Do This: 'The Economics Of Art 2013' At Vertical Gallery

By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 1, 2013 6:20PM

"Terkel" by Dmitry Samarov

With art available for for sale and reproduced in more mediums than at any point in history, this is an ideal crossroad for artists looking to make careers of their work. Former Chicagoist arts writer Ben Schuman-Stoler and Patrick Hull study the modern-day commodification of art in a month-long exhibit at Vertical gallery titled The Economics of Art 2013.

Schuman-Stoler and Hull have brought together original and reproduced works from 13 artists from around the world, including locals like Ian Ferguson, Julie Murphy, Steve Seeley, Jimmy Bunnyluv and Dmitry Samarov, with a goal of starting a discussion about how art is produced and re-produced, bought and sold in today's gallery system and online.

Using original work alongside limited edition, open edition, screen printed, and digital prints, the exhibit asks the questions of how much original artwork sells for versus reprints; how do reproductions stand next to the original artwork; the difference between digital limited edition prints versus screen printed limited edition prints versus multiple hand-painted reproductions; and why artwork is priced the way they are.

The Economics of Art 2013 runs Aug. 3-31. Saturday night's opening from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. will feature music by another former Chicagoist staffer, Veronica Murtaugh

Vertical Gallery is located at 1061 N. Western Ave.