The art market is, for many, a mysterious, almost mythological territory. From exorbitant prices to artists who become millionaires overnight, there's no shortage of stories, exaggerations, and misconceptions about how this universe works. However, as in any sector, it's important to separate fact from fiction. In this article, we debunk some of the biggest myths surrounding the contemporary, historical, and commercial art market.
Myth 1: “Art is only for the rich”
One of the most persistent myths about the art market is that only the very wealthy can afford to buy works. While it's true that pieces by established artists can fetch millions at auction, art is much more accessible than many people think. There are underground markets, art fairs, alternative spaces, online platforms, and galleries that promote emerging artists at affordable prices. These days, it's possible to acquire an original work for less than the cost of a high-end smartphone. The market is broad and diverse, with works for all tastes and budgets. Furthermore, many artists offer prints, limited editions, or small-format works, facilitating access for beginning collectors.
Myth 2: “If it’s on display, it must be worth a fortune”
Just because a work is on display in a gallery or at an art fair doesn't necessarily mean it's worth much. Many cultural spaces present works for curatorial or experimental purposes, or to highlight emerging talent. A work's value depends on several factors—the artist's resume, technique, size, materials used, historical context, and market demand. Furthermore, some exhibitions have no commercial purpose whatsoever. In these cases, the symbolic or conceptual value of the work may be greater than its monetary value, challenging the purely economic paradigm of the market.
Myth 3: “Good art is expensive art”
This is perhaps one of the most damaging misconceptions, for both artists and buyers. The price of a work of art does not always reflect its artistic quality. There are extraordinary works with modest values, and pieces that are overvalued due to speculation, passing fads, or aggressive marketing strategies. The aesthetic or cultural value of a work is subjective and cannot be measured in dollars alone. Artistic quality should be analyzed based on criteria such as innovation, consistency of the work, technical mastery, contribution to artistic discourse, and social impact, and not solely on its market price.
Myth 4: “Artists all live off their work”
Despite the glamour that often surrounds the art world, most artists don't make their living solely from selling their work. Many supplement their income through teaching, side jobs, grants, artistic residencies, or commissions. The data is clear: only a small percentage of artists can make a living solely from their artistic production. This is due, in part, to market instability, a lack of institutional support, and the unequal valuation of artistic work. The financial success of some artists tends to obscure the precariousness that is the reality of many others.
Myth 5: “Investing in art is always a good deal”
While art can be a form of investment, it shouldn't be seen as a guaranteed path to profit. The art market is volatile, influenced by cultural trends, economic cycles, changing reputations, and external events such as financial or political crises. It's true that some works increase in value over time, especially if the artist becomes well-known. However, predicting which artists will have a successful career is highly speculative. Many investors end up not recouping their investment or have to wait decades to see any return. Anyone purchasing art for investment purposes should do so with caution, expert advice, and awareness of the risks involved.
Myth 6: “Digital art has no real value”
With the rise of NFTs (non-fungible tokens), this myth has gained traction—both in defense and criticism. Many still believe that digital art is "lesser" because it doesn't exist physically, is easily reproducible, or is associated with the virtual world. However, digital art is a fertile field for innovation and creativity, requiring specific technical and conceptual skills. Furthermore, the scarcity and authenticity of digital works can be guaranteed through blockchain technology, which enables the purchase and sale of digital art with transparency and traceability. Like any other form of artistic expression, the value of digital art lies in its ability to communicate ideas, provoke emotions, and challenge perceptions—regardless of the medium.
Myth 7: “The market is controlled by elites and it is impossible to enter”
It's true that there are closed circles in the art market, with artists represented by major galleries, influential collectors, and renowned critics. But it's also true that there are increasingly more independent spaces, collaborative initiatives, social networks, and online platforms that democratize access to art. Today, artists can build a solid career without relying exclusively on major circuits. They can exhibit in alternative venues, sell directly through social media, participate in independent fairs, and find their audience organically. Likewise, anyone interested can start as a collector, connoisseur or patron, regardless of their initial capital.
Myth 8: “If an artist sells a lot, it’s because he’s commercial or not serious.”
Another common prejudice is to associate commercial success with a supposed lack of artistic depth. This view is, at best, reductionist. Selling works doesn't necessarily compromise an artist's conceptual integrity.
Many artists manage to balance commercial success with critical, innovative, and socially relevant work. The real challenge lies in maintaining coherence and authenticity even in the face of market pressure—and many manage to do so masterfully.Myth 9: “The value of art lies only in the object”
This myth ignores the entire symbolic, procedural, and relational dimension of contemporary art. Often, what is valued is not just the physical object, but the context of its creation, the concept behind the work, the accompanying performance, or the critical discourse it generates. Some works don't even have an "object" in the traditional sense. They are ephemeral, participatory, digital, or intangible. And yet, they have value—both artistic and, in some cases, market value.
Myth 10: “Art is useless or superfluous”
Finally, the deepest and perhaps most dangerous myth: that art is a functionless, accessory, dispensable luxury. Nothing could be further from the truth. Art plays a fundamental role in the construction of identities, social critique, the preservation of collective memory, and the expansion of human consciousness. Throughout history, art has served as a language of resistance, a means of communication, a vehicle for emotion, and an instrument of transformation. It is one of the most powerful ways to express the complexity of the human condition—and that's anything but superfluous.
The art market, like art itself, is plural, dynamic, and often contradictory. By dismantling these myths, we not only bring the public closer to the artistic universe but also promote more conscious, inclusive, and sustainable practices within the sector. More than numbers, the true value of art lies in its ability to make us think, feel, and see the world differently. Therefore, whether as an artist, collector, spectator, or critic, the most important thing is to participate—with curiosity, respect, and an open mind.