Contemporary Art Commons^™

On Liminality: Rachel Whiteread & Archiving The In-Between, Natalie Emmerman

MA in Contemporary Art Dissertations

This dissertation examines the sculptural practice of Rachel Whiteread (b. 1963) through the lens of liminality, the uncanny, and the archive. By casting the negative spaces of everyday objects, domestic interiors, and monumental architecture, Whiteread materializes absence and transforms overlooked objects and spaces into solid, lasting forms. Her work destabilizes binary categories such as presence and absence, private and public, representation and abstraction, and permanence and ephemerality, exposing memory as fragile, discontinuous and often ghostly. Drawing on theoretical frameworks rooted in psychoanalysis, photography, time and space, this study explores Whiteread’s practice as a form of sculptural archivization.

Analysis is structured …

Art & Luxury: Perceiving Value: How Generation Z Interprets Cultural And Social Meaning In Luxury And Art Collaborations, Michele Saad

MA in Luxury Business Dissertations

Luxury and art collaborations have evolved from rare creative experiments into a familiar part of brand storytelling, yet most research still focuses on what brands want to communicate rather than how audiences perceive these projects. This study explores how Generation Z (GZ) interprets the cultural and social value of such collaborations.

A qualitative approach was adopted, using semi-structured interviews supported by visual prompts with 16 participants aged 19 to 29. The analysis is structured around six recurring themes: artistic expression and aesthetics, social engagement and philanthropy, sustainability and environmental awareness, experiential and immersive encounters, commercial and hype-driven partnerships, and architectural …

Earth As Medium: Land Art And The Human Experience Of Connection To Nature, Charlotte Johnson-Watts

MA in Contemporary Art Dissertations

This dissertation examines how the Land Art of the 1960s and 1970s engaged the earth as both medium and site, foregrounding the ways in which artists constructed experiences of connection to the natural world. It focuses specifically on the practices of Michael Heizer, Robert Smithson and Richard Long, who each emerged as central figures during this period, turning to the earth itself as their primary material and rejecting traditional, commodifiable forms of art. For these artists, earthworks functioned not only as a critique of the social and political conditions of the time but also as an innovative way of re-engaging …

Urban Fieldnotes: Rematerialization, Ecological Handicraft, And Participatory Sustainability In Contemporary Art, Qihan Fu

MA in Contemporary Art Dissertations

This dissertation explores how the intertwined practices of rematerialisation and ecological handicraft can reorient contemporary art toward social, ecological, and ethical renewal. It argues that in the aftermath of Conceptual Art’s legacy of dematerialisation, where ideas eclipsed material engagement, art must rediscover its tactile, communal, and ecological intelligence to respond meaningfully to the crises of the Anthropocene. Drawing upon theorists including Lucy Lippard, Jane Bennett, Tim Ingold, and Glenn Adamson, this research proposes a triadic framework of rematerialization, ecological handcraft, and participatory sustainability that restores continuity between making, environment, and community.

The accompanying practice project, Urban Fieldnotes, situated in …

Size Matters: How Physical Scale Is (Or Is Not) Rewarded In A Global, Ultra-Contemporary, Online Art Market, Odd Halvdan Sakse Orstavik

MA in Art Business Dissertations

This dissertation examines how the relationship between the size and price of paintings has evolved throughout the 21st century by analysing an up-to-date dataset of 18,821 works by 103 artists offered at auction between 2000-2025 within 3 distinct segments of the market (Blue-Chip, Contemporary and Ultra-Contemporary). The main finding is that the size elasticity differs in each of these segments. It is highest for the Blue-Chip segment (0.71), lower for the Contemporary segment (0.59) and lowest for the Ultra-Contemporary segment (0.55). Contrary to many previous results, it finds no optimal size within the range of works offered at auction. As …

Milan As A Future Art Capital: Opportunities And Limitations Within The European Art Landscape, Camilla Zoe Nicelli

