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Quote by Sarah Thornton

“Although the art world reveres the unconventional, it is rife with conformity. Artists make work that "looks like art" and behave in ways that enhance stereotypes. Curators pander to the expectations of their peers and their museum boards. Collectors run in herds to buy work by a handful of fashionable painters. Critics stick their finger in the air to see which way the wind is blowing so as to "get it right". Originality is not always rewarded, but some people take real risks and innovate, which gives a raison d'être to the rest.”

Quote by Sarah Thornton

Work

Seven Days In The Art World

This book offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the art world, detailing the activities and interactions of various individuals involved in the art industry during a single week. more

Author

Sarah Thornton
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

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