Christian Caliandro on the unsustainability of the art world in Phase Two

In an article for Artribune, Christian Caliandro reflects on the unsustainability of the art world as it faces the post-pandemic "Phase Two." He argues that the crisis has exposed deep structural problems: hyper-precarious working conditions, invisibility, classism, elitism, and self-referentiality that cut art off from reality. Gallerist Emilio Mazzoli, responding via Marco Neri, criticizes the system for being dominated by finance and antiquarians of modern art, with galleries losing their role as the "theater" of art. Caliandro questions whether a return to the pre-pandemic status quo is desirable, noting that the previous system was already unsustainable. He calls for a reimagining of what art can be, beyond rhetoric and consolation, and for alternative economies to replace extractive tourism monoculture. The article features Anna Capolupo's mixed-media painting "Battaglia" (2020).