Look, I buy on both aesthetic and future value. Face it, this board would be pretty sparsely populated if no one put future prices into the equation. And face it, art has always, always been evaluated partly by its scarcity, especially in the post Warhol age, when mass production of art meant that perceived scarcity would be more of a factor than actual scarcity, as found with originals.

But beyond that, as Warhol eloquently put, "Making Money Is Art" and there is little that truly separates many of the artists out there beyond perceived value and PR.

You may defend Banksy all you want as an artist, but the ironic part is that to me, the marketing and PR are indistinguishable from the art with Banksy. His publicity stunts, high profile choice of clients, etc. all are appreciated as art, but are purely PR and marketing. For god sakes, the speculation is that Banksy is a moniker being used now by a team of artists all comprising the brand that's become Banksy. He is more Brand than human at this point when you really consider it. For that matter, where does Banky really begin and Steve Lazarides work as an agent of Banksy end? Or what percentage of "One Nation Under CCTV" was Banksy's and what percentage was the person who helped hold the scaffolding?

But I digress.

Fact is, Walker has been brilliant in realizing that your worth is related to your last price. Bravo Nick in bombing Brooklyn in advance of your Bonham's auction and pushing up those prices. Smart artist who now is in even more demand. Before the Bonham's Moona Lisa went for $50K, I barely heard him mentioned on this board. Half of his prints were still for sale on his website - a week later, they were all sold out, and he's some new sensation.

There are so many other great graffiti artists that I think are just as talented as Nick and Banksy, but until they start commanding the prices that make the corporate world take note and cause them to get books published, they'll be bit players.

Also, you must have pitty on us Americans. We have to buy with an eye to future value because 1) If I ever have to get my appendix out, my art collection is my collateral on my medical bills 2) The US Dollar is in the toilet (literally, I wiped with a $1 yesterday because its almost cheaper than Toilet Paper 3) As an American, I'm not supposed to know about art, I'm only supposed to know about making money, we're culturally retarded right?!

Lastly, ironically enough, possibly the only piece I've bought from an artist discussed on this board solely on artistic merit was Nick Walkers 'Nikers'. Ebay, $60 a year ago. I doubted anything would come of it at the time. I rather liked the naughty lass bending over.

I think blek did a wrongun releasing so many prints at once and overpriced too imho and the fact they haven't sold out adds to that being the case.
Hopefully brp will think twice about releases and pricing next time.

Makes Dolk's print a bargain imho.

Just a couple of points and because I had two pence spare, I thought I'd put it in.




bobby - in the world of art/business/music the majority are squirrels looking for a nut. doesn't stop their validity and worth within their given field.




Whilst I understand the points being made, I find it very hard to believe that when they put together an edition size/run etc the priority thought isn't on how the runs will effect the 'real collectors' vs the 'flippers' - they may hate it but there's very little that can be done. We've heard all the talk about flooding the market to avoid the overkill, but in all honesty, if that happened just as many of us would bitch and moan about it because all of a sudden, it's less exclusive. Whether you're in it for the money or not, I am sure for most of us it's a pretty nice feeling you have something very limited on your wall/in your portfolio.

Hmm, might have over spent by a penny or so.