What are the Dliemmas????
1️⃣ Insane transportation fee
(espically for international shipping)From the interviews with gallerists, it is clear that rising transportation costs are a significant burden, particularly since the onset of COVID-19, which has seen prices increase by 20%-40%. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has further sustained high shipping costs, which have not decreased even after the pandemic's decline.
Gallerists note that transportation fees now often exceed the booth fees at some art fairs, prompting some to consider sea freight as a cost-saving measure. However, sea freight poses its challenges, requiring longer lead times and carrying greater risks. Moreover, artists' tendencies to meet deadlines at the last minute exacerbate these risks. Within Mainland China, transport costs are still manageable, but once artworks are sold internationally, these costs can significantly impact galleries.
2️⃣ homogenization
Karen Schiff remarked that art fairs contribute to globally homogenized tastes in art, highlighting a dilemma for galleries facing the issue of sameness in the artwork displayed. This homogenization makes it challenging for viewers to find truly eye-catching pieces as similar themes and styles proliferate across art fairs. Social media users often express a feeling of "nothing is new" when visiting Chinese art fairs, perceiving a lack of novelty in the displayed works. It's crucial for galleries to delve into what distinguishes their offerings. To combat this trend, galleries could focus on curating unique and locally resonant artworks that stand out in the globalized art market, thereby providing fresh perspectives and attracting a dedicated audience seeking distinct artistic expressions. Or they could also trying to provde a better viewing experince, that allows their booth stands out in the fair.
3️⃣ Market Saturation
Furthermore, the abundance of fairs hasn't notably enhanced the market with unique artworks or viewing experiences. Many fairs appear to merely replicate each other without contributing substantial changes to the market, essentially competing for the same sales share without broadening the collector base or enhancing the art acquisition experience.