Article : Sanderson Gallery Press Release | $5000 art work may sell for $50 in new exhibition

Sanderson Gallery Press Release | $5000 art work may sell for $50 in new exhibition

| 19 August 2009

"...imagine if price-competition played out to its ultimate end: everything is free, or virtually free...Severe price pressure is a growing reality for manufacturers of furniture, software and electronics as well as providers of call centers, accounting and other white-collar jobs that can be accomplished by anyone with enough training. A model that relies on donations and is based on free supply seems alien, but maybe that's the best route for the future of your organization." (Taken from "When Everything is Free" from "The Big Moo" The Group of 33, edited by Seth Godin, Penguin, 2005)

Is there a public service value in art? Should we be donating to the cause of the starving artist? What is the worth of art in a time of economic upheaval?

For what it's worth is a show dedicated to exploring these questions.

In a playful twist on regular gallery shows, For What It's Worth will see clients decide the worth of the artwork they want to buy - with all pieces for sale by donation. By putting the work of our artists on the line, we can show what value people will place on art in a world of declining expenditure and reduced discretionary income.
Many of the pieces in the show will be sold without reserves - and with a minimum bid of just $50, some punters are sure to get an amazing deal.

But while some bargain hunting will be going on, Sanderson Gallery Director Kylie Sanderson expects that most people will want to give the artists a fair deal: "I know that some people will want to get in and out with the cheapest no-reserve works," says Ms Sanderson "But I genuinely believe that many collectors will not enjoy the experience of paying a ludicrous price for a work of art they love - it would lessen it for them. The exchange of money to support the artist's ongoing practice is a valuable and satisfying part of the transaction for most art collectors."
By bringing the show into the realm of public service or charitable causes For What It's Worth also points out who is giving to whom in the world of art exhibitions. A normal dealer gallery show has an accepted mode of acquisition that does not ask this question: this is a business transaction, nothing more. However, in a realm where one party is acting in a most un-businesslike manner (i.e. selling their product for next to nothing) an ethical burden to act fairly is transferred to the collector. They must ask very clearly: What does this person and their practice provide to me? How much money do I wish to pay to ensure it continues?

The answer to that question will be seen in the prices paid for works in this unique social experiment: the ultimate in discretionary expenditure becomes expenditure where the clients hold the ultimate discretion.
The full spectrum of established, mid-career and emerging artists will take part. Names such as Alan Pearson, John Papas and Paul Martinson; Andrew Barns-Graham and Candi Dentice; and exciting new names such as Holly Mackinven and Phil Paterson.

For What It's Worth opening preview Tuesday 15 Sept at 5.30pm. Exhibition runs for one week only from 15 Sept - 20 Sept. Sanderson Contemporary Art, 251 Parnell Road, Parnell. Ph: 09 374 4476; www.sanderson.co.nz. For more images and information please contact Kim Atherfold, kim@sanderson.co.nz