MA in Art Business Dissertations

Italy is renowned world-wide for its cultural heritage but contemporarily being resistant to innovation, however Milan can be viewed as an exception. it’s a city which combines art, fashion, finance and design, and it has been recognised as a future art capital. Nevertheless, there is a significant absence of scholarly research analysing the Milanese art market in a systematic manner. The aim of this dissertation is to answer the following research question: “What factors will allow Milan to establish itself within the European art landscape, and what are the challenges that might limit its rise as an art capital?”. This …

Entrepreneuring Otherwise: Reimagining Value In Art Business At Ɛdan, The Ano Institute Of Arts And Knowledge, And Nubuke Wa, Chantel Thompson

MA in Art Business Dissertations

This dissertation examines how three Ghanaian women-led art institutions practise what this study terms “entrepreneuring otherwise”: a feminist and decolonial mode of enterprise grounded in care, community, and epistemic sovereignty. Focussing on Ɛdan, ANO Institute of Arts and Knowledge, and Nubuke Wa, the research investigates how they navigate their environments, illustrating the strategies used to respond to both the rich cultural histories of Ghana and the systemic conditions shaped by limited state support, fragmented cultural policy, and predominantly informal economies, which ultimately create fertile ground for reimagining and innovation.

Situated within feminist epistemologies and decolonial thought, the study applies the …

Bridging Culture And Capital: The Financialisation Of Middle-Tier Contemporary Art In Emerging Markets, Ned Carter

MA in Art Business Dissertations

This dissertation examines the rising trend of the financialisation of middle-tier art markets in emerging economies, with a focus on corporate and institutional case studies from the continents of Africa and Asia. The research is driven by a central question: What are the key mechanisms turning middle-tier contemporary art into a financial asset class in these emerging markets? To answer this, the study analyses how financial tools, market intermediaries, and new wealth drivers are transforming art collecting practices in non-Western contexts. A qualitative case-study methodology is employed, comparing multiple institutions, mainly banks, investment funds and insurance firms, that actively engage …

Contemporary Art And Cultural Identity In Post-Soviet Kazakhstan, Dinara Saduakassova

MA in Art Business Dissertations

This dissertation explores the development of contemporary Kazakhstani art after 1991, arguing that the independent nation’s international cultural visibility is defined by artists rather than institutions. Operating without state infrastructure, Said Atabekov, the Kyzyl Tractor collective, Almagul Menlibayeva, Saule Suleimenova, and Yerbossyn Meldibekov gained international recognition via biennales, exhibitions, and transnational networks. Their practices challenge state narratives of heroic nationalism and Western expectations. Case studies, interviews, and analysis of Rukhani Zhangyru and new institutions like Tselinny, enable this dissertation to argue that Kazakhstan’s position in global art history is artist driven.

How Do Female Artists In The Middle East Navigate Art Market Legitimacy, And How Do Experiences Differ Between The Levant And Gulf Regions?, Noura Alzaim

MA in Art Business Dissertations

This dissertation examines the journeys and challenges faced by female artists in the Middle East as they strive for recognition and legitimacy within the region’s evolving art markets. By comparing the lived experiences of artists from the Levant, where creativity often flourishes in grassroots and diaspora circles, to those cultivating their careers amid the state-driven, rapidly expanding cultural landscape of the Gulf, the research brings distinct artistic perspectives into conversation. Combining interviews, theoretical inquiry, and analysis of press releases, essays, and market data, the study highlights how history, political context, and institutional structures shape opportunities and obstacles. Central chapters show …

Negotiating Independence And Representation: The Role Of Galleries In Shaping Emerging Artists’ Careers In London, Filippo Fazzini Matteucci

MA in Art Business Dissertations

This dissertation analyses the impact of gallery representation on the career progression of emerging artists in the London art ecosystem. The research draws on qualitative data, gathered through the completion of four semi-structured interviews. Participants were selected between two London galleries - Almine Rech and Gallery Rosenfeld - and included two artists and two managers. The study examines four interrelated themes: the negotiation between representation and independence; the role of trust and informality in shaping artist–gallery relationships; the influence of visibility through social media platforms; and the participants’ definitions of success. The research reveals that representation and independence are not …

Existential Reckonings: Covid-19’S Impact On Women Artists In New York And The Art Market During A Time Of Crisis, Elizabeth Glynn

MA in Art Business Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the impact of COVID-19 on women artists in New York City, emphasizing the existential challenges they faced and their responses within the art market. Through qualitative interviews, this research reveals how the pandemic catalyzed critical introspection, prompting artists to reevaluate their identities and creative practices. Despite systemic barriers to visibility and recognition, women artists exhibited resilience and adaptability, leveraging digital platforms to foster community engagement and expand their reach. This study dives deeper into the representation and support of women in the art sector, highlighting the interconnectedness of existentialism, creativity, and the evolving art market.

Artwork Or It-Bag? How Arts-Luxury Collaborations Impact Artist Cultural Visibility, Edwina Keary

MA in Art Business Dissertations

Since Marc Jacobs’ introduction to Louis Vuitton in 1997 and experimentation with artist collaboration, art and luxury collaboration has boomed. Over the years, customer demands have shifted in the wake of postmodern consumer culture, and brands must keep up with them to maintain their competitive advantage. The nature of collaborations has therefore shifted their focus to include experiences as well as products. Different collaboration types have a unique impact on both the brand and the artists involved. This research explores the impact of product versus experience-based collaboration on the cultural visibility of the artists involved through press coverage analysis. This …

Institutional Legitimation And Artistic Value In Portuguese Contemporary Art, Constança Maria Lobo De Castro Afonso

MA in Art Business Dissertations

This dissertation examines the mechanisms of institutional legitimation in the Portuguese art market, with main emphasis on museums, curatorial practices, media mediation and the ever-changing role of public participation. Drawing field theory (Bourdieu), art world sociology (Becker) and recent studies of media and symbolic capital, it positions Portugal as a ‘semi-peripheral’ market in which institutional framing and international infrastructures play a critical role in establishing value and reputation. The literature review shows that legitimacy is collectively produced by a constellation of actors, narratives and conventions, rather than solely by the intrinsic properties of artworks or straightforward market demand.

Through a …

Changing Art Market Trends And Collector Preferences In India’S Metropolitan Hubs Amid Economic Growth, Gauri Minocha

MA in Art Business Dissertations

The dissertation aims to explore how India’s post-liberalisation economic rise has shaped the structure, buying trends, and consumer behaviour within the urban art market, with the focus being on the country’s two main hubs- Delhi and Mumbai. It investigates the role of economic liberalisation, demographic shifts, globalisation, digitisation, and regulatory frameworks in reshaping the market. A mixed-method approach, combined with site visits, studying existing research, and conducting semi-structured interviews with key market players- gallerists, collectors, advisors, and fair directors, was employed. The findings reveal that the Indian market followed a ‘boom-bust-boom’ cycle post liberalisation, with the pandemic serving as a …

Censorship In The Indian Art Market: Legal, Institutional, And Commercial Implications, Kritika Salhotra

MA in Art Business Dissertations

This dissertation examines censorship of art in an Indian context, focusing on artistic production, exhibition practices, and the commercial viability of dissenting art. Drawing on case studies from institutional controversies, legal judgments, and interviews with practitioners, the study analyses how censorship operates not only through law but also through institutional gatekeeping and market mechanisms. The research finds that while Indian courts, particularly at the higher levels, have shown slow progress towards becoming liberal, the persistence of vague obscenity provisions and inconsistent jurisprudence sustains a climate of legal ambiguity. Extralegal pressures often shape curatorial decisions, leading art organisations to retreat or …

Female Ultra-Contemporary Artists: Rise And Career Trajectories, Alexie Talabard

MA in Art Business Dissertations

Over the past decade, ultra-contemporary women artists, those born after 1974, have gained important visibility and market success. Despite the attention they attract, there has been little academic research on why this rise has happened. This dissertation explores the factors behind their prominence, looking at how the art market, institutions, social movements and digital platforms, have shaped their success.

The study draws on literature, market data, case studies and interviews to situate these artists within both commercial and cultural contexts. It finds that their rise is not just a short-term trend but reflects broader shifts in the art world, including …

From Visibility To Value: How Can Digital Art Achieve Long-Term Legitimacy In The Contemporary Artworld?, Ziyuan Wang

MA in Art Business Dissertations

This dissertation explores the evolving legitimacy of digital art within the contemporary artworld, addressing the central question: How can digital art achieve long-term legitimacy in a cultural landscape increasingly shaped by decentralised networks and technological innovation? Through a qualitative methodology involving interviews with digital artist, curator, collectors, and platform leader, this study aims to discover how value, legitimacy, and aesthetic quality are constructed in digital art markets.

Within the art ecosystem, digital art often emerges from community based, peer-to-peer validation, which generates visibility and drives market activity such as high-profile sales. Yet, participants continue to place value on institutional endorsement …

The Categorisation Of Different Periods In Indian Art & The Market’S Role, Devashi Jain

MA Theses

When one thinks of Indian art, a broad spectrum of types of art & periods come to
mind. Each period is marked by distinct differences in style, influence, medium and
more, yet a significant number of these periods are grouped together, despite the
differences. Indian art is traditionally seen on the market under the Antiquities, or
Modern & Contemporary category in spite of the distinguishable differences in the
aesthetic, and cultural context. These categories inform market perceptions, value of the works as well as preferences of the collectors, and hence it is imperative to have well defined categories. This paper …

Take Shrigley’S Word For It, Mary Gurley

MA Theses

This essay investigates the complexities of text-based art and contemporary conceptualism by focusing on David Shrigley’s work. By exploring the origins, evolution, and function of language-based practices, Take Shrigley’s Word for It emphasizes the artist’s use of text across various mediums, all of which occupy textual fields, blurring the line between commercial and fine art. Despite Shrigley’s extensive career, limited scholarship exists on his eccentric pairing of words and visuals, as well as his abundant spaces dedicated to sales. This paper also considers how Shrigley transformed the practice of text-based art by making it accessible and relatable to wide ranging …

Artistic Interventions In The Public Sphere: Keith Haring & Jenny Holzer, Matilde Sirolli

MA Theses

This thesis investigates the intersection of art and the public sphere in late 1970s and 1980s New York, a period characterised by significant socio-political and cultural transformations. Grounded in Jürgen Habermas’ conception of the public sphere, the study examines how the unique historical phenomena of the period yielded unprecedented opportunities for artists to intervene in the public sphere. The research provides a comprehensive analysis of the period’s political, economic, cultural and sociological landscapes. It then delves into case studies of Keith Haring and Jenny Holzer, exploring their distinct approach to public engagement: Haring’s blend of art, commerce and populism, and …

Female Photographers’ Practices And Markets: A Three-Part Case Study, Emma Howard

MA Theses

This thesis explores the intertwined histories of artistic legacy, cultural impact, and market reception of female photographers, who have often been decentered in art history and overshadowed by male contemporaries. While photography has historically been more inclusive to women than other art forms, women photographers have nonetheless faced marginalization in the canon of photography history and the art market. Building on efforts to reclaim and elevate the contributions of women photographers, this research integrates art historical and market analyses to provide a holistic understanding of their careers and legacies. Through detailed case studies, this thesis examines the artistic practices, biographical …

How Social Media Is Reshaping The Art Market: Catalyzing The Rise Of The Art Agency Model In The United States, Leo Braudy

MA Theses

The art world is undergoing a fundamental transformation, marked by a shift from the traditional gallery-centric model to a talent agency model akin to those in the entertainment and music industries. This evolution is driven by the increasing influence of social media platforms, which empower artists to directly engage with audiences, bypassing the traditional gatekeepers of galleries and auction houses. Drawing on insights from industry reports, social media analytics, and case studies, this thesis explores how social media has catalyzed this shift and examines its implications for artists, collectors, and the broader art market. It argues that the rise of …

Tradition Reimagined, Andrea Ortiz

MA Projects

Tradition Reimagined explores the dynamic intersection of traditional Mexican craftsmanship and contemporary art, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Mexico while embracing innovative artistic practices. This exhibition brings together an extraordinary collaboration between Mexican artisans, whose ancestral techniques have been passed down through generations, and contemporary artists who reinterpret these traditions through a modern lens. Hosted at Galería Kurimanzutto’s Chelsea space in New York, the exhibition highlights the importance of preserving artisanal practices in an era where immediacy and mass production threaten their sustainability. Artisans from regions such as Oaxaca, Jalisco, Chiapas, and Puebla bring their expertise in weaving, ceramics, …

Artcatalyze Investments: Empowering Art Investment Innovation, Wan Yu Hung

MA Projects

The Art Investment Fund represents an ambitious fusion of art expertise with state-of-the-art Web3 and cryptocurrency technology, poised to revolutionize the landscape of art investment. At its core, the Fund is dedicated to establishing a secure and transparent art investment trading platform that caters to the needs of artists and collectors alike. Anchored by a team of seasoned art advisors, the Fund offers personalized guidance tailored to each client's unique financial goals, ensuring that investment decisions are informed and strategic. Additionally, a cadre of skilled art restorers plays a crucial role in preserving the integrity and enhancing the long-term appreciation …

The Birth Of "A Painting": You Yong Solo Exhibition, Dongpeng Wang

MA Projects

Curator Wang Dongpeng takes great pride in unveiling "The Birth of 'A Painting'," an exclusive solo exhibition by the renowned painter You Yong. In this thoughtprovoking display, You Yong harnesses the simplicity of the iPad to craft vivid artworks that capture the essence of individual lives amidst the pandemic. His pieces offer a window into the lived realities within mainland China during these challenging times. This exhibition is an invitation to an extraordinary art experience that breaks free from the confines of traditional art space, promising to leave viewers with lasting impressions. The Birth of "A Painting" stands as a …

Unveiling Urban Photographs: The Evolution Of Street Photography Through Cameras, The New York Photo League, And Visionaries Lisette Model And Helen Levitt, Isabella Danesi

MA Theses

Street photography is a visual art that began to pick up in popularity in the 20th century especially in large cities like New York. There was so much going on in the world at the times and it was a perfect opportunity for aspiring artists to go out into the streets and capture the realities of what was happening. This thesis dives into the origins of street photography as well as an emphasis on the development and shaping of street photography while being used in urban settings in the 20th century. A discussion of the technological development of the camera …

Navigating Boundaries: Challenges And Strategies In Exhibiting Brazilian Art Globally, Bruna Ribeiro Schnor

MA Theses

This thesis critically evaluates key initiatives in New York from 2002 to 2023, notably "Brazil: Body and Soul" and "Tarsila do Amaral: Inventing Modern Art in Brazil" at institutions like the Guggenheim and MoMA, highlighting potential shortcomings in representing Brazilian culture accurately. Additionally, it discusses exhibitions like "Bárbara Wagner and Benjamin de Burca: Five Times Brazil" at the New Museum and “The Yanomami Struggle” at The Shed for their unique approaches to showcasing Brazilian art. The methodology involves analyzing significant exhibitions in New York from 2000 to 2023, evaluating their efforts to globalize Brazilian art, and understanding their global impact. …

Art And Entertainment Collaboration: The Benefits And Challenges Of Auction Houses Crossover Collaborations In The Global Art Market, Yushi Chen

MA Theses

Over the past decades, crossover collaboration has become increasingly important
in the contemporary art market as an effective strategy to reach a wholly new customer segment. This research focuses on the crossover collaboration between art and entertainment by exploring the partnerships between auction houses and singers. It uses a case study as a research methodology to analyze Sotheby’s partnerships with three famous singers, including Nigo, T.O.P., and Jay Chou, by which the auction house successfully entered the Asian art market. The research found that these examples have demonstrated Sotheby’s how has integrated crossover collaboration into its sustainable competitive advantages. The …

Standardizing Records: Library Cataloging Versus The Museum, Chiara Di Muccio

MA Theses

Unlike libraries, where descriptive cataloging has been internationally standardized for nearly a century, art museums to this day do not adopt a world-wide recognized standard for record-keeping their painting collections. It is challenging for museums to establish a single cataloging set of rules that could suffice in all cases, given that institutions are diverse in scope and in needs and deal with paintings that by nature are unique. Hence, museums vary their standards much more than libraries by often adopting internally-developed guidelines instead of recognized authorities when cataloging their painting collections. This thesis addresses this issue focusing on cases in …