The art fairs in the context of the modern stage of art market development

Abstract

The article deals with the value-semantic, communicative and cultural aspects of the phenomenon of the art fair being defined as a space for updating the works of contemporary artists and the exchange of ideas and senses, considering historical preconditions for appearing of the art fair. It analyzes art fairs as the most various level of the modern stage of art market development. Based on Art Basel study, it identifies substantial changes of contemporary art fairs which contributed to the formation of a new model of the art market at the beginning of the 21st century. The new role acquired by the art market due to its unifying nature has been noted. The author reviews the cultural specifics of art exhibitions, galleries, the value of art works, the formation of artistic tastes of people as well. The importance of studying and considering of the art fairs for understanding of the new model of art market development is substantiated. The article outlines perspective directions of further culturological research of the art market and art fairs. The performed analysis of the international art fair Art Basel shows the approval of the fair model of the art market due to the globalization processes, the formation of a new leisure culture and the need for a new way of art actualization.