the rising power - and price - of the photographic print
From today's Independent, "Click! The Art of the Camera", strangely posted to the"science and technology" section, covers the huge uptick in auction prices for photographs. The article (falsely, in my opinion) makes a distinction between traditional and digital photography, a distinction which doesn't really exist or isn't really applicable in auctionable work - yet.
"Daniel Newburg, a dealer and founder of Photo-London, Britain's first art photography fair, now in its third year, agrees. "The era of great art photography has reached an end. And now our culture is looking back and deciding what is significant."
On the one hand, I guess I should be grateful that someone is not fueling the speculation that drives cradle robbing at art schools, but to say "the era of great art photography has reached an end" when the artform is less than 200 years old stretches credulity. (To be fair, later in the article he back peddles on this.)
That's absurd. Photography is more relevant now than ever. More artists are working with photography every day -- people who, 15 years ago, would have worked in painting or sculpture. It'll be exciting to see what comes of it all.
I'd say this is an overreaction to the recent Steichen record breaking sale. Up to that point, the two most recent record breakers were Barbara Kruger and Richard Prince, both of whom are contemporary, practicing photographers.
Hi. I agree that some artists are selling their photography for some outstanding prices. Although if the photographs are a result of an artists real unique brilliant talent that is also the kind of talent you don't see quite often then I don't see a problem with what seems to be high prices to some people. For example, my favorite photographer, Ted Vancleave, creates photographs that just blow you away and make you wonder how he creates such sensational eye-catching pieces of artwork. I've never seen another photographer like him. His photographs are well worth the money. I actually have 2 from his recent collection and every single person that sees them is just in awe. I wish I could buy more from that amazing series but I'm very happy with the gorgeous pieces I have. I'm hoping to get another one soon b/c I'm getting married and have his artwork on my gift list.
Hi,I posted the previous comment regarding the photography of Ted Vancleave, but forgot to put his website for you to see his amazing work. His site is www.Tedvancleave.com. I'm sure you will enjoy his incredible, bold, surreal photographs. Enjoy.