The First Books: Entry-level Guides For Anyone New To The Art World
Series on Art World Books
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Learning about the art world and building an art collection can feel like stumbling through a soirée where everyone seems to speak a language you don’t. But trust me, it shouldn’t be that daunting.
Below, I’ve compiled a list of books for any art lover, from starry-eyed beginners to seasoned collectors. My reading recommendations will flip the switch on your understanding of contemporary art.
The links below go to Bookshop.org, which works with independent booksellers worldwide. Or feel free to write down the book names to shop at your local bookstore in person.
Where to Begin?
Art can be both transcendent and maddening. Before diving into Warhol’s world or deciphering the cryptic lingo of auctions, it’s wise to lay a foundation.
This post series will segment books by experience level, from totally new to thinking-of-buying-a-Damien-Hirst.
The First Books: Entry-level guides for anyone new to the art world.
Artists & Art History: Because context is everything.
The Science & Art of Collecting: Legal, curatorial, and behind-the-scenes secrets.
The Buying & Selling of Art: Nuts and bolts for navigating transactions.
The Art Market: Understanding why a piece that looks like a paint spill sells for millions.
The First Books
So you’re brand-new to art, or maybe you’ve visited a few galleries and can’t quite pinpoint the difference between a curator and a dealer. These first books act like a friendly concierge, guiding you through the vital players, big fairs, and behind-the-scenes magic that shape the contemporary art world.
If you’re just starting out, this is where you’ll discover the “rules” before you reinvent them.
1. A Year in the Art World by Matthew Israel
An Introduction: If you’re still grasping who curates museum shows or why art fairs took off, Israel’s breezy account spells out one slice of the industry per chapter. It’s an excellent introduction to the art world.
Learn artists' motivations, the machinations behind top galleries, and how big institutions keep the lights (and visitors) on.
Bookshop.org Link: A Year in the Art World
2. Selling Contemporary Art: How to Navigate the Evolving Market by Edward Winkleman
Art’s Hot & Cold: Winkleman’s approach blends anecdotal essays with cold, precise stats.
If you’ve ever wondered why some artists skyrocket while others stay niche, this is your decode ring.
Bookshop.org Link: Selling Contemporary Art
3. The $12 Million Stuffed Shark: The Curious Economics of Contemporary Art by Donald N. Thompson
London and Global Stops: Thompson roams from Venice to Beijing, unearthing how relics become commodities and how star artists command eye-watering sums.
Perfect if you want a witty, globe-trotting overview of the high-end market.
Bookshop.org Link: The $12 Million Stuffed Shark
4. Seven Days in the Art World by Sarah Thornton
The New Global Economy: Part journalist deep-dive, part cultural critique.
Thornton, a former critic for The Economist, dissects contemporary art's lavish yet insular world, revealing how creativity and commerce create a beautifully messy patronage system.
Her often funny takes are grounded by in-depth knowledge, particularly from her stint as a critic for The Economist.
Bookshop.org Link: Seven Days in the Art World
The Book List
You can view this book list on Bookshop.org here.
Next Up
In the next series post, I’ll cover Artists & Art History, because context is everything.
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