Here is how to be a famous artist: spend a lot of money

executing a funny idea. What if we made a gigantic

puppy out of flowers? Oh I don’t know, let’s see! I

wonder what it would look like if we asked Gwyneth

Paltrow stand on a damp stage set and look forlorn.

I’ll call her tomorrow.

Artists used to be defined by the craft with which they

made work commissioned (and so authored) by patrons.

Now the most successful artists simply generate novel

ideas and outsource their construction; while still at the expense

of patrons, the new popular art represents a total reversal

of power. Rich people and institutions pay to have someone

play a prank on them.

So most people buying modern art are just paying for the

privilege to participate in the in-joke of which they are the

punch-line.

HoMA