ICA Quickfire Talk: The End of the Artworld...?

Chaired by ICA Executive Director Gregor Muir, this Quickfire talk addresses the profound sea change presently gripping the art world. Muir is accompanied by a panel, including Financial Times arts columnist Georgina Adam, Art Review Associate Editor JJ Charlesworth, Danielle Horn, Director of Nettie Horn Gallery and James Mayor, director of the Mayor Gallery.

This discussion will examine the perceived backlash against Contemporary Art with headlines of record breaking auction prices contradicting news of artist defections, disillusioned critics, over-production, the collapse of the middle market, and the growing difficulties faced by younger artists and their galleries. All the above have contributed to a climate of widespread suspicion, bolstered by splits between big name galleries and their star artists.

Is this the end of the art world as we know it, or are we simply moving into unchartered territories…?