British Artist Damien Hirst Says Economic Crisis Good for Art
British artist Damien Hirst is opening a new show in Kiev. The multi-millionarie clams that the global financial crisis is "good for art." He also says it is easier to make art in bad times. He sold over 200 items in 2008 for over $160 million. You can read more about Hirst's Kiev exhibit here, here and here.
Most Americans believe that the country is in a recession, with rising gas prices, food prices and stagnant wages. But the art world is doing just fine. The U.S. spring auction season began last week and dealers aren't worried. Last week, Sotheby's and Christie's sold $500 million worth of art. This week is the contemporary sales, which are also expected to do well. For every American buyer that doesn't participate, there is one from the Middle East, Russia or China to take his place.
