The Social World of Galleries

A perfect introduction to what goes on behind the scenes in the art market … A major contribution to the sociology of art and more generally to the study of contemporary art. * Questions de communication (Bloomsbury Translation) * Art galleries crucially democratize the art world, providing many more ways for the public to view art and for artists to display their work, than do museums. Alain Quemin has written the best book ever on this key topic. * David Halle, Adjunct Professor of Sociology, The City University of New York (CUNY), USA * This book presents a very well documented and fine quantitative and qualitative analysis of the contemporary art world. With its elaborate ranking of the leading international galleries, and acute ethnographical approach based on numerous interviews and observations, it opens the reader to some well-kept secrets of the job of gallery owners. * Marcel Fournier, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, University of Montreal, Canada * Underpinned by significant fieldwork and richly illustrated by quotations from gallerists, this exceptional book provides an enjoyable and scholarly look at the gallery spaces, art fairs, and the gallerist profession today. * Victoria D. Alexander, Professor of Sociology and Arts Management, Goldsmiths, University of London, UK * Superbly researched, this book offers the most comprehensive and revealing insight into this opaque area of the contemporary art world. A must read for both academics and professionals in this field. * Arturo Rodríguez Morató, Full Professor of Sociology, the University of Barcelona, Spain *