Book Club: "Seven Days in the Art World" by Sarah Thornton

Step behind the velvet ropes and into the fascinating, often secretive world of contemporary art with Sarah Thornton's acclaimed ethnographic study. Over the course of "seven days," Thornton takes readers through an art auction at Christie's, into artists' studios, behind the scenes at Art Basel, through the Venice Biennale, and into the inner workings of art magazines and prestigious awards.

Part investigative journalism, part cultural anthropology, this book reveals how art is made, marketed, valued, and validated in the 21st century. Thornton's sharp observations and witty prose illuminate the social rituals, power dynamics, and unwritten rules that govern the art world—from mega-collectors to emerging artists, from star curators to savvy dealers.

Through our discussion, we'll examine the various ecosystems that make up the contemporary art world and consider how these systems have evolved since the book's 2008 publication. Whether you're a collector, artist, or curious observer, this book offers invaluable insights into how the art world really works.

Discussion Topics:
- The auction as theater: spectacle and psychology
- Studio visits: the myth of the solitary genius
- Art fairs: commerce meets culture
- Gatekeepers and tastemakers: who decides what matters?
- Has the art world changed since 2008?

Event Details:
- 4 sessions
- In-person
- Location: The Woodlands, Texas

Curious about the art world? Contact me for details and to join the conversation.