7 Reasons Why Some Art Is So Expensive (2024)

Art is much more than what meets the eye. The value of art has more to do with perception. Art has no boundaries, no rules, and art doesn’t dictate what art should be. But it is a billion-dollar industry at the same time. Let us see the various reasons why some art is so expensive.

Being an artist comes with a lot of challenges, and appreciation of art is an art in itself. But it still triggers the mindhow something that looks like it’s painted by a little child is worth millions of dollars. And what makes it more expensive than the next piece?

There are many angles to look at it, and if you’re wondering how one can determine the actual value of art or what makes it unbelievably expensive or worth nothing at all, this article is for you.

1. It’s hard to put a value on art

Art is an independent discipline, so it’s hard to put a value on art. However, there are some technical aspects that you can consider while evaluating it, like the size, how old it is, who made it, if it has been bought by someone before, and the like.

The perceiver determines the value of art. Something can be worth millions to one person and worth nothing at all to the next. If you connect to a piece of art, it is valuable for you; if you don’t, it’s simply not.

But that’s not the way you should be looking at art. Unless you plan to buy a piece of art at a given time, you should never see it, for it is worth it economically. Art needs to be appreciated and admired.

The market value of a piece of art keeps changing. Ultimately, the value of something will only be what people are willing to pay. And art should not be bound in terms of money.

2. Artist’s perception of the art

Artists don’t think of money when it comes to their craft. It’s more of a reflection of themselves into the big wide world, and money is just a tiny aspect.

Artists tell their stories through art, and to them, the value of art lies in how many people can connect to it.

Art is not about beauty; it never was. It means different things to different people; its strength lies in the uniqueness, the raw passion, and the ability to convey those intense emotions. It will be beautiful to some, and it will be stupid to others. So, it depends on whether you can connect to something or not.

Artists often live challenging life. It’s not easy to sustain yourself being an artist. Because, again, the value of something will only be what people are willing to pay for it at the end of the day.

So, next time you look at a piece of art, make sure you encourage the artist. A tiny thing like that can make a huge difference to that person.

3. Simple curve of supply and demand

Whenever the demand for something increases, the supply has to catch up to satisfy the people. But when the supply is less and the demand is immense, the thing becomes exclusive.

The reason why some paintings are so expensive is that the artists who painted them are no longer alive anymore. The value of art increases significantly after the artist is dead.

Because it makes that piece exclusive and more important, most of the famous art by eminent artists is preserved in museums. That is why even if a painting looks like a toddler, splashed paint on a canvas is worth millions sometimes.

4. The heavy cost of exhibitions and art galleries

It is not just the value of art that needs to be considered while evaluating it. Exhibitions and events are expensive. If you really want your art to be seen in the planet’s elite art galleries, that will cost you a buck. Being a member of an elite art club can be super expensive.

So, even if you are someone who appreciates art, you won’t be able to afford it. Art exhibitions, auctions, and other events cost money.

It is not cheap to bring the art in front of people and make them aware of its existence. So, it is another factor why some art pieces are worth so much.

5. Rise of abstract art and modern art

The invention of camera technology led to a significant shift in the art culture. Now, the camera could do much better at what art had been doing for years. So, art was no longer about representing the world with skill. Modern art was more focused on the abstract aspect.

It was more about the feeling and representing yourself rather than the world. So, that was one of the enormous shifts in the art culture, which definitely affected how it is perceived by the world today.

6. Art is seen as an easy investment

Art is seen as an easy investment, and wealthy people often use it for selfish means and not precisely for the purpose that it is meant for.

According to Investopedia.com, fine art can be a good investment.

The value of art keeps changing, and if you bought something for a million dollars today, the value of that piece would be much more than that in the next seven years.

The elite class of society uses art to avoid taxes and boost their image.

Think of it like this, you bought something for a million dollars, it is worth 10 million dollars after ten years, and you have an annual income of 20 million dollars. Now, if you decide to donate your painting worth 10 million dollars, you only have to pay taxes for the remaining 10 million. And your huge charity will be reported and circulated around the world.

On top of everything, your name will be mentioned beside the painting you donated, which is kept in a museum. So, it is a powerful way to manipulate and use art to your advantage.

It is not particularly bad, but art should be seen as more than its dollar value. It should be seen for what it was created for and what the artist wanted to convey or what it means to you.

Art is tricky to judge, but those who live for it know how wonderfully amazing it can be and how the world would turn grey without it.

7. Practicing art is expensive

Practicing art is not cheap. Artists often live hard lives. It’s challenging to get by, and local artists find it hard to sell their stuff. The difference is almost groundbreaking.

Either the artists are crazy rich or barely getting by. But that’s the beauty of it.

Artists still stick to their craft even after being broke. How they perceive reality, how they see the world that hasn’t been so kind to them, and the will to stand up and face it every day is easier said than done.

Art is liberation and requires sacrifice and courage that very few possess. A struggling artist is a warrior within, fighting countless battles in mind and the world alike.

So, next time you see one, be thoughtful and compassionate.

The life they choose to live is out on the edge, where it is beautiful and deadly at the same time. Like when the sun goes down, half in the shadows, half-burned in flames.

In conclusion

All art is precious; all art is unique in its own way. Art is powerful and magnificent. No wonder some of it mad expensive. It lives to tell the tale of the artist. And that tale is what immortalizes the artist well after his death. The beauty of reality may change; the moment or feeling captured will not. It is a sacred profession; it is the only thing that can truly set you free, so let it.

Thank you so much for reading. We hope you now understand the various reasons why some art is so expensive. If there is something that you would like to add to the article, be sure to mention it in the comments below. If you have a story or an incident associated with how art inspired you or changed the course of your life, we’d love to hear that as well.

Your feedback is always appreciated.

Thank you, and have a great day.

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