The Art Fair Story: A Rollercoaster Ride

by Melanie Gerlis

In just half a century of growth, the art fair industry has transformed the art market. Now, for the first time, art market journalist Melanie Gerlis tells the story of art fairs' rapid ascent and reflects on their uncertain future. From the first post-war European art fairs built on the imperial 19th-century model of the International Exhibitions, to the global art fairs of the 21st century and their new online manifestations, it's a tale of many twists and turns. The book brings to life the people, places, and philosophies that enabled art fairs to take root, examines the pivotal market periods when they flourished, and maps where they might go in a much-changed world.

Genres: Art

104 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2022

Reviews

[Eero · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview, but lacking in-depth analysis of the political factors behind economic shifts, as well as business psychology. Overall, still fine as an introduction to the recent history of one century of art fairs.

[Wambsgans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining take on the big money international art market. Author speaks to the key players and so gets 'I was there' insights to back up her lucid analysis