Art, Commerce, and Cultural Identity in the MENA Contemporary Art World
Tuฤรงe Kaprol
How does the commodification of artworks in the global art market intersect with the autonomous nature of art, as understood within philosophical discourse, and what are the implications for the evolving contemporary art world, specifically within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region?
Rooted in Max Weber's concept of "being historically so and not otherwise" and Bourdieu's theory of cultural capital, this study examines the intersection between the commodification of artworks in the global art market and the autonomous nature of art, with a specific focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, particularly examining developments since the 1980s. By exploring the intricate relationship between art's intrinsic value and its commercialization, we aim to shed light on the Eastern-Western interconnectedness within the art world. Drawing on Bourdieu's cultural capital theory, we challenge traditional valuation models, emphasizing the symbolic dimensions of pricing in economic sociology by Velthuis. Our qualitative approach involves conducting interviews with globally recognized artists and stakeholders from the MENA region. Through this research, we seek to not only enrich our understanding of global art dynamics but also to bridge philosophy with empirical inquiry, highlighting perspectives from the MENA region. This study contributes to academic discourse by offering insights into the socio-cultural implications of art commodification, thereby engaging wider audiences interested in art, economics, and cultural identity.