Art Galina
The Artist for all occasions

The Bite of Artistic Value

In the obscure corners of the art gallery 'Masterpieces without Price,' a debate was raging about the true value of art.

The gallery owner, Andrey Discountseeker, always reminding himself that his name should speak for itself, gestured expressively in front of his clients:

– A painting should be expensive enough for the buyer to feel its value. If a painting is obtained for free, then, let's say, when moving to another country, the owner might even discard it, as it's worth nothing. No, the price should be a bit biting. Tangible.

The artist Alexeyev (let's call him that) couldn't resist commenting:

– There's a buyer for every painting. But I always wonder: if a buyer buys a more expensive painting – does it make it better for them? Or not?

– Yes, what's worth nothing is worth nothing. And when a painting is expensive, then it has a chance to become even more expensive – sneered the gallery owner.

– As a rule, you should sell for more. But unfortunately, a lot depends on the clientele. Artistic criteria won't help in such cases," Alexeyev interjected, looking around thoughtfully.

Discountseeker smirked:

– The border lies between 'The best is the enemy of the good' and 'You can't toast to every sneeze.'

In pricing, there are 'lower' and 'upper' limits.

The lower limit (LL) is determined by the artist's total expenses until the moment of transferring ownership rights to the work.

Anything below this limit will be called 'Bought a ticket and didn't go.'

But as for the upper limit for works of art, it's intriguing. Theoretically, LL should be increased by 'reasonable' expenses of the artist for 'making ends meet' during the creation of the work, and we get the Upper Limit (UL). In reality, UL is determined by the market and the buyer.

– Well, yes, the art market, for example, can amaze with its prices. I remember once being offered a price of 6 dollars per square inch for a piece! It was something," Alexeyev supported, frowning.

The gallery owner nodded:

– I've sold paintings several times only after doubling the price. Many buyers don't want cheap!

– An interesting price range for works yields the maximum sales result," Alexeyev added, looking thoughtfully at one of the paintings in the corner.

– Diplomatic. But don't forget, not all that glitters is gold," Discountseeker retorted, frowning.

– Well, not every painting with the artist's name is a masterpiece. Sometimes it's just someone's inspiration under the guise of art," Alexeyev inserted with a smile.

Discountseeker laughed:

– Here in our gallery, High Art is the ability to create value out of thin air! So that a painting, sky-high in price, makes you think: do I really understand art or just fell for good advertising?

Alexeyev winked:

– And what if I suddenly decide that my painting is a new currency? Want me to write the price not in dollars, but in 'paints'? Barter, so to speak!

The gallery owner perked up:

– Prices for paintings should be like magnets on the fridge. Acceptable, so as not to repel, but not so low that every passerby doesn't shout, 'Everything's on sale, we'll give it away for free!'"

He turned back to the buyers, pointed to the display, and smiled inspirationally:

– Alexeyev's paintings are like a cruise around the world of art. And the price for them is just a ticket to an unlimited journey!

– Oh yes! These paintings are so inviting: 'Buy me, I'll add style to your interior! Don't get lost without me among the faceless sofas,'" Beauty Gal Galia smiled, approaching the clients.

The buyer, examining the paintings: