Another Art Dealer Under Review: "The Gagosian Effect"

April 3, 2011

This blog has focused many of its posts on the legal issues surrounding the practices of art dealers. Dealers have been accused of exploiting their relationships with collectors (Gerald Peters), tax evasion (the Wildensteins), taking unlawful commissions (Simon C. Dickinson Ltd), mail fraud (Rocco deSimone), and more.

Last week, this blog reported that dealer Larry Gagosian was held directly liable for copyright infringement over the work of Richard Prince, an artist that exhibited in his gallery. According to the Wall Street Journal, Gagosian and Prince have filed an appeal. ArtInfo mentions two other lawsuits currently pending against Gagosian. One suit was filed by a woman for police brutality in a Gagosian gallery space, and the other involves the sale of a painting in which the Met Museum had partial ownership.

Despite these legal troubles, perhaps regardless, Gagosian may be “the most powerful art dealer in the world.” This week, the Wall Street Journal discusses the dealer’s reign and asks, “Can it last?”

The dealer owns 11 galleries worldwide, and his practices help set standards and market prices around the world. ArtInfo breaks down the Wall Street Journal article, looking at the praise over his stellar roster of artists, charges of poaching emerging artists from other dealers, and whether or not his empire has become “overextended.” The future of the Gagosian empire may have a huge effect on the practices of art dealers and the entire art law field.

Read the articles at The Wall Street Journal and ArtInfo