The “value” and “price” in the art circle

When we talk about artworks, we often confuse “value” and “price”, but in fact, they are two distinct dimensions. The value of artworks is rooted in the spiritual soil, while their prices grow in the commercial jungle.

The value of artworks lies in their non-replicable spiritual core. Through the brushes, chisels, cameras and other tools in their hands, artists pour their understanding of the world, insights into life, and perceptions of human nature into them. This profound ideological connotation endows the works with extremely high value. A work can even reflect an era, people’s re-examination of their own value, and their new pursuit of beauty. It carries the weight of history and becomes the value coordinate of the civilization stage.

In contrast, the price of artworks is more a product of market competition. Supply and demand relationship is like an invisible lever. When a certain type of artwork is highly sought after by many collectors, with strong demand but limited supply, the price will soar. In addition, factors such as the artist’s popularity, the scarcity of the work, and the price trend of the auction market will also have a significant impact on the price of artworks.

Therefore, when we appreciate artworks, we cannot simply equate the price of the artworks with their value. The auction price index is not the only criterion for evaluating artists. Only by penetrating the surface of the price and focusing on the unique charm and spiritual core conveyed by the works can we understand the most genuine value of art. When an artwork has social attributes and touches people’s hearts, its “value” is far higher than the significance of “price”.