Is the Art Market a Scam?
People often think the art market is glamorous—full of collectors, exhibitions, and expensive artworks. But from an artist’s point of view, the reality is often very different. From what I have seen in the Philippines, many artists are often taken advantage of, especially in larger and more established art spaces. Decisions about pricing, exhibitions, and visibility are usually controlled by people with power—such as dealers, gallery owners, curators, and collectors—rather than by the artists themselves. This creates a system where artists have limited control over how their work is presented and valued. This creates a system where artists have limited control over how their work is presented and valued. For a long time, the art market has been seen as elitist. It feels exclusive, closed, and sometimes even intimidating. Fine art is usually expensive, which automatically limits who can participate as buyers. As a result, the market mostly serves the wealthy. The irony is that many art...