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Quote by Sarah Thornton

“(...) contemporary art has become a kind of alternative religion for atheists. (...) For many art world insiders and art aficionados of other kinds, concept-driven art is a kind of existencial channel through which they bring meaning to their lives. It demands leaps of faith, but it rewards the believer with a sense of consequence. Moreover, just as churches and other ritualistic meeting places serve a social function, so art events generate a sense of community around shared interests”

Author

Sarah Thornton

Sarah Thornton (born 1965) is a Canadian-British writer, sociologist, and art critic. She is best known for her incisive investigations into the contemporary art world, blending sociological analysis with vivid narrative. Her bestselling book Seven Days in the Art World (2008) offers a behind-the-scenes look at auctions, biennales, and artist studios, becoming a key text for understanding art market dynamics. She has written for The Economist, The Guardian, and Artforum, and taught at Goldsmiths, University of London. Thornton's work demystifies the art world for general readers while maintaining academic rigor. more

“Despite its self-regard, and much like a society of devout followers, the art world relies on consensus as heavily as it depends on individual analysis or critical thinking. Althought the art world reveres the unconventional, it is rife with conformity. Artists make works that "looks like art" and behave in ways that enhance stereotypes. (...) Originality is not always rewarded, but some people take real risks and innovate, which gives a raison d'être to the rest”