Unsold ≠ Worthless, Shifting Perspectives

Upon entering the exhibition, you will encounter familiar artworks that you might recall from our earlier exhibitions. This collection features a range of unsold artworks. Additionally, an AI podcast discussing the context of the show, generated based on this press release, will be playing throughout the gallery.

In today’s speculative art market, characterized by exaggeration and market manipulation, DE SARTHE is marking its first show of the year with a month-long deliberate showcase of unsold works from past exhibitions. A curatorial concept that goes against the grain of common market-driven practices, the exhibition intends to spark critical discussions about market dynamics, reset the manipulated perceptions of what is considered value in art, and reemphasize the importance of fostering a healthy and sustainable art world ecosystem.

In the recent past, the contemporary art market has been swept over and inflated by trends driven by speculators seeking to make quick financial gains. Art became increasingly popular as a financial investment or asset, and the definition of value became predominated by sales figures, which places artists and galleries under the pressure to continuously produce sellable art, creating a spiral wherein the intention of art is lost or obscured.

But just as history has previously demonstrated, the speculative bubble is now bursting – and a market reset is taking place. In this vital moment, DE SARTHE invites a reevaluation of what constitutes artistic success, a renewal of the notion that art’s greatest significance lies not on its commercial value, but its importance, even necessity, as agents of culture. By highlighting unsold works from our previous exhibitions, we aim to challenge the preconceived notions about the quality or appeal of these works, providing an opportunity to initiate a dialogue about the intrinsic worth of art.

Consider the fundamental role of art in civilization and society, the factors that perpetuate art as a medium of culture and communication. Artists often use their work as means of discourse or conceptual expression, creating works that evoke not immediate infatuation but contemplations vis-à-vis the world around us. In that capacity, it is also our deep belief that the role and responsibility of a gallery should be more than just a point of sale, but a collaborative partner that helps develop an artist’s practice, ensure the sustainability of an artist’s career, as well as provide a platform for meaningful conversations and critical discussions. 

It has always been DE SARTHE’s resolution to present authenticity and creative expression over considerations of commercial success, focusing on artworks of current historical relevance rather than the illusion of speculative financial gain. Our objective is to cultivate stronger and genuine relationships between artists, collectors, and the broader community, which forms the foundation to a healthy art ecosystem.

This exhibition is emblematic of DE SARTHE’s contemporary program, which works alongside like-minded artists that investigate the changes and narratives in our current socio-technological landscape.