What is it that our sister markets, Contemporary Art and Modern Design, can see in the Antique market place for their clients, that we cannot see for ourselves?
The Frieze Contemporary Art Fair’s much publicised 2012 edition now includes Art from Antiquity to 2000 (Frieze Masters) and the Pavilion of Art and Design includes Exhibitors dedicated solely to the offering of Antiques.
Given the above, would you consider it fair to assume that we are expreriencing a renewed recognition of ‘Historic Art and Antiques’, resulting in a notable shift by these related market places? Moreover, is it now time to address the fundamentals of the Art and Antique trade, in view of this apparent cross-market fertilisation? Why have we lagged behind for so long?
These are the considered views of two leading lights:-
”We have done very well and love the crossover of Contemporary Design, Art, and 19th Century Design. We were unsure about exhibiting at first, our stand is an unusual entity in this particular show, however, we are very pleased to be here and we are very pleased with the results.”
H.Blairman and Sons Ltd @ PAD
19th Century Furniture and Works of Art
CEO Martin Levy
” An Exquisite Renaissance chair, juxtaposed with a contemporary artwork by Peter Doig, just looks fabulous”
Gordon Watson Ltd @ PAD
Fine 20th Century Furniture, Objects and Lighting
CEO Gordon Watson
o – Is this apparent change in Industry dynamics welcomed by all, in whichever sector we operate?
o – How best can we play our part in steering what seems to be a new market formula which crosses traditional segmentation and boundries?
o – Are we fully prepared for increased collaboration within our trade and with sister markets?
What are your own views?
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With best wishes,
AAD Blog
Edric Van Vredenburgh
October 23, 2011
I don’t know why we find this so new , if you go back to the early to 1900s what did they do but put an Impressionist on top of an 18th century commode etc
In the 90s I had terrible fights with Fair organisers to put contemporary paintings on stands of antiques eventually partially winning,
It should be said however that too many antiques dealers have channelled vision and lack the ability to inter dispose ‘ Now & Then ,’ one of the exceptions too this is Peter Petrou, as has been seen this year at Olympia & LAPADA but he has not been aloud to do this in the Winter Show in New York and had consequently dropped out.
One should also remember all art over the centuries has not always been Good or Great and this is particularly viewed like the ” Kings New Clothes ” as much of life nowadays . There you arrive at Taste and that is a sack full of Monkeys.
Edric van Vredenburgh
http://www.vanvredenburgh.com
anonymous
October 31, 2011
“An Exquisite Renaissance chair, juxtaposed with a contemporary artwork by Peter Doig, just looks fabulous”
This quote cinches the question rather precisely. It is something of a misconception to look on Frieze as a temple of contemporary art. It is not a place for conceiving ground-breaking new art. It is rather simply a market place for the finished product. As a market it may offer the shopper everything they could need. As a gathering of international A-List customers Frieze is unmatched in the UK calendar. It is high time to get Christies and Sothebys in, as well as finding a place for top notch property and yacht sales, perhaps a Harrods Estates stand.
Christina Phillips
October 31, 2011
It will be nice when the ‘industry’ catches up with the rest of us. I have had some incredibly negative reactions to my art from industry professionals who see anything influenced by ‘old art’ as crafty, contrived or unintelligent! I find this annoying, although I am open to all opinions, because it is very narrow minded.
I can see in my work influences from a childhood spent visiting the V & A, The Summer Exhibition, The National Portrait Gallery and all of the other museums and The Tate. I also used to make constantly whether it was mechano or papier mache. To me it is obvious that my art flows from many influences both young and old. I, personally, love art which has many influences and references I find it deeper and more thought provoking than quite a lot of the more obscure contemporary art. It is also, often, more entrancing and beautiful. Some think this is not necessary in art, or even undesirable, I would not bother buying a piece that did not contain some beauty.
Taste – yes a whole can of worms!!!
Christina Phillips, artist.
http://www.blackcutwitch.co.uk