"Art Power 100" (2012)

A game modelled on the game monopoly, consists of playing board, dice, tokens, play money, playing cards and a rule book.

Imagining the scenario of speculation within the art system– the game sends a similar message. That power lies in making the right acquisitions (meaning one have in some way superior taste and knowledge) – once again denying the speculative role that the dice plays. It also sends the message that the value of the artwork depends on its economic value, its exchange value. In the game one sees the name of the artists, not even reference of an artwork -reflecting also the role of the celebrity persona in the art market. The creation of the enigma of the artist or artistic demographic is manufactured in most cases by media and those who invest in art – and manages to add market value to the artist’s works.

As the game progress and one person has achieved making more money those without money are excluded from participating – even viewing artworks becomes costly when one have to pay fees when they are the property of others. A game of power of the market, those who buy determines value and what gets viewed. If only left to those who have the power to buy, it leaves the power of presentation, of cultural production in the hands of the elite minority.