The Paradox of Art Circulation: Abundance or Overload?

Chris Sharp reflects on the proliferation of art circulation channels over the past 40 years, questioning whether increased access to art—through low-cost airlines, online platforms like e-flux (since 1999), blogs such as Contemporary Art Daily (run by a Chicago couple), and magazines like Mousse and Kaleidoscope—has led to more art or vice versa. He notes the coexistence of physical and virtual exhibition viewing, with many opting for two-dimensional home consultation over in-person visits. Sharp highlights the paradox that despite competition between print and digital media, both thrive, citing the Palais de Tokyo's magazine display in Paris and the Kadist Foundation's reading room in San Francisco with about 150 periodicals. He argues that even the most dedicated art professional can only scratch the surface of contemporary art production, calling the abundance both generous and obscene. He concludes by comparing the hypertrophic expansion of Chelsea galleries in New York to a Sebaldian landscape, questioning the future of these palatial spaces.