French Art World's Global Irrelevance Laid Bare by Quemin Report
A report by sociologist Alain Quemin, commissioned by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and released in May 2001, quantifies the marginal presence of French artists in international fairs and markets compared to Americans, Germans, and British. Despite state support, the report finds that foreign professionals perceive an 'official art' promoted by France, and that few French living artists' works are found in major museums worldwide. The report criticizes the dense network of French cultural centers abroad for being staffed by personnel with little knowledge of contemporary creation. Catherine Millet's editorial in artpress argues that the report must not be shelved but should prompt a systemic change in cultural policy.
Key facts
- Report titled 'L'influence des pays prescripteurs sur le marché et dans le monde de l'art contemporain' by Alain Quemin
- Commissioned by French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Remitted in May 2001
- Quantifies presence of French artists in fairs and compares auction prices
- Finds French artists underrepresented internationally
- Foreign professionals suspect France promotes 'official art'
- Few living French artists' works in major world museums
- French cultural center staff often lack knowledge of contemporary creation
- Editorial by Catherine Millet in artpress, September 2001
Entities
Artists
- Alain Quemin
- Catherine Millet
Institutions
- Ministère des Affaires étrangères
- artpress
- Le Monde
- Biennale de Venise
Locations
- France
- Venice
- Italy
Sources
- artpress —