Seven Days in the Art World by Sarah Thornton: book review

As a regular patron of the arts in all its forms, from sculptures to lithographs, large installations to decorative thimble, Thornton’s work ensures that I’ll never view art in the same way again. Seven Days in the Art World (2008) has a simple first person narrative style that provides an easy-to-read guided tour of the art scene in all its planning, problems, prizes, and perspectives.

Thornton writes from the perspective of seven standpoints: (1) The Auction, (2) The Crit [i.e. critique], (3) The Fair, (4) The Prize, (5) The Magazine, (6) The Studio Visit, and (7) The Biennale.

She opens the door to the mysterious and temperamental world of the artist, lecturer, student, buyer, curator, installer, auctioneer, critic, collector, promoter, and historian. But does she answer the critical questions: Does art really start with the artist? Is art really about creativity or is it about money? Who matters most – the poor artist or the wealthy collector, or the wealthy commercial artist or the poor critic? Are egos warranted in the art world? What place does art have during a recession? How do selectors pick a prestigious winner?

As Thornton says, the art world is “a conflicted cluster of subcultures – each of which embraces different definitions of art” and a world of “oddball, overeducated, anachronistic, anarchic people” but it is also about kindred spirits, curious creativity, and good art.

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