About this Video

• Video Title: 20250619Session Expert BAM Gallery la cotation d'artiste
• Channel: christelle - Les Hang'ART
• Speakers: Arnaud, Christelle
• Duration: 01:44:39

Introduction

This video is a session discussing the concept of art pricing for contemporary artists. The discussion is divided into two parts: a theoretical overview of art pricing, including its advantages and disadvantages, and a practical guide focusing on the differences between theory and practice.

Key Takeaways

• Two Types of Art Pricing: The video distinguishes between officious (based on an artist's career trajectory, exhibitions, and sales) and official (solely based on auction sales) pricing. Official pricing is considered more important for public perception and professional recognition.
• Advantages of Art Pricing: Higher pricing leads to professional recognition, facilitates sales by building client confidence, and opens doors to more prestigious galleries and art shows. It also increases the financial value of an artist's work, particularly relevant in the increasingly financialized art market.
• Disadvantages of Art Pricing: Never pay for official pricing; some organizations deceptively charge fees. Official pricing can lead to artistic dependency, potentially limiting creative exploration if an artist is only valued in a specific style.
• Official Pricing Mechanisms: The video examines four main organizations involved in official art pricing (Akoun, Drouot, IAKC, and Artprice). Artprice is highlighted as particularly influential due to its widespread use by auctioneers in France and its historical association with the prestigious Bénézit art guide.
• Strategies for Achieving Accurate Pricing: The video suggests a method to ensure the official pricing of a piece reflects its actual value. This involves working with a client to set a price, then arranging a sale through an auction house where the artist (or someone acting on their behalf) bids to match that price, creating an official record. The video also cautions against "fictitious" pricing schemes.

Follow-up Questions

1. What are the key differences between "officious" and "official" art pricing as explained in the video?

   The video defines "officious" pricing as reflecting an artist's career progression, including exhibitions, gallery sales, and presence at art fairs. "Official" pricing, however, is determined solely by sales at auction houses. The video emphasizes that official pricing holds more weight in public perception and professional circles.

2. What are the two major disadvantages of having an official art price, according to the video?

   The video cites two main drawbacks: first, the risk of paying for an official price (which is explicitly stated as something that should never be done); and second, the potential for artistic dependency, restricting an artist's exploration of different styles if their official price is tied to a single style or subject matter.

3. Which of the four mentioned art pricing organizations is considered the most important in France, and why?

   Artprice is identified as the most significant in France. This is due to its long history (over 30 years), its acquisition of the prestigious Bénézit art guide's database, and the fact that 90% of French auctioneers are affiliated with it.

4. What is the strategy described in the video for ensuring an artwork's official price accurately reflects its market value?

   The proposed method involves selling an artwork directly to a client at the desired price, then staging an auction where the artist (or someone acting on their behalf) ensures the artwork is sold at that same price, thus establishing an official market value. This method is presented as an alternative to potentially misleading pricing practices.

5. Ask anything...