Suhail Malik Books

How to transcend land grab economies, even by means of art? The reader REALTY moves from the safety of critique to the vulgarity of suggestions. The pandemic?s effect on mobility presents a historic opportunity. Rarely has criticism of our extractive artworld logic of one-place-after-another been louder. REALTY is a long-term curatorial program by Tirdad Zolghadr (*1973), initially commissioned by the KW Institute for Contemporary Art. With the help of numerous artists and experts who contributed over 2017?2020, this reader revisits how contemporary art can contribute to decisive conversations on urbanism.00TIRDAD ZOLGHADR (*1973) is a curator and writer. He is currently artistic director of the Sommerakademie Paul Klee. Curatorial work over the last two decades includes biennial settings as well as long-term, research-driven efforts, most recently as associate curator at KW Institute for Contemporary Art Berlin, 2016-20

This report maps and analyzes the intricate relationships between contemporary art and its commercial markets. It discusses contemporary art as both an asset and a celebrity accessory, the rise of art fairs, and the growing competition among auction houses. Contributions from academics, theorists, and artists explore how the globalization and commercialization of the market influence the production, presentation, and perception of art, while some argue that the market's fundamental structure remains unchanged. The essays provoke critical questions about the future of art and the role of artists in 2022. Published as part of the curated project Abstract Possible: The Stockholm Synergies, the report is associated with Tensta konsthall, the Center for Fashion Studies at Stockholm University, and the auction house Bukowskis, all located in Stockholm, and was released in early 2012. This marks the beginning of an ongoing publication series co-published by Sternberg Press and Tensta konsthall, with design by Metahaven.