r/ContemporaryArt

I keep seeing art calls where that is offered. I can’t imagine it gets many eyes on the work, but hopefully I’m wrong.

I'm trying to write a story about a successful modern day contemporary artist, but I'm struggling to find clear answers online about how the art world works. I want to make sure my fictional scenario is relatively accurate regarding how representation works, press, gallery showings, collectors, and behind closed doors networking with gatekeepers, etc.

The story is about a successful modern day contemporary artist who is represented by a mega gallery (like the Gagosian). This artist has a piece of art that goes to auction (like Sothebys Auction House) where the art gets no bids, causing the artists value to plummet across the board.

The story follows the artist as she tries to maintain her relevancy in the art world and keep her reputation, oftentimes abandoning morality for the sake of fame.

1. How does representation work with massive artists at this level? If they're repped by a mega gallery, do they have one main point of contact that acts almost like a manager for their career?
2. Who are all the key players in this world and how do they interact with each other?
3. If an artist had an auction failure like this, is it realistic that their gallery would want to drop them if their value plummets?

In my scenario, the gallery decides to give the artist one last chance for her to stabilize her value through including her a new exhibit they plan to open, but she must fully rebrand and bring a collection of artwork that is completely unrecognizable from what she's done before since the market has exhausted her old work. At this exhibit, they want her to land a sale from a globally recognized collector in order to get her reputation back on track. If her new work tanks, then she'll be dropped by the gallery.

Is this somewhat realistic? I can't tell if I'm completely off base.

I'd love any input at all from people who understand the art world! How would a fading artist try to maintain relevancy in the art world? What relationships and dynamics exist behind the scenes? What kind of corruption goes on in that world? What is the "pay-to-play" side like? What elements am I missing? What realistically do they do for press, networking, charity galas, building relationships, VIP parties...?

Thank you!!