Art world provocateur Kenny Schachter addresses the current climate of anxiety within the industry, touching on everything from the existential threats of advanced AI tools like Anthropic’s Mythos to the 'doomster' narratives of market analysts. Amidst reports of dwindling demand and galleries struggling with non-paying clients, Schachter highlights the enduring value of historical works, such as a 1799 Goya etching, while dismissing claims that screens are replacing physical art in the home.
This commentary serves as a rebuttal to recent art market pessimism, arguing that the fundamental drive to collect remains intact despite technological and political shifts. By contrasting the speculative excesses of 'blue-chip' brands like Koons and Hirst with the grit required for most artists to survive, Schachter asserts that while market cycles fluctuate and technology poses new risks, the core ecosystem of 'buyers buying art' is more resilient than critics suggest.