"Unique Art Objects": The tension between Art and Commerce

“Art is a margin business, not a volume business.'
Steven Zevitas, 5/30/09

The tension between art and commerce, is well documented, and what we've found so far is that the balancing point for that tension is different for everybody.

At one end of the spectrum is the concept of the "Unique Art Object" (coined by Steven from the Steven Zevitas Gallery - www.stevenzevitasgallery.com). Steven is referring to the highly personal nature of the way a work of art is produced, how it's consumed within the viewer's personal space and context, and the value associated with the scarcity of a one-of-a-kind piece. Most interviewees have fallen closer to this end of the spectrum recognizing that the fragile balance, if disturbed can adversely affect how the art is consumed and the reputations of those associated with it.

On the other end of the spectrum would be the concept of Art as Commerce. As we've yet to interview anyone subscribing to this view, we'll expound on it later.

What this means for technology, particularly with the highly democratic nature of the internet, and its blurring of lines between producers and consumers, is that when art and the web finally do embrace one another in the way multimedia, video, and music all have, the tools have to be flexible enough to allow each member of the art community to strike their own balance.

The question remains - what will these tools look like, and what will they do? Answers to come...

Thanks to Steven Zevitas at the Steven Zevitas Gallery for being so generous with his time. Please visit the gallery online at www.stevenzevitasgallery.com or at their location at 450 Harrison Ave, #47!

Thanks for reading,
Ayo
The Juncanoo Team