Why Art? is a compact and accessible guide which combines art history and theory with the commercial realities of the art world today. Its aim is to help the reader to make the journey from novice to sophisticated art collector in a complex market.

Why Art? meets the needs of a growing audience of art consumers and collectors and is the first book which covers the understanding of art, art appreciation, collecting and investing in art.

Why Art? Is aimed at existing art audiences and winning new audiences for visual art. It is thoroughly researched and backed by hands on experience in every aspect of the art-world covered.

Why Art? is positioned for publication and distribution in all English language markets and easy adaptation to other languages and cultures.

About the author

Valerie Kabov is a unique talent – an art critic who can go from dissecting any artist’s practice in a studio to analysing the prospects of global economy and art hedge funds in the boardroom. Kabov is as at ease talking business with Americans as she is bantering with the French and the Italians and negotiating with the Russians. Raised in the Cold War Soviet Union by an art critic and film maker father and a composer mother, she was involved with underground art scene from birth. After escaping to the West with her family in the 1980’s, she “rebelled” by becoming an international project lawyer, before coming back to the fold, with the benefit of experience and understanding of global business.

A writer of erudition, wit and originality, Kabov manages to communicate sophisticated art concepts and ideas with simplicity as she blends business savvy with artistic and spiritual integrity.

Interest in visual arts is at an all time high and the boom in the art market continues, undaunted by fluctuations in the global economy. At the same time to most people around the world, contemporary art and prices for art appear more confusing and inaccessible than ever.

Why Art? isyour skeletonkey to opening the world of art!

A compact, accessible and fun guide

– Why Art? combines art history and theory with the commercial realities of the art world today. Why Art? breaks through the complexities of the art world, to enable readers to go from complete art novices to budding art collectors and investors, with its 3 step MAP formula. It is a training course, a ready reference and an eye-opener, which will make you the favourite dinner guest and a most confident gallery visitor.

Why Art? will be your best friend in a museum, in a gallery or at an auction preview.

If you ve ever felt nervous about entering a museum, you need Why Art?

If you ve never felt comfortable about coming a gallery and talking to an art dealer you need Why Art?

If you ve ever doubted your own ability to judge an artwork, you need Why Art?

If you ve never thought you could afford to buy an artwork you like, you need Why Art?

If you ve only viewed art quirky asset class with colourful big ticket items and never understood why, you need Why Art?

The Market

Why Art? Is intended to appeal to a broad range of people across the socioeconomic spectrum and is priced accordingly.

The initial primary target demographic is 25-39 year old professionals and business people in the 90,000 euro per annum plus income bracket, who are part of the growing urban population. They are culturally and socially ambitious. They marry later and make lifestyle a spending priority.

This demographic is very interested in visual art and is often exposed to art, but lacks the specialised education necessary to confidently enter the art market. Why Art? effectively provides a credible and accessible resource to this audience as well as to existing art buyers and established collectors.

Competition

Why Art? Is the only handbook available internationally which combines art appreciation, understanding art and the investment aspects of collecting

Titles which overlap with Why Art? include:

In the US, The Art of Buying Art by Alan Bamberger published in 2002 by Gordon’s Art Reference Inc. — limited in scope and does not extend to art appreciation;

In Australia, Michael Reid’s How to buy and sell art? re-issued in 2008 by Allen & Unwin. As the title suggests, it is a commercially driven volume, but does not give readers insight into the cultural and emotional enjoyment that is intrinsic to collecting art and engaging with the art world.