Considering this, many have asserted that art is a purely spiritual exercise and can not be valued or commodified. The essence of art is that of eternities experienced on an intimate, subjective level. This importation of spiritual significance adds another layer to the desire for intensive reflection and conversation about works as opposed to a glossing-over for the sake of generating visitors or income. But the line between spiritual significance and economic success is blurred when collectors, like Charles Saatchi, decide to collect and feature artists on the basis of investment opportunity and what might accrue a greater cash value. That is a wholly subjective enterprise in and of itself.
Commercial galleries are businesses first.
It is a mystery why economics is never discussed in forums like Critical Condition . Coverage and its intimate partner, money, were at the heart of the meatier discussions, but for the shortage of time there was a surprising lack of precision in identifying that root. Overall, the evening included informative points of departure for further exploration, like what a critic is, or where to find alternative spaces in the city. I wish there was more candor behind the explanations of what motivates the decisions that critics make in choosing their subjects. There did not need to be lofty explanations about being paid to pay attention, just truthful answers without affectation.