities of art as an investment accessible to all budgets. It also aims to provide “the essential tools to maneuver skillfully in the art market and ensure that each acquisition is not only gratifying but also adds value and satisfaction to your experience as a collector.”
‘Management of Art Galleries’ by Magnus Resch (Phaidon)
This is the latest edition of the bestselling guide for managing a successful art gallery, narrated by Magnus Resch and featuring perspectives from experts with profound knowledge of the art world.
What makes an art gallery successful? How do galleries ensure their marketing is on point? What is the best way to reach new markets and clients while not neglecting loyal customers? Based on an anonymous survey sent to more than 8,000 galleries in the U.S., U.K., and Germany, Magnus Resch’s insightful analysis of the art sales business, recently updated and revised, is a captivating read, both aspirational and practical.
‘Seven Days in the Art World’ by Sarah Thornton
Since the 1980s, art has become the quintessential cultural movement. Several generations of artists have contributed to this, but that is not enough to explain its prominent place. At the same time, a market that was already developed grew and multiplied several times, creating a microcosm with its own laws, legendary personalities, and paradigm-shifting events.
This book, already translated into ten languages, meticulously detailed and astoundingly well-informed, is the result of several years of research and travels across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Thornton opens the doors to this secret universe and reveals both its grandeur and its excesses. With vibrant prose and a sharp analytical ability, she can detect what lies behind the frivolity and authoritatively point to the best artists of our time.
In a constantly changing world, where information flows at great speed, dedicating time to reflective reading can make a difference in our understanding and appreciation of art and its market. The books we have shared are not only sources of profound knowledge but also tools to enrich your critical and professional perspective.
Whether you seek to understand the secrets of appraisal, the keys to success in gallery management, or immerse yourself in the fascinating world of contemporary art, these recommendations are an excellent starting point to expand your horizons.
From ARTEPRENEUR, we encourage you to explore these readings and continue nurturing your passion for art with curiosity and intention.