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 artists come from ordinary backgrounds. Most are not born rich, and many struggle just to sustain their practice. Only a small number of artists manage to rise to the top, and even then, success often depends on who they know rather than what they create. Connections, endorsements, and social positioning play a huge role in whether an artist is seen, supported, or ignored.

So, is the art market really a scam?

For me, it can be—especially when people in power abuse the system. The problem is not art itself, but how the industry around it operates. I have been very critical of how some individuals in the art world manipulate artists for personal gain. Artists are sometimes pressured to lower their prices, follow trends, or adjust their work just to fit market expectations. This becomes harmful, especially for emerging artists who are still finding their voice and trying to survive.

Can artists control their own success? I believe they can, but only up to a point. Real control is possible only if artists are given fair and equal opportunities. Artists should be able to present their work directly to collectors and audiences without excessive interference from gatekeepers. There should also be clearer and fairer systems that help artists understand pricing, contracts, and the real value of their work. Some form of regulation or artist-centered support could help balance the power between artists and the market.

Beyond money, there is another kind of value that often gets ignored. Art carries personal meaning for the artist. It holds time, labor, emotion, and lived experience. As an artist and designer myself, I believe this non-monetary value matters deeply. When art is made from honest expression and not just for selling, it becomes an extension of the artist’s body, mind, and spirit. While the market may put a price on art, its true value—especially to the artist—cannot be measured or replaced.

At the end of the day, the question isn’t just whether the art market is a scam—it’s whether we are willing to see it for what it is. For every artist who struggles, there is a story of resilience, creativity, and integrity that cannot be bought or sold. The market may try to control the rules, but the true spirit of art belongs to the artist. And that is something no system, no matter how elitist or unfair, can take away.