Chapter 3: The Fair

“The fair is significant from a prestige point of view. If a gallery is not admitted, people might think that it is not as important as another gallery that is. If a galley is refused next year, it could destroy their business.” p. 79

“When Art Basel first opened, in 1970, it looked like a flea market, with pictures stacked up against walls and dealers coming in with canvases rolled up under their arms. Nowadays the fair provides a respectable environment.” p. 82

“If you go after art and quality, the money will come later… We have to make the same decisions as the artists. Do they create art or art that sells well? With the galleries, it’s the same. Are they commercial or do they believe in something? We’re in a similar situation.” – Samuel Keller p. 82

“When you first start collecting, you’re intensely competitive, but eventually you learn two things. First, if an artist is only going to make one good work, then there is no sense in fighting over it. Second, a collection is a personal vision. No one can steal your vision.” – Don Rubell p. 82-83

“ ‘Collector’ should be an earned category. An artist doesn’t become an artist in a day, so a collector shouldn’t become a collector in a day. It’s a lifetime process.”
–Mera Rubell p. 83

“Fairs are less stressful than auctions. There is something about standing before the object you want and the person you’re going to buy it from. I can see the appeal of the real-time transaction.” –Amy Cappellazo p. 86

“When gallerists are confident about demand for an artist’s work, they wouldn’t dream of surrendering it to the first comer or the highes bidder. They compile a list of interested parties so they can place the work in the most prestigious home. It’s an essential part of managing the perception of their artists.” p.88

“I’m an atheist, but I believe in art.” p. 93

“An art fair is no place for an artist.” p. 94

“We don’t buy anything without looking at it in the flesh. What’s great about a work often doesn’t show up in a JPEG – plus I’m a condition freak.” –Sandy Heller p.102