Why does abstract art sell for as much as figurative art?
Casper asked this question on the artcone forums: This has always puzzled me. Why does abstract art sell for as much as, or more than, figurative art?
Whenever I go into an art gallery or art auction I’m always blown away by the price tag put on the abstract art there. Much of the work is very simple, so much so that someone just starting out with art could have created it.
As an illustrator I’ve had to spend literally thousands of hours practicing to get my skills where they are today. I find it disheartening to see abstract pieces selling for as much (or more) than pieces which obviously have years of effort and dedication behind them. I feel it cheapens the artist’s efforts to consider their work as equal.
Is that wrong? Why is abstract art not cheaper?
3 Responses to “Why does abstract art sell for as much as figurative art?”
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Kara
September 10th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
some abstract art is crap. some figurative art is crap. both kinds of crap should be worth the same. some abstract art is wonderful. some figurative art is wonderful. both kinds of wonderful art should be worth the same. all good art has a lot of experience behind it. most famous abstract artists started out as figurative artists, and some were very good at it. skill is only one thing an artist needs. skill of itself is not art. nor is effort, or dedication.
Erin
September 10th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
Number 1. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I didn’t used to have the ability to appreciate abstract art and some to me is still garbage and a sham. I believe abstract art is more about feeling than it is technical skill. You might want to try your hand at it some day……..it feels good to paint it. Also, when you look at something like….oh let’s pull one out of the air here………..Thomas Kincade. You look at it, and you see what he painted – there is no argument as to what it is. With abstract you can only imagine what the artist may have been trying to convey. It can trigger emotions much more readily than something that obviously is what it is. They are just totally different. Yes, illustrative art requires a great deal more skill and time. But, as with any comodity, it is whatever the market will bear. Plus there is no accounting for choice and taste. Once again……..might I suggest you give abstract a shot. It is totally freeing……..no plan…….just go. I love to do it whether it is mixed media collage, pastels or acrylics, it just feels good and believe it or not, sometimes it is truly beautiful!
Just my two cents!
Judi Foster
Lenny
September 10th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
Interesting question…I think part of the blame lies with the consumers of the art itself. Abstract art is seen as much more fashionable than figurative, more traditional style painting. So the yuppies are willing to pay much more! Even the Academies, traditionally a sort of Mecca for all aspiring artists, have become omewhat dated over the years.
Also, just because there is obviously years of dedication behind some of these figurative works, it doesn’t necessarily mean that there is little effort in abstract works – just that it is less obvious.
I have to say, however, that some of the stuff nowadays is tripe, to put it politely. Many of the winners of the Turner Prize are so worthless it’s unbelievable